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

Outdoors

Wildlife viewing and birding near Staten Island

Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Staten Island for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

14places to see wildlife
5 mito the closest
4within 30 miles

Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.

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

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

12 mi southeast · National Park Service

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,…

Map of all 14 places

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Within 30 miles (4)

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

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

22 mi northwest · Fish and Wildlife Service

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System that is administered by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs

30 to 75 miles (8)

40 mi northeast · National Park Service

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

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

45 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service

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

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

59 mi northeast · National Park Service

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

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 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

73 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 597 acres in Ulster County, NY, was established in July 1999 to support grassland-dependent migratory birds and wintering raptors.

  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

75 miles and farther (2)

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

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.

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Around Staten Island

Arthur Kill SIR td 017 - Cube Smart, Staten Island
Arthur Kill SIR td (2025-08-02) 017 - CubeSmartTdorante10 · CC BY-SA 4.0
190 Meisner Av SI jeh, Staten Island
190 Meisner Av SI jehJim.henderson · CC BY-SA 4.0
Beach in Wolfes Pond Park on Staaten Island looking northeast, Staten Island
Beach in Wolfes Pond ParkWusel007 · CC BY-SA 3.0

More outdoors near Staten Island

Questions

Where is the closest place for wildlife & birding 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 Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook (12 mi).

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.

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