New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden at Snug Harbor on Staten Island, photographed May 1, 2025.

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Staten Island

Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Staten Island for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

16places to boat and paddle
5 mito the closest
5within 30 miles
May–Octoberbest 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

1

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

5 mi east · National Park Service

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.

2

National Parks of New York Harbor

8 mi northeast · National Park Service

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.

3

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

9 mi northeast · National Park Service

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886.

Map of all 16 places

Map of 16 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (5)

5 mi east · National Park Service · Campground

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

8 mi northeast · National Park Service

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

9 mi northeast · National Park Service

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886.

  • Boating
  • Picnicking

12 mi southeast · National Park Service · Campground

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

12 mi east · National Park Service

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

30 to 75 miles (8)

41 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service

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

46 mi west · National Park Service

Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River

The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking

48 mi northwest · Fish and Wildlife Service

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge manages over 6,000 acres in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. We strive to manage quality habitat for wildlife while providing outdoor recreation for the public.

  • Boating
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

55 mi northwest · National Park Service · Campground

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

56 mi northwest · National Park Service

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of…

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting

61 mi east · National Park Service

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

68 mi south · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, at Mullica River and Great Bay, is the only reserve in the national system to be named after an individual.

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Swimming

68 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service

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

75 miles and farther (3)

86 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

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

94 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

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

100 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)

Located at Blue Marsh Lake northwest of Reading, Pennsylvania, three group picnic shelters are available for reservations within the Dry Brooks Day Use Area.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Hiking

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Staten Island. 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 Staten Island

2 Places to visit in STATEN ISLAND, NY video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

2 Places to visit in STATEN ISLAND, NY

An activity Short shared by Monique.

Watch on YouTube ↗
A lovely spot on Staten Island: Snug Harbor video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

A lovely spot on Staten Island: Snug Harbor

An activity Short shared by Hava Media.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Around Staten Island

Add-ons - Late Victorian (Romanesque Revival on Italianate) - Staten Island, NY - Sailors' Snug Harbor Chapel
Add-ons - Late Victorian (Romanesque Revival on Italianate) - Staten Island, NY - Sailors' Snug Harbor Chapel (3)Bmzuckerman · CC BY 4.0
New Dorp Beach, October 2012, on the site of the old Clearwater Beach Colony that was torn down around 1965- 2013-09-24
New Dorp Beach, October 2012, on the site of the old Clearwater Beach Colony that was torn down around 1965- 2013-09-24 01-14User:Fiveoceandrive · CC BY-SA 3.0
Both Islands View from Sand Lane Beach Staten Island
Both Islands View from Sand Lane Beach Staten IslandRonavni · CC BY-SA 4.0

More outdoors near Staten Island

Questions

Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Staten Island?

Camp Gateway - Staten Island (National Park Service), about 5 miles east of Staten Island as the crow flies. Next are National Parks of New York Harbor (8 mi) and Statue Of Liberty National Monument (9 mi).

When is the best time for boating & paddling near Staten Island?

Based on Staten Island’s average highs, May–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

Staten Island AI

Your Staten Island local guide
Hey there!

I'm Staten Island AI. Ask about local food, shops, museums or a neighborhood day.

AI recommendations may be inaccurate. Verify hours and prices. Questions are processed by Cloudflare. Privacy