• Miles of uncrowded white sandy beaches extend to the horizon, separating the clear blue ocean and undulating grass-covered dunes.

    Fire Island

    National Seashore New York

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • 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 Visitor Center

Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center in winter 2013
Stop by the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center as you head out for a stroll down the beach and to the breach!
 
 
Sunset over Fire Island Wilderness
From the upper deck of the Wilderness Visitor Center, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast Atlantic Ocean to the south, the Fire Island Wilderness to the west, the bay and mainland Long Island to the north, and Smith Point County Park facilities to the east.
 
Aerial view of Wilderness Visitor Center, with Smith Point County Park parking lot in background.

The Wilderness Visitor Center, on the beach at the southern end of the William Floyd Parkway, is one of the Fire Island National Seashore facilities accessible by car. Parking is available at Smith Point County Park.

The Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center is located at the southernmost end of William Floyd Parkway, adjacent to Smith Point County Park. This is Fire Island National Seashore's eastern gateway to the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, the only federally designated wilderness area in New York State.

The Fire Island Wilderness is accessible year round by car. Parking is available at Smith Point County Park, where a fee is charged in season. (Special arrangements must be made for overnight parking while backcountry camping.) The Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center includes a ranger contact station, second floor viewing area and exhibit space, ranger-led interpretive programs, a self-guided nature trail. Rangers issue permits for backcountry camping, and for recreational driving and waterfowl hunting in season.

At the Wilderness Visitor Center, you may pick up park brochures or a Junior Ranger Activity booklet, and watch the Fire Island National Seashore orientation film. Stop by the Touch Table to discover some of the seashells and other ocean life that have washed ashore. During the summer, meet the latest inhabitants of the aquarium.

Learn more about the history and value of the wilderness, the dynamic barrier island, the trees and wildflowers of the dunes and swales, the birds and wildlife that you may see on your walk down the beach or through the Fire Island Wilderness.

At the Eastern National sales outlet, you may purchase books about the history of Fire Island, field guides to the native plants and animals, and interesting items for kids of all ages. Other items can help you better understand and appreciate the value of wilderness.

During the summer, you may participate in one of the ranger-conducted programs. Seaside Stories and Crafts has been a favorite program for children.

Things To Do:

How To Get There

Important Phone Numbers:
Wilderness Visitor Center:
631-281-3010

  • Wilderness Visitor Center Hours Wilderness Visitor Center Hours

    vary by season. Read More

  • Wilderness Visitor Center Programs Wilderness Visitor Center Programs

    You can particpate in walks, talks and children's activities at the Wilderness Visitor Center. Read More

  • Wilderness Visitor Center & Backcountry Permit Desk Hours Wilderness Visitor Center & Backcountry Permit Desk Hours

    Rangers issue permits for wilderness camping when this office is open. Read More

Did You Know?

Deer standing in thicket of shrubs.

In the mid-1970s, Fire Island's deer herd consisted of only about 50 white-tailed deer. By 2005, the number was estimated to be 500-700 deer. More...