NPS
Sometimes a day trip to the seashore just isn’t enough! Taking in a sunset, falling asleep under the stars, and waking to the sound of crashing waves is an immersive way to connect with the seashore landscape and create lasting memories with friends and family. Ready to pack up your tent and go on a seaside adventure? Read on to learn about the two camping options offered at Fire Island National Seashore and tips on how to have a pleasant and successful camping trip!
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Watch Hill CampgroundBasic Information Close to the beach, bay, and the Otis Pike Wilderness, the Watch Hill Campground provides a traditional camping experience on Fire Island's eastern end. The campground includes 20 sand tent sites and 8 safari tent ("glamping") sites. Transportation to the campground is by private boat or the Watch Hill Ferry, which leaves from Patchogue, NY. Sites are available typically from mid-May weekend to mid-October.
The campground is operated by concessioner LoveFINS. TOTAL SITES: 28 Electric Hookups: 0 RV Only: 0 Tent Only: 23 Walk to/Boat to: 28 Group: 1 Horse: 0 Other: 4 Amenities
Fire/Stove Policy Open fires are not permitted due to risk for brushfires. Campers are permitted to bring a camping stove or grill that does not use an open flame. Charcoal grills are also available. Toilet Types
Shower Types
Weather Spring along the coast can be cool and windy. Summers on Fire Island are typically warm and humid. Annual precipitation averages 38.9" with the distribution being relatively consistent throughout the year. Be sure to check the forecast before your trip and prepare for your trip to Fire Island by bringing water and sun protection, and packing layers. Please note that ferry schedules may change and some programs may be canceled or postponed in poor weather conditions. Email Address Phone number (Voice) 631-597-6074 Directions Campers should plan to take a passenger ferry from Patchogue, New York, or a private boat to Watch Hill. The Watch Hill Campground is accessible by foot from the marina and main pavilion at Watch Hill. From the ferry dock, walk south past the visitor center and marina and turn left at the end of the boardwalk, continuing east past the ranger station and maintenance building. Continue east until reaching the dune station and bathroom pavilion area and turn left. Total distance: 0.3 miles.Additional Information Tent sites include picnic tables and grills. All sites have little shade and are situated on sand. Campers must transport all supplies and camping gear about a third of a mile from the marina. Campers should check in at the general store. Cell Phone Additional Information While the cellular signal is usually strong at Watch Hill, visitors should be prepared for occasionally spotty service. The Watch Hill Campground is operated by authorized concessioner LoveFINS. Reservations are highly recommended, though walk-ins are sometimes possible. Reservations can typically be made as early as mid-February. The camping season typically runs between mid-May and mid-October with the peak season being between mid-June and Labor Day weekend. Weekend dates often sell out. Rates are higher in the peak season -- see the LoveFINS website below for rates.
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 NPS / Leon Gursky  NPS  NPS Photo  NPS Photo  NPS Photo
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - One ADA campsite is available for reservation. It features a boardwalk deck for camping which is connected to the main boardwalk access. A table, grill and other campsite amenities are available as well. Tent tie-down points are built into the deck. Wheelchair Access - Access is provided by boardwalk. Campers at the ADA campsite have easy access to bathrooms and other facilities, as well as large portions of the salt marsh nature trail. RV & Trailer Information - There is no access for vehicles to these campgrounds. RV Allowed - No Trailer Allowed - No Classification - This campground is a limited development campground. Open
Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike High Dune WildernessBasic Information Under the stars, near the sound of the surf, waking to a chorus of song birds, backcountry camping on Fire Island within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness can be a memorable experience. This backcountry camping experience is available by permit only. Permits are limited and issued for specific nights and number of persons within the group. A maximum length of stay is three consecutive nights. Beach camping may be available from March 15 through Labor Day.
TOTAL SITES: 36 Electric Hookups: 0 RV Only: 0 Tent Only: 36 Walk to/Boat to: 36 Group: 0 Horse: 0 Other: 36 Amenities
Fire/Stove Policy No open fires are permitted due to the danger of brushfires. Campers are encouraged to use backpacking stoves for cooking. Toilet Types
Shower Types
Weather Seasonal temperatures have historically ranged from below zero during December, January, and February to over 100 degrees in August. But average temperatures are more moderate. The fall and winter months along the coast are relatively cool and dry, with brief periods of rain. Spring along the coast can be cool and windy. Summers on Fire Island are typically warm and humid. Annual precipitation averages 38.9" with the distribution being relatively consistent throughout the year. Backcountry Camping Permit Fee A $25.00 fee is assessed for each primitive backcountry camping permit. Up to four campers can be included under one permit. $25.00 Email Address Phone number (Voice) Directions By ferry from Patchogue: Take the ferry to Watch Hill or Davis Park and hike east. The western backcountry zone begins one mile past the Watch Hill Campground. By car from Smith Point: Take the William Floyd Parkway south to the end and check in at the Wilderness Visitor Center. A parking pass must be obtained from a ranger to park overnight. The eastern camping zone begins on the west side of Old Inlet, about 2 miles west of the visitor center.Cell Phone Additional Information While a cellular signal is common in the backcountry camping area, campers should plan for spotty service and occasional outages. Regulations More about regulationsThe wilderness is divided into two zones extending east and west of the Bellport Beach boundaries. Eastern Zone: Maximum number of permitted campers is 12 per night with a maximum number of four campers allowed in each site. Western Zone: Maximum number of permitted campers is 24 per night with a maximum number of eight campers allowed in each site.
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 NPS/Santos  NPS Photo  NPS Photo  NPS Photo Nearby Campgrounds outside Fire Island National SeashoreSmith Point County Park Trailer and tent camping is available at Smith Point County Park, which is located east of the Otis Pike Wilderness Area. Smith Point is reachable by personal vehicle. Call 631-852-1340 or visit their website for more information. Other Campgrounds There are other camping options a short drive from Fire Island that are managed by New York State or Suffolk County. See their camping websites below for more information: New York State Parks Campgrounds Suffolk County Parks Campgrounds Tips for a fun and safe camping trip
More InformationSafety First – Ensure a safe visit to Fire Island National SeashoreOtis Pike Wilderness Backcountry Camping Information General information on Backcountry Camping General Information on Camping 
Lodging
Learn more about lodging options at Watch Hill and Sailors Haven. 
Backcountry Camping
An unforgettable wilderness experience close to civilization. 
Seashore Sites
Visiting for history, recreation, or solitude? Check out the areas on Fire Island and Long Island managed by the National Park Service. |
Last updated: February 14, 2025