Wilderness Area Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping (backpacking) is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness area. This can be one of the best ways to experience the qualities of wilderness preserved in this section of Fire Island, but you must be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes and heat if you intend to camp during the summer. Late fall through early spring are the best times to camp to avoid these conditions.

A required permit may be obtained at either of these locations during regular hours of operation:

• Watch Hill Visitor Center 631-597-6455 (staffed on weekends mid-May to mid-October and daily during the summer) accessible only by private boat or by ferry from Patchogue, with overnight parking available at the Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal. Also easily accessible by public transportation!
  
  
• Wilderness Visitor Center 631-281-3010 (daily during the summer; Wednesday through Sunday, year-round) accessible by private vehicle, with limited overnight parking available onsite by permit.
  

There is currently no fee for a backcountry permit, but only a limited number of permits can be issued at any one time.

Camping is restricted to no more than 12 people at a time in the eastern section (with a maximum group size of 4 campers/site) and no more than 24 people the western section (with a maximum group size of 8 campers/site).

At least one member of each camping party must be 21 years of age or older in order to obtain a backcountry camping permit.

There is a 3-night limit of stay for wilderness camping.

Campers must hike at least 1½ miles into the wilderness from the Wilderness Visitor Center at Smith Point or 1 mile from the Watch Hill Ranger Station.

Bring drinking water and all necessary supplies, and carry out all garbage. Open fires are prohibited; use a backcountry stove for cooking.

Campsites should be north of the primary dune, in a sandy area with no vegetation, and at least one mile inside the wilderness boundary.

There are limited dune crossings from the wilderness to the beach. No bicycles or other wheeled vehicles are allowed in the wilderness area.

No dogs/pets allowed March 15 - Labor Day (plover nesting season); at other times they are permitted but must be on a 6' leash at all times.

Take safety precautions for ticks and mosquitoes. Plan for quickly changing weather conditions.

Bury human waste in a hole 300 feet from water and 6" from land surface; no trenches allowed.

Leave no trace of your campsite: "Take only pictures, leave only footprints."