About Fire Island National Seashore Permits
Overview:Under the stars, near the sound of the surf, waking to a chorus of song birds, camping on Fire Island within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness can be a memorable experience. This wilderness camping experience is available by permit only. Two backcountry camping zones are available within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, the eastern and western zones. From March 15 to Labor Day (when seasonal driving restrictions are implemented), backcountry campsites 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). When seasonal driving restrictions are not in place, from early September through mid-March, campers must select campsites behind the dunes in wilderness within either the eastern or western zone. 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. Access to wilderness/backcountry camping is through the western gateway to wilderness, Watch Hill. Eastern Zone: Maximum number of permitted campers is 12 per night with a maximum number of four campers allowed in each site. Access to the Eastern Zone is on foot from Watch Hill, a 4 to 5.5 miles walk. Western Zone: Maximum number of permitted campers is 24 per night with a maximum number of eight campers allowed in each site.
How to Get There
For Eastern Zone: Take the William Floyd Parkway South. Once across the bridge the visitor center is ahead and to the right. For Western Zone: Off of the exit 52 from Sunrise Highway (SR27) travel south on Waverly Ave. Bear left at the traffic circle to head east and cross Main Street.The Ferry termianl is 1/8 mile after crossing trains. A ferry to Watch Hill is required to access. Ferrys are seasonal.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Fire Island National Seashore Permits
Heading to Fire Island National Seashore Permits? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Fire Island National Seashore Permits?
No central reservation system listed for Fire Island National Seashore Permits. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234768) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fire Island National Seashore Permits?
For Eastern Zone: Take the William Floyd Parkway South. Once across the bridge the visitor center is ahead and to the right. For Western Zone: Off of the exit 52 from Sunrise Highway (SR27) travel south on Waverly Ave. Bear left at the traffic circle to head east and cross Main Street.The Ferry termianl is 1/8 mile after crossing trains. A ferry to Watch Hill is required to access. Ferrys are seas…
How do I contact Fire Island National Seashore Permits?
You can reach the park at phone: 631-687-4750 or email: FIIS_Information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
