The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness contains a variety of barrier island ecosystems in a relatively natural condition. It is the only federally designated wilderness area in the State of New York. At 1,380 acres, it is also one of the smallest wilderness areas managed by the National Park Service. 

You can enter the Fire Island Wilderness from Watch Hill (which is accessible seasonally by ferry or private boat), Old Inlet (accessible by private boat only), or by the Wilderness Visitor Center (located adjacent to Smith Point County Park, accessible year round by car or bus). Privately-owned Bellport Beach splits the wilderness into two zones. (See park map.)

Park rangers issue permits for wilderness camping in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness.

Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness is within 60 miles of New York City. This wilderness is so close to millions of urban and suburban populations, yet it provides an opportunity to experience the values of wilderness character. Surrounded and buffered by high dunes and salt marsh, you can actually feel miles away from civilization.

In the wilderness, you can be free to explore, to discover a natural barrier island ecosystem, to savor the solitude. However, you must respect the natural resources and expect to provide for your own safety. You're likely to encounter poison ivy, briars, mosquitoes and ticks. From March 15 through Labor Day, pets are not permitted in the Fire Island Wilderness area or on the beach in front of the wilderness.
   

Be a Good Steward 
Everyone has a responsibility to leave the island as they found it. Your efforts to leave it better than you found it—by carrying out more than you carried in—are truly appreciated. 

 

Learn More

The Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-577) was signed into law on September 3, 1964. 

The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness Act, Public Law 96-585, December 23, 1980, designated approximately 1,363 acres as wilderness in Fire Island National Seashore, and identified 18 more acres as potential wilderness additions.

In October 1999, a Federal Register notice announced that 17 acres of potential wilderness by that time fully complied with wilderness standards, and were officially designated as wilderness.

Approximately 1 acre of potential wilderness exists within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore: the boardwalk nature trail at Smith Point, which runs behind the dunes for about ½ mile from the Wilderness Visitor Center to the ocean beach; and the dune crossing boardwalk and bathhouse (vault toilet) at Old Inlet.   

• National Park Service Wilderness
• Wilderness.net
• Fire Island National Seashore Wilderness Management Plan (1983)
• Notice of Designation of Potential Wilderness as Wilderness, Fire Island National Seashore (October 1999)
  

Visit "Views of the National Parks: Wilderness"

• Wilderness multimedia education program