Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
5 mi southeast · Fish and Wildlife Service
Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Brookhaven
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Brookhaven for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
15places to boat and paddle
5 mito the closest
2within 30 miles
May–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Closest picks
Fire Island National Seashore
12 mi south · National Park Service
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…
Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
31 mi west · Fish and Wildlife Service
The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the Service by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1968 as a habitat for migratory birds, particularly wintering waterfowl.
Map of all 15 places
Map of 15 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (2)
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island.
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
Fire Island National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (8)
Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the Service by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1968 as a habitat for migratory birds, particularly wintering waterfowl.
- Birding
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 10 units stretched across 70 miles of Connecticut's coastline. It was established in 1972 and was originally called Salt Meadow National Wildlife Refuge.
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Gateway National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Swimming
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Kayaking
National Parks of New York Harbor
These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Camp Gateway - Staten Island
This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook
Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Cultural Activities
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
75 miles and farther (5)
West Thompson Lake Campground
West Thompson Lake Campground is located near the wooded shoreline of its namesake lake in northeastern Connecticut. The natural setting surrounding West Thompson Lake can be enjoyed year round.
- Boating
- Camping
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Hiking
Westville Recreation Area
Westville Lake is situated on the Quinebaug River in the towns of Southbridge and Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Winter sports
Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)
In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- Hunting
Alosa Campsites
The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
West Hill Park
On a quiet back road and across an old fieldstone bridge lies West Hill Park, where the West River widens to form a large, natural pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Brookhaven. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Brookhaven
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Tour Stony Brook on Long Island
A local activity video shared by Newsday.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Smith Point Beach 🏖 Fire Island National Seashore FINS Atlantic Ocean NY USA summer 2021 4K video
A local activity video shared by RyanReporting.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Brookhaven
More outdoors near Brookhaven
- Hiking near Brookhaven
- Camping near Brookhaven
- Fishing near Brookhaven
- Biking and mountain biking near Brookhaven
- Picnic spots near Brookhaven
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Brookhaven
- Swimming holes and lakes near Brookhaven
- Snow play and winter sports near Brookhaven
- Parks in Brookhaven
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Brookhaven?
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 5 miles southeast of Brookhaven as the crow flies. Next are Fire Island National Seashore (12 mi) and Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge (31 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Brookhaven?
Based on Brookhaven’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including National Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.