Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Harbor, New York offers the visitor a beautiful slice of Long Island. Home to one of Long Island’s largest estates of the Gold Coast mansion era (Great Gatsby, anyone?), this gem of a park preserve has become a favorite place for me and my husband to walk and unwind, providing a peaceful sanctuary from our daily lives. No matter what the season, our visit here always refreshes and delights. So let’s start in the beginning…
ITS HISTORY
Marshall Field III purchased 1750 acres of Lloyd Neck to create one large estate in 1921. Field named it after the Matinecock Indian name, Caumsett, which means “place by a sharp rock.”
Not just a home, Field created this English-style estate to be a country club and hunting preserve as well. The estate had facilities for every sport except golf. The home also came with its own water and electrical supply.
In 1961, the estate was purchased by New York state. In April 2012, it was designated a state park.
ACTIVITIES & FEES
For a nominal parking fee, (it’s free if you have the Empire State Pass), you can enter and spend the day here. And it won’t disappoint!
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve offers an array of activities for all ages, interests and levels. And it doesn’t matter the season, it’s a truly beautiful place throughout the year.
One of its nature trails 
Some winter views of the preserve 
There are acres of woodland, meadows, rock shoreline and salt marsh to explore. Paths for walking, hiking, jogging, biking and cross-country skiing cover the entire preserve. By permit, one can fish and even scuba dive!
The historic buildings are used for a variety of activities and environmental education programs. Polo barns are used for equestrian education and services. And you never know what “four legged friends” you may meet while exploring. Look at these two beauties!
We met this lovely fellow at the stables. 
On one morning hike, we came upon this little guy having breakfast.
Most of the preserve’s focus is on conservation of bird habitat. “The Caumsett Bird Conservation Area was established in 2006 and comprises approximately 1,255 acres of the state park, two-thirds of which is forested. The designated area protects high-quality habitat that supports breeding populations of several species listed as threatened or endangered in New York State, including piping plovers, common terns and least terns. Many additional migratory species also make use of the protected landscape.”[12]https://parks.ny.gov/parks/caumsett
A view of the LI Sound on a hiking break.
One of our favorite trails leads to a small beach on the Long Island Sound. A hiking break and a snack with these views? It can’t get much better!