Conference House Park wilderness guide
City Park · NY

Conference House Park

Conference House Park is a historic waterfront park on Staten Island that offers scenic views, cultural landmarks, and gentle walking trails along the Raritan Bay.

City Park1884+ Trails

Designation

City Park

Total Wilderness Area

188

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Conference House Park

Conference House Park is a historic waterfront park on Staten Island that offers scenic views, cultural landmarks, and gentle walking trails along the Raritan Bay.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Conference House Park is located at the southern tip of Staten Island, New York City, occupying a waterfront area along the Raritan Bay. The park is known for its combination of natural beauty and rich historical significance. The centerpiece is the Conference House, also called the Billop House, a colonial-era mansion built around 1680 that served as the site of a peace conference during the American Revolutionary War in 1776. The park’s geography offers coastal views, salt marsh wetlands, and open grassy spaces populated by typical Northeastern urban wildlife including numerous bird species, making it a quiet refuge within the bustling city. Visitors can explore several short walking paths that trace the shoreline and pass through shady groves. The park also hosts community events, historic reenactments, and educational programs focused on local history and environment. Picnicking and casual fishing are popular activities along the water’s edge. Conference House Park appeals to history enthusiasts, nature watchers, and families seeking a peaceful outdoor space close to New York City. Its location provides a scenic vantage point with views across the bay toward New Jersey. The park’s blend of history and nature offers a unique spot where visitors can learn about early American history while enjoying coastal landscapes and outdoor relaxation.

Field Guide · City Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Conference House Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Conference House (Billop House), site of 1776 peace negotiations during the American Revolution✦ Scenic coastal views of Raritan Bay and New Jersey’s shoreline✦ Salt marsh wetlands providing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife✦ Gentle walking paths suitable for families and casual strolls
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Conference House Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Conference House Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Conference House Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Conference House Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Conference House Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Conference House Park
Park Recreation

History Tours

Available in Conference House Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Conference House Park
Park Recreation

Educational Programs

Available in Conference House Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Conference House Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; no permits or fees required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Conference House Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Tottenville, New York
⌖ 0.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tottenville, New York

Tottenville offers peaceful outdoor escapes with coastal trails, kayaking, and fishing along Staten Island’s southern tip. Perfect for nature lovers seeking quiet bayside views and historic parklands.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
South Amboy, New Jersey
⌖ 1.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

South Amboy, New Jersey

South Amboy is a peaceful waterfront town ideal for outdoor lovers who enjoy kayaking, biking, and bird watching along scenic bay shores and quiet parks. It’s a charming base for exploring New Jersey’s coastal landscape.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Perth Amboy, New Jersey
⌖ 2.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Perth Amboy offers a quiet, historic waterfront setting perfect for kayaking, biking, and bird watching. Its parks along Raritan Bay provide easy outdoor recreation just an hour from New York City.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Woodbridge, New Jersey
⌖ 4.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Woodbridge, New Jersey

Woodbridge, New Jersey, offers relaxed outdoor fun with riverside trails, waterfront paddling, and lush parks. Ideal for hikers, bikers, and paddlers seeking easy access to nature near the city.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Woodbridge Township, New Jersey
⌖ 4.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Woodbridge Township, New Jersey

Woodbridge Township, NJ offers a refreshing mix of water and land adventures along the Raritan Bay. Kayak serene waters, hike leafy trails, and enjoy fishing and bird watching in a convenient escape close to New York City.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Keyport, New Jersey
⌖ 4.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Keyport, New Jersey

Keyport, New Jersey, offers peaceful kayaking, scenic biking, and coastal hiking along Raritan Bay. Perfect for outdoor lovers who want serene waterfront adventures and charming small-town vibes year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Conference House Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Midweek Lunch Afloat: A 3‑Hour Special from Perth Amboy
ADVEXPEDITION
Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Boat TourADV Bookable

Midweek Lunch Afloat: A 3‑Hour Special from Perth Amboy

A three-hour lunch cruise departing midday from Perth Amboy that pairs a broad lunch menu and a cash bar with riverside views—this guide helps you plan what to bring and what to expect.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip