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
Picnic spots near Brookhaven
Day-use and picnic areas near Brookhaven on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
13picnic areas
5 mito the closest
3within 30 miles
May–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
Elizabeth Alexandra Morton National Wildlife Refuge
30 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service
Established in 1954, the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge protects a 187-acre peninsula on Noyack and Little Peconic Bays.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
30 mi west · National Park Service
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.
Map of all 13 places
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Within 30 miles (3)
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
Elizabeth Alexandra Morton National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1954, the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge protects a 187-acre peninsula on Noyack and Little Peconic Bays.
- Beach
- Birding
- Cross Country Skiing
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Photography
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.
- Biking
- Hiking
- History
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (9)
Hop Brook Lake
Hop Brook Lake is a popular day use park with swimming and picnicking facilities, athletic fields, picnic shelters and over 7 miles of hiking trails winding through the woods and fields.
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- 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
Governors Island National Monument
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S.
- Biking
- Picnicking
Northfield Brook Lake
Northfield Brook Lake is a scenic day use park with a swim beach, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, tables and fire grills located throughout the park. The 1.7-mile-long self-guided hiking trail winds throughout the park.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
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
Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
Millions of Americans and people around the world have ancestors who came through Ellis Island. The Main Immigration Building was the epicenter of one of the greatest migrations in modern history.
- Picnicking
Thomaston Dam
The Vista picnic area offers visitors excellent views of the dam and portions of the Naugatuck River Valley. The streamside environment is popular for fishing and upland game hunting.
- Nature education
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
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 - 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 (1)
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
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.
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More outdoors near Brookhaven
- Hiking near Brookhaven
- Camping near Brookhaven
- Fishing near Brookhaven
- Boating and kayaking near Brookhaven
- Biking and mountain biking near Brookhaven
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Brookhaven
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- Snow play and winter sports near Brookhaven
- Parks in Brookhaven
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Brookhaven?
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 5 miles southeast of Brookhaven as the crow flies. Next are Elizabeth Alexandra Morton National Wildlife Refuge (30 mi) and Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (30 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Brookhaven?
Based on Brookhaven’s average highs, May–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.