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
Wildlife viewing and birding near Brookhaven
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Brookhaven for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
23places to see wildlife
5 mito the closest
5within 30 miles
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
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…
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge
27 mi west · Fish and Wildlife Service
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.
Map of all 23 places
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Within 30 miles (5)
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
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.
- Beach
- Birding
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
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 (14)
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
Weir Farm National Historical Park
Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists.
- Hiking
- History
- Wildlife viewing
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge has a unique double dune system, a habitat type that has been lost on much of Long Island due to development.
- Beach
- Birding
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
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
Hancock Brook Lake
This shallow 40-acre lake and streamside environment provides excellent hiking, hunting, canoeing and fishing opportunities. The feeder streams and lake are stocked with brown, brook and rainbow trout by the State.
- Wildlife viewing
Black Rock Lake
Black Rock Lake is located next to Black Rock State Park. A portion of the 35-mile-long Mattatuck Blue Trail System crosses through the reservoir. The 21-acre lake is open seasonally for fishing and non-motorized boating.
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Wildlife viewing
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
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 - 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 (4)
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
Indian Hollow
With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain Biking
- Star Gazing
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
Tully Lake Recreation Area (Ma)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
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
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More outdoors near Brookhaven
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Questions
Where is the closest place for wildlife & birding 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 Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge (27 mi).
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.