Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest

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• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 1 Stony Brook Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (631) 444-0270; R1info@dec.ny.gov
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
    
• Location: Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
• Map: GeoPDF Instructions - Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest Map (GeoPDF) || Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest Hunting Map || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest is a 24.8-acre undeveloped property consisting of pine barrens habitat. It is located between Carmans River and the Long Island Expressway. The area is open to hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing.

A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required to use this property. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

Users must observe regulations for use of DEC-managed lands in Suffolk County.

Featured Activities

Hunting

Wildlife Management Unit: 1C

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Hunt for big game only; small game hunting is not allowed. Hunting is allowed anywhere on the property, except on areas marked as restricted or excluded. Please abide by all hunting regulations. Consult hunting on Long Island for information on hunting opportunities and obtaining hunting permits. See Long Island Public Hunting Areas for specifics on the types of hunting that are allowed on this property.

Special regulations that relate to this property are in effect for the January firearms deer hunting season.

For questions related to hunting on this property, call the Stony Brook office at (631) 444-0310.

Hiking

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Several trails on the property can be used for hiking and other recreational activities.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

A variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians use the unique habitats of the pine barrens. Animals you might find here include white-tailed deer, red fox, opossum, Eastern cottontail, red-tailed hawk, osprey, pine warbler, turkey, bald eagle, Eastern box turtle and Eastern hognose snake.

Directions

The property is located on Gerard Road in Yaphank, off Exit 66 of the Long Island Expressway in the Town of Brookhaven. There is one parking area that provides access to the property.

• Gerard Road parking area (40.833639°N, 72.931650°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).

During hunting season, this parking area is only available for use by hunters. During the rest of the year, it can be used by all visitors to the property for any kind of recreation.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest must follow all DEC Suffolk County Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at R1.UMP@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Brookhaven State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Brookhaven Pine Barrens State Forest
• East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest
• Longwood Pine Barrens State Forest
• Ridge Conservation Area
• Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Coram, Holtsville, Medford, Patchogue, Shirley and Yaphank.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Coram, Farmingville, Medford, Shirley and Patchogue.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Brookhaven, Farmingville, Medford, Patchogue, Shirley and Yaphank.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Holtsville, Medford and Patchogue.

Discover Long Island (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.