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More Park Facilities Reopen During May 2013
Watch Hill and Sailors Haven marinas open May 10. Limited ferry service from Sayville to Sailors Haven resumes May 13 and ferries from Patchogue to Watch Hill start on May 18. Remaining park facilities to reopen by May 25, 2013. More »
Wilderness Camping
Wilderness camping resumes on May 25, 2013! NEW: Reservations will be taken through Recreation.gov starting on May 15, 2013.
Please note that check-in for each Fire Island Wilderness camping zone is now required through Watch Hill, since the breach at Old Inlet, caused by Hurricane Sandy, has cut off access from the east. NPS/Abell
Wilderness Area Backcountry Camping
You may prefer to hike down the beach to reach the required distance into the designated wilderness for camping. However, there are only a few appropriate cross-over sites to get behind the primary dune. Camping on the beach in designated zones is allowed, by permit only, from March 15 - Labor Day. There is a $20 cost recovery fee associated with each reservation, which can be paid by credit card when the reservation is made online. Camping is restricted to no more than 12 people at a time in the eastern zone (with a maximum group size of 4 campers/site) and no more than 24 people the western zone (with a maximum group size of 8 campers/site). See Wilderness-Backcountry Camping Zones map. From March 15 to Labor Day (when seasonal driving restrictions are implemented), backcountry campsite may be selected on the beach in front of the eastern zone or western zone, in areas where there are no restrictions or closures (e.g., for the protection of nesting shorebirds or other protected species, or where beach conditions are not suitable). 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. Remember to print out and bring two copies of your camping permit: leave one at the visitor center during check-in, and keep the other with you at your campsite. Campsites are not assigned, but you must select a suitable site which will not disturb vegetation, dunes, or nesting shorebirds. Your site must also be no closer than 300 feet from other campers. Additional rules and regulations and safety information will be posted on the Recreation.gov web site. Please be aware that you and your party will need to hike on soft sand from 1 to 3 miles to reach the western camping zone, and from 4 to 5 miles to reach the eastern camping zone. This is a carry-in, carry-out area, and there is no water once you leave Watch Hill. Be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes when the weather is warm! Bring drinking water and all necessary supplies, and carry out all garbage. Open fires are prohibited; use a backcountry stove for cooking. If you have additional questions, call the Office of Interpretation at 631-687-4780.
Choose your campsite carefully to avoid damaging fragile dune vegetation. 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." |
Did You Know?
You might get to observe a number of birds on a ranger-guided walk at the William Floyd Estate: a blackburnian warbler perched on a tree branch, a woodcock flushed from the fields, or a bald eagle chasing an osprey with a fish over the salt marsh! More...
Patchogue Ferry Terminal
Camping on Fire Island
Wilderness Visitor Center & Backcountry Permit Desk Hours