Wilderness Visitor Center

 

Explore Wilderness

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. Old Inlet, a former breach carved through the barrier island by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, is an approximately 1.5-mile walk from the Wilderness Visitor Center and is a popular hiking destination and turnaround point.

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. The Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center includes a ranger contact station, second floor viewing area, and exhibit space. Rangers issue permits for recreational driving in the fall season. Backcountry camping permits can be obtained on Recreation.gov.

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.

Plan Your Wilderness Visit

• Directions
• Phone: [phone]
• Ranger-guided programs and events

Operating Schedule Details

 

Duration:

2 minutes, 9 seconds

A brief look at the seashore areas around Fire Island's Wilderness Visitor Center during the spring.

Learn more about the Otis Pike Wilderness