Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park - Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park – Dog-Friendly Recreation in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Located on the shores of Lake Ronkonkoma, Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park offers scenic water views, fresh air, and a peaceful environment for families and pet owners. As one of the notable parks in Suffolk County, it’s a popular spot for watching sunsets, walking, and enjoying picnics. The park features a playground, picnic tables, and open spaces with local wildlife like geese. Although sometimes crowded, especially in the warmer months, it’s regarded as a serene place for a quiet visit or a brisk walk around the lake.
Dog owners in Lake Ronkonkoma and beyond will appreciate the open areas and pet-friendly trails, though it is important to note the waterfront may not always be suitable for swimming or drinking, due to occasional concerns about water cleanliness and bird droppings. The park is also conveniently located near the main road, with small side parking lots available. Restrooms are present, but facility quality may vary. Overall, it’s a nice local spot to explore with your dog—just bring your own water bowl and bags for a smooth visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are restrooms on site, though their condition can be inconsistent.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park has a playground and picnic tables for families.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is lake access, but swimming is not recommended due to water quality concerns.
- Where is the best place to park? The side parking lot is suggested for easier access and a quieter experience.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can be overcrowded, especially during peak seasons.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are picnic tables and places to sit throughout the park.
Reviews
I’m not sure if it’s open to non-residents in the warm season, but at the beginning of spring, it was open to everyone.
Small but nice lake, beautiful view, fresh air, picnic area, and playground.
Very peaceful. Saw a band here in the summer which was fun. Has picnic tables where people sit and play games, small playground.
Honestly, if I can give this a zero, I would give this to zero. The only thing nice about it is the bathrooms and at that it didn’t even have tissue in it. You can’t even wipe your butt. While they have a playground, it is so outgrown the only thing people do smoke marijuana in the parking lot . It’s really for the adults to hang out. The playground is absolutely pointless cause everything is unmaintained, you got poop everywhere geese running around and grass growing along the shoreline with poop everywhere I don’t even know how anyone would ever even dare swimming in it. It’s absolutely unkept. I don’t know where our tax dollars are going. The town should definitely investigate. This is absolutely Disgusting. I have seen this place as I grew up and this is absolutely sad. It should not even have a playground it’s literally a playground for adults to get drunk in the parking lot. Mind you I had a car next to me smoking marijuana while I had my two kids in the car and I’m supposed to take my kids here to play and this is happening broad daylight? The idea that someone actually comes here to unlock the gate and lock it at night is absolutely pointless because the guy is sitting in the parking lot with everyone drinking and smoking and people are expected and thinking they can take their kids. here is absolutely astonishing. Pointless.
Its a nice little park in spring and fall but gets way to overcrowded any other days. Stay out of the water if you are a male or the princess might get you. Lady of the lake. Only men have ever drowned here.
The water can also be dangerous for dogs if they drink it.
Updating this from 3 years ago.
It’s such a great spot to stop and see the sunset. Really this is one of the premiere spots to watch the sunset during anytime of the year. Just a great place to come quickly see the sunset bring a chair sit on the sand and it’s wonderful but bring a chair Don’t sit directly on the sand because there’s so much bird / geese poop.
Yeah and really don’t go in the water as much as you can it’s not sanitary I don’t know when the last time they had a tested but I live here You walk around the lake and you see all the sewage on the right side the very right side but not over here just mostly goose poop.
Other than that it’s just a beautiful spot. Don’t park in the parking lot the main one Park on this little side parking lot It seems to be the space for a more normal people park from my experience.
This museum was absolutely amazing. If you are in Suffolk county go to Lt. Michael P Murphy museum. Very informative, the day we went we were lucky to meet Michael Murphy’s dad. Such a nice man. We had a retired Seal take us around and explain to us what the Seals do. Amazing men. Our guide had a booming voice for all of us to hear. You can schedule a tour for the SEAL museum.