Wilderness Visitor Center

Explore Wilderness

Wilderness Visitor Center Closed Until Further Notice

The Wilderness Visitor Center is closed until further notice due to imposed vehicle weight restrictions on the Smith Point Bridge. Visitors interested in obtaining Sportsman’s Vehicle Permits, Veteran, Military and Access passes, passport stamps, or park literature can stop in the Patchogue Ferry Terminal, 150 West Ave., Patchogue, NY, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

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 backcountry camping, and for recreational driving and waterfowl hunting in season.

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.