Suffolk County is preparing to launch a modernized park reservation and point-of-sale system designed to make it easier for residents to access camping, recreation permits and other park services, County Executive Ed Romaine announced this week.
The updated digital platform, set to debut in early 2026, will replace a system last upgraded in 2017 and will manage online camping reservations, golf tee times, recreation permits and in-person sales at county park facilities.
“Suffolk County has some of the most beautiful parks in New York State, and we need to ensure that every person can take full advantage of what Suffolk has to offer,” Romaine said.
A key feature of the new system is the transition to fully digital Green Key card memberships, which will be accessible on mobile devices. Users will be able to log in from their phones or other internet-connected devices to make camping reservations and purchase recreation permits, including outer beach and night fishing permits. Additional features, such as picnic area and youth campground reservations, are planned for future updates.
Romaine said the changes will simplify transactions for park users. “This means fewer headaches, faster approvals and more fun in our over 60-thousand acres of county parkland,” he said.
The system will roll out in stages, beginning at the Parks Department’s two store locations — the Saint James General Store in St. James and the Big Duck in Flanders. Family camping reservations will be released gradually.
Group camping reservations will follow a modified process in 2026. Starting Jan. 26, groups must submit an online application, with reservations handled on a first-come, first-served basis due to the suspension of the lottery this year.
Residents can sign up for updates and announcements at the new reservation website, reserveparks.suffolkcountyny.gov, or follow Suffolk County Parks on social media for the latest information.