Sportsman's Vehicle Permit

Where can I get a recreational driving permit?

With a Fire Island National Seashore Recreational Driving Permit ($50/vehicle) off-road (4x4) recreational vehicles are permitted to drive at certain times on designated portions of Fire Island National Seashore's beach as a means of access for fishing or hunting. Effective September 2020, payment for recreational driving permits is online at Pay.gov. The fee for the recreational driving permit is $50. Permits may then be picked up in-person at the Wilderness Visitor Center with proof of payment, valid driver's license, vehicle registration, vehicle to be permitted, and either a marine fishing registry or hunting license with signed duck stamp and HIP#.

Smith Point County Park and Robert Moses State Park, located adjacent to National Park Service sites on Fire Island, have separate recreational use permits.

Where is there recreational driving on Fire Island?

Sportsman's recreational driving is restricted to the beach along the Atlantic Ocean on the south shore of Fire Island, 1.5 miles west of the Wilderness Visitor Center (adjacent Smith Point) between the water's edge and 20 feet seaward of the beach grass. Vehicles may not cross dunes, damage vegetation, or enter the designated wilderness area.

Permits for recreational driving may be purchased online at Pay.gov on or after September 1, for use between September 15 and December 31.

The beach may be closed to driving at any time due to high water or other adverse conditions on the beach.

For the latest information please email [e-mail] or call the Wilderness Visitor Center at 631-281-3010.

 

How to pay for a Recreational Permit

The current rate for a Sportsman's Vehicle Permit is $50/year. Pay online at Pay.gov.

• Enter "Fire Island" in the search bar
• Select from the list "Sportsman Driving Permit Fees"
• Continue to the on-line form and follow pay.gov instructions to complete payment

To pick up your permit

Permits must be picked up in-person at the Wilderness Visitor Center during hours of operation (September - December, every day from 9am - 4pm)

Bring:

• Pay.gov email as proof of payment
• Properly equipped four-wheel drive vehicle to be permitted and vehicle registration
• Valid driver's license
• Marine fishing registry - a no-fee New York State recreational marine (saltwater) fishing registry is required for fishing
• and/or hunting license with signed duck stamp and HIP#. New York State and federal permits are required for waterfowl hunting

When you pick up your permit, you will receive important information and guidelines for beach driving. You'll be advised of the "rules of the road" and other safety and resource protection messages.