Access to State and County Parks for a Low Cost
• Access to state and county parks is not a luxury; it is a right. In the United States, numerous state and county parks offer affordable admission to residents and visitors alike, providing a wide range of recreational activities and outdoor experiences. • In New York State, residents can obtain a state park pass that offers free or discounted admission to state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities. The Empire Pass is a popular option, offering unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most facilities operated by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The Empire Pass can be purchased online or at most state parks or state park regional office.
| Annual Pass Options | Cost |
|---|---|
| One Year Pass | $80 |
| Three Year Pass | $205 |
| Five Year Pass | $320 |
| Lifetime Pass | $750 |
For seniors, a Lifetime Empire Pass is also available, offering lifetime free vehicle entry to state parks, boat launch sites, and arboretums. However, there may be exceptions, and this pass can be purchased through the Empire Pass website or at the state park regional office.
Residents 62 and older can also obtain a free vehicle access to state parks, boat launch sites, and arboretums through the Golden Park Program, which requires presentation of a current valid New York State Driver’s License or Non-Driver Identification Card.
Additionally, New York State residents with a disability can obtain an Access Pass, which allows for free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities. A physician’s statement or other documentation is required.
Veterans and their families can apply for a Lifetime Liberty Pass, which provides benefits including free vehicle entry to state parks and DEC-operated campground and day use areas, as well as state boat launch sites, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves. The Lifetime Liberty Pass is available to residents and is free to those who are disabled veterans.
The Empire Pass can be purchased online or at most state parks or state park regional office, and a digital pass is also available. The Empire Pass is valid for one year, three years, five years, or lifetime, and can be shared within a household.
The Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most facilities operated by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The pass can be used at state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities, including swimming pools, golf courses, and boat launch sites.
The Empire Pass also provides benefits such as free entrance to swimming pools operated by state parks, free greens fees at state park-operated golf courses, and discounted campsite and cabin rentals at state park and DEC-operated campground sites throughout the state.
Nassau County Parks Access Passes
Nassau County offers a Leisure Pass that identifies its holder as a county resident and provides access to various recreational facilities, including golf courses, swimming pools, ice rinks, tennis courts, parks and beaches, marinas and cabanas. The Leisure Pass costs $36 for three years and is required for residents 13 years or older (and golfers of all ages) to access certain facilities.
Senior citizens (older than 60) can pay a one-time fee of $30 for a Leisure Pass but must verify Nassau County residency every three years. Specially marked Leisure Passes are also available to veterans, civic volunteers, and people with disabilities for a one-time fee of $30, with proof of residency required every three years.
Nassau County park system amenities are available to non-Nassau residents for a fee. Residents and non-residents must show a Leisure Pass to access certain facilities.
Passes can be obtained at Bay Park, Cantiague Park, Cedar Creek Park, Christopher Morley Park, Eisenhower Park (Aquatic Center, Golf Course, Administration Building), Grant Park, North Woodmere Park, Wantagh Park, and Mitchel Athletic Complex: Nassau County Rifle & Pistol Range. If your Leisure Pass is lost or damaged, you can obtain a replacement for $5.
For more information, call INFO: 516-572-0200 or visit nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
Suffolk County Parks Access Passes
Suffolk County parks are open to all, but Green Key cards often provide discounted fees for Suffolk residents. Resident Green Key cards, $30 for county residents 18 and older, are valid for three years.
Discounted resident Green Key cards are available to seniors (60 and older), juniors (under 18), active military personnel, veterans, and people with disabilities; $15, valid for three years. Disabled Veteran Green Key cards are free.
Green Key cards are sold year-round at the following parks: Blydenburgh, Cathedral Pines, Indian Island, Sears Bellows, Smith Point, West Hills, and the West Sayville Parks Operations Office. In addition, Green Key cards are sold in-season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) at the following parks: Bergen Point Golf Course, Cedar Point, Cupsogue, Indian Island Golf Course, Montauk, Shinnecock East, Southaven, Timber Point Golf Course, and West Sayville Golf Course.
Green Key cards are also available for non-residents, with a $200 fee, or for $50 to use the reservation system for golf or camping; valid for one year.
For more information, call INFO: 631-854-4949 or visit nwsdy.li/greenkey.
State Park Admission Passes
The Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most facilities operated by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The Empire Pass can be purchased online or at most state parks or state park regional office.
The Empire Pass is available in various annual pass options, including a one-year pass for $80, a three-year pass for $205, a five-year pass for $320, and a lifetime pass for $750. The Empire Pass can be shared within a household.
Additionally, the Empire Pass provides benefits such as free entrance to swimming pools operated by state parks, free greens fees at state park-operated golf courses, and discounted campsite and cabin rentals at state park and DEC-operated campground sites throughout the state.
A digital Empire Pass is also available, offering the same benefits as the traditional Empire Pass but at a discounted price.
For more information, call INFO: 518-474-0458.
Free or Discounted Access to State Parks
Residents 62 and older can obtain a free vehicle access to state parks, boat launch sites, and arboretums through the Golden Park Program, which requires presentation of a current valid New York State Driver’s License or Non-Driver Identification Card.
Additionally, New York State residents with a disability can obtain an Access Pass, which allows for free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities.
