Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island: A Complete Nature & Recreation Guide
Clove Lakes Park is one of Staten Island’s most diverse places for spending time outdoors. Covering 193 acres, the park brings together lakes, walking routes, wildlife, recreational spaces, bridges, playgrounds, and seasonal activities in one large green setting.
The landscape is centered around 3 main lakes: Clove Lake, Brooks Lake, and Martling Lake. Together, they create much of the scenery that makes the park appealing for relaxed walks, photography, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation.
For visitors who want a combination of nature and activities without leaving Staten Island, the park offers plenty to explore.
Explore the 3 Lakes
The 3 lakes are the central feature of the park. Clove Lake, Brooks Lake, and Martling Lake give visitors different views of the water and surrounding landscape.
The lakes are connected by a river, adding another natural element to the park. Bridges and waterside paths provide opportunities to stop, take photographs, watch birds, or simply enjoy a slower walk.
The combination of water and mature vegetation also creates habitat for several types of wildlife.
Walk More Than 3 Miles of Scenic Trails
The park provides more than 3 miles of scenic trails, making it suitable for casual walks as well as longer outdoor outings.
Some visitors can keep their visit simple with a short waterside stroll, while others can explore different sections of the park. Parts of the landscape include bridges, slopes, water views, and wooded areas.
If you are visiting primarily for nature, walking slowly can be more rewarding than trying to cover everything quickly. It gives you more opportunities to notice birds, turtles, trees, and changing views around the lakes.
Look for Wildlife Around the Water
Wildlife is an important part of the park experience. Visitors may encounter ducks, herons, turtles, fish, squirrels, geese, wild turkeys, and other birds.
The lakes provide especially good places for observing water-associated wildlife. Bring binoculars if bird watching is one of your goals, and keep a respectful distance from animals.
The park is also known for a particularly notable tree: a 300-year-old tulip tree, described as the largest living tree on Staten Island.
Tip: Early or quieter periods can make wildlife observation more enjoyable because there may be less activity around the paths.
Enjoy Recreation Beyond Walking
Clove Lakes Park is not limited to nature walks. Its recreational areas provide options for people who want a more active visit.
Depending on the activity, visitors can enjoy:
- Baseball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Football
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Jogging
- Dog walking
- Picnicking
- Photography
- Bird watching
This variety makes the park useful for both individual visitors and families looking for different ways to spend time outdoors.
Bring Children to the 2 Playgrounds
Families can also make use of the park’s 2 playgrounds.
Having dedicated play areas means a visit does not have to revolve entirely around walking. Adults can combine a lake walk or picnic with time for children to play.
For a family outing, planning several short activities can work better than attempting to explore the entire 193-acre park in one continuous walk.
Try Boating During the May to October Season
Water-based recreation is another attraction. Paddleboats and rowboats are associated with the warmer part of the year, with the boating season described as running from May through October.
The lakes provide a different perspective when viewed from the water rather than from the surrounding trails.
Because seasonal operations can change, visitors should verify current availability before making a trip specifically for boating.
Experience Ice Skating From November to March
The WWII Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink provides a seasonal winter activity.
Its operating season is described as November through March, giving visitors another reason to experience the park during colder months.
This creates a noticeable contrast between the seasons: boating and outdoor lake activities are associated with the warmer months, while ice skating becomes an option during winter.
Fishing Has Specific Rules
Fishing is another activity associated with the lakes. The available information describes fishing as catch-and-release only.
Adults are also required to have a valid fishing license.
If fishing is part of your visit, follow the applicable rules rather than assuming that ordinary recreational access automatically covers fishing requirements.
Visit During Different Seasons
The park changes considerably throughout the year.
Spring can provide fresh greenery and comfortable conditions for walking. Summer is suitable for outdoor recreation and water-related activities. Fall brings changing foliage and colorful scenery, while winter offers a quieter atmosphere and seasonal ice skating.
| Season | What stands out |
|---|---|
| Spring | Fresh greenery, walking, wildlife |
| Summer | Outdoor recreation, boating, lakes |
| Fall | Changing scenery, photography, walking |
| Winter | Ice skating, quieter surroundings |
There is no need to treat the park as a one-season destination. Each period offers a different experience.
Plan a Simple Half-Day Visit
A practical visit can be organized without trying to see everything.
Start with the lakes. Walk around the water and explore the scenery.
Continue along the trails. Use the 3+ miles of scenic routes to see different parts of the landscape.
Pause for wildlife. Look around the lakes and trees for birds, turtles, and other animals.
Add recreation. Depending on the season, choose a playground, sports area, boating activity, or ice skating.
Finish with a picnic or meal. The park also includes The Stone House, giving visitors another option during their outing.
Know the Listed Hours and Access Details
One listing gives the park’s hours as 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM every day, while another description characterizes the park generally as operating from dawn to dusk.
Because these details differ, visitors should check the current operating information before traveling, especially if planning an early-morning or late-night visit.
A listed address is:
1150 Clove Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301
The park can be approached from roads including Victory Boulevard, Forest Avenue, Clove Road, and Brookside Avenue.
Visiting With a Group
Large organized groups require additional planning. The available information states that groups of 20 or more people need a permit for organized activities.
This matters for school outings, organized recreation, community gatherings, or other larger events.
For a small personal visit, ordinary trip planning is much simpler.
What to Bring
A few basic items can make a nature-focused visit more comfortable:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Phone or camera
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Picnic supplies
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Fishing equipment and required license if fishing
- Family essentials when visiting with children
You do not need specialized equipment to enjoy the main attractions. Much of the experience comes from simply walking around the lakes and observing the landscape.
FAQs
How large is Clove Lakes Park?
The park covers approximately 193 acres.
How many lakes are in Clove Lakes Park?
The park’s main water features include 3 lakes: Clove Lake, Brooks Lake, and Martling Lake.
How long are the trails?
The available information describes more than 3 miles of scenic trails.
Can you go boating at Clove Lakes Park?
Paddleboats and rowboats are associated with the May through October period. Seasonal availability should be checked before visiting.
Is fishing allowed?
Yes, fishing is described as catch-and-release only, and adults need a valid fishing license.
Does the park have playgrounds?
Yes. The park has 2 playgrounds.
Can you ice skate there?
The WWII Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink operates during the November through March season described in the available information.
What wildlife can visitors see?
Wildlife mentioned includes ducks, herons, turtles, fish, squirrels, geese, and wild turkeys, along with various birds.
Is there a historic tree in the park?
Yes. A 300-year-old tulip tree is highlighted as a notable natural feature.
Do groups need a permit?
Groups of 20 or more are described as requiring a permit for organized activities.
Final Thoughts
Clove Lakes Park brings several types of outdoor experiences together within its 193 acres. The 3 lakes, 3+ miles of trails, wildlife, historic tree, recreational facilities, 2 playgrounds, seasonal boating, and winter ice skating give visitors multiple ways to experience the area.
The best approach is to choose activities based on the season and the kind of visit you want. A quiet walk around the water can be enough for a relaxed nature outing, while families and active visitors can combine trails with recreation.
For anyone exploring Staten Island, this combination of water, wildlife, trails, recreation, and seasonal experiences makes Clove Lakes Park a place with plenty to discover at a comfortable pace.
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Hi, I’m Marcus! I love exploring the outdoors and discovering incredible places. Through ExploreNatureTrips blog, I share my travel experiences, useful tips, and recommendations for the best sights, trails, and destinations to visit.
