• 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

Wilderness Facilities & Hours

Wilderness Visitor Center beside Smith Point County Park
CR-46 (William Floyd Parkway)
Mastic Beach, NY 11951

Phone: 631-281-3010

Open
January 1 - June 30, 2013 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday - Sunday and holidays (weather & staffing permitting; ranger-conducted programs for groups by appointment)

July 1 - September 2, 2013 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday - Sunday and holidays

September 3 - December 31, 2013 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday - Sunday and holidays Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days

Wilderness Permit Office
Open when Visitor Center is staffed.

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Sandy, no backcountry camping permits are being issued from this office.

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 now required at Watch Hill for access to both the eastern and western wilderness/backcountry camping zones!

 

If you're obtaining a Fire Island National Seashore permit, 15-minute parking is now available beside the Wilderness Visitor Center. 

For all others, parking and restrooms are provided at adjacent Smith Point County Park. Fee charged for parking.

  • Wilderness Visitor Center Wilderness Visitor Center

    is open throughout the year. Read More

  • Fire Island Wilderness Fire Island Wilderness

    You can experience and appreciate the values of wilderness in this thin ribbon of a barrier island. 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

  • Fire Island Treasure Chests Fire Island Treasure Chests

    Enhance your field trip with the loan of an educational traveling trunk. Read More

Did You Know?

Two people head down sandy trail past bulletin boards and information signs, lighthouse in distance.

You can walk to the Fire Island Lighthouse from the Field 5 parking lot at Robert Moses State Park. The lighthouse is open year-round, weather permitting. More...