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

Backcountry camping (backpacking) is now available by reservation for overnight stays 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.

Effective May 15, 2013, reservations for a required permit may be obtained at Recreation.gov for overnight stays starting May 25, 2013. Check-in is required at the following location during regular hours of operation:

• Watch Hill Visitor Center 631-597-6455 (staffed on weekends mid-May to mid-October and Wednesday-Sunday 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!
  
  

 

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.

While the breach at Old Inlet remains open, all access to Fire Island wilderness/backcountry camping will be through Watch Hill, with check-in at the Watch Hill Visitor Center. Ferry service is available from the park's Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal (150 West Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772) to Watch Hill on Fire Island.

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.

Between Labor Day and March 14, 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."