Fire Island National Seashore - Watch Hill (U.S. National Park Service)

Watch Hill's complex of dusky blue buildings are seen from ferry approaching through calm marina waters.

NPS Photo

Watch Hill visitor facilities include the dock and marina, a visitor center and camp store, walk-in campground, and a seasonal snack bar.

Location
Watch Hill is located in the middle of Fire Island, across the Great South Bay from Patchogue, Long Island. Access by private boat or by seasonal ferry service from Patchogue, NY. Take the Watch Hill Ferry (631-475-1665) from West Avenue directly to Watch Hill, or take the Davis Park Ferry (631-475-1665) and walk 1 mile to Watch Hill.

Closures
Closed mid-October through mid-May.

Special Programs
During the summer, guided canoe tours and other programs are offered. Rangers provide a welcome, orientation and safety program for school groups. Teachers should be prepared to lead on-site activities. Pre-visit educational materials are sent after ferry reservation is confirmed.

Exhibits
Exhibits on various natural history topics available seasonally in the Watch Hill Visitor Center. View marine life of the Great South Bay in our fish tank.

Available Facilities
Facilities and services include a nature trail, visitor center (staffed seasonally for interpretive programs) and ranger office, 195-slip marina, seasonally lifeguarded beach (mid-June - Labor Day), bathhouse. Bookstore at Watch Hill Visitor Center stocks a variety of entertaining educational items. Park campground, marina and convenience store open mid-May. Ferry service to Watch Hill runs May 12 through mid-October, 2006 (631-475-1665). No bicycles, scooters, rollerskates allowed on the boardwalks; wheelchairs, strollers and wagons are permitted. Pets are permitted, but must be kept leashed and are not allowed in public buildings, on lifeguarded beaches or near areas closed for endangered species. Pets may not be tied to any dock, and all excrement must be picked up and disposed of properly.