Camp Hero State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camp Hero State Park |
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Casemate for 16-inch gun at Camp Hero State Park
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| Type | State park |
| Location | 1898 Montauk Highway Montauk, New York |
| Nearest city | Montauk, New York |
| Area | 754 acres (3.05 km2) |
| Created | 2002 |
| Operated by | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
| Visitors | 317,876 (in 2023) |
| Open | All year |
| Website | Camp Hero State Park {http://parks.ny.gov/parks/97/details.aspx} |
Camp Hero State Park is a large state park in New York. It covers about 754 acres (3.05 km2) and is located on Montauk Point. This park used to be a secret military base called the Montauk Air Force Station. Today, it's a popular spot for outdoor activities and learning about history.
Contents
Park History: From Secret Base to Park
A Military Secret: Camp Hero's Beginnings
The area now known as Camp Hero started as a secret military base in 1942. It was built by the U.S. Army during World War II. The base was designed to look like a small fishing village. This disguise helped hide its real purpose: protecting New York from attacks by sea.
Camp Hero was named after Major General Andrew Hero, Jr.. He was an important Army leader who dealt with coastal defenses. The base had three large gun batteries. These batteries held powerful guns, including huge 16-inch guns. These guns were protected by strong concrete bunkers. The bunkers were covered with earth to keep them hidden. They also stored ammunition and special equipment to help aim the guns.
The Montauk Project: A Popular Story
In 1992, a book called The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time was published. The authors, Preston Nichols and Peter Moon, claimed that secret experiments happened at Camp Hero. This idea became very popular with people who enjoy conspiracy theories. Many other books and stories followed, making the "Montauk Project" a famous tale.
Becoming a State Park: Protecting Nature
After its military use, the government planned to sell the land in 1984. However, local groups who care about the environment strongly protested. They said the site had special ecosystems and was home to unique animals.
Because of these concerns, most of the military base, including Camp Hero, was given to the National Park Service. Later, it was handed over to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Parts of the land that were not important for nature were sold.
For many years, Camp Hero remained mostly untouched. In 1996, there was an idea to turn part of it into a golf course. But environmental groups worried this would harm rare plants and endangered animals. These animals included the blue-spotted salamander and the eastern tiger salamander. They also worried about using too much water for irrigation. So, the plan for a golf course was stopped in 1999.
Camp Hero State Park officially opened to the public on September 18, 2002. There are plans to create a museum inside the old radar tower. This museum would teach visitors about the park's history during World War II and the Cold War. Some parts of the park, especially near the old radar areas, are still closed off and guarded.
What to Do at Camp Hero State Park
Camp Hero State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. You can find picnic areas and a beach. There are also many trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In winter, you can even go cross-country skiing.
The park is very popular for fishing from the beach. The underwater structures here attract many fish. You might catch striped bass or bluefish.
Some parts of the former military base within the park are recognized as a National Historic Site. This means they are important places for American history.
