Backcountry Camping In The Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness
Open — Open year-round by permit only through Recreation.gov. Permits are $25 per group (up to 4 campers) with a 3-night maximum stay. Pets prohibited in the wilderness March 15 through Labor Day to protect nesting shorebirds. No facilities or water available on-site.
Wind Advisory issued December 30 at 1:50AM EST until December 30 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Upton NY
* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and southeast New York. * WHEN...Until 6 PM EST this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Lifeguards off-duty at Watch Hill on Wednesday, 8/27
The beach at Watch Hill is open, but will remain unprotected until lifeguard coverage resumes on Thursday, August 28. Please use caution and stay safe when visiting the seashore.
Pet Restrictions, Beach Driving Closures in Effect March 15 through Labor Day
To protect threatened nesting shorebirds, pets are prohibited in the Otis Pike Wilderness and on federally-managed ocean beaches. Beach driving is closed at Lighthouse Beach, Sailors Haven and the Wilderness area.
Talisman-Barrett Beach Dock Closed Due to Ice Damage; Reduced Services for Summer Season
Due to damage from winter ice, the Talisman-Barrett Beach dock is closed to all public use until further notice. No lifeguards will be present during the summer season. Visitors should pack out trash and expect reduced restroom services.
Main Phone Line is Down; Call Temporary Number 631-569-2099
Fire Island's main phone number (631-569-2100) is currently experiencing an outage. All callers to the Seashore's general line should call 631-569-2099 to reach the main directory. Dial 911 in an emergency.
Boardwalks at Watch Hill Partially Closed
Due to storm damage, partial closure of boardwalks at Watch Hill Nature Trail are in effect.
Possession or use of marijuana inside Fire Island National Seashore is prohibited.
While New York provides for regulated possession and use of marijuana, it remains an illegal drug under federal law and enforced within National Park units.
Raccoons Within Federally-managed Areas Observed Exhibiting Distemper Symptoms
Visitors are advised to avoid potential human and pet encounters with wildlife including raccoons. Raccoons with Canine Distemper Virus may appear lethargic or disoriented. CDV cannot be transmitted to humans, but can be transmitted to unvaccinated dogs.
About
The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness provides a unique backcountry camping experience as New York's only federally designated wilderness area. This 7-mile stretch of barrier island offers primitive camping in two zones: the Eastern Zone extends from Old Inlet to 1000 feet east of Bellport Beach, and the Western Zone runs from 1000 feet west of Bellport Beach to Long Cove. Each permit covers up to four campers for a maximum of three consecutive nights. Access to the backcountry zones requires hiking 1-2 miles along beach or interior trails from Watch Hill or the Wilderness Visitor Center at Smith Point, or arriving by kayak, canoe, or sailboat. No facilities exist within the wilderness camping zones, so campers must bring all water, food, and gear while planning to pack out all waste. The terrain includes dense maritime forests, high dunes, wetlands, and ocean beaches. Late fall through early spring offers the most comfortable camping to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Summer and early fall bring warm, humid conditions with heavy insect populations. The wilderness prohibits open fires due to brushfire danger, requiring backpacking stoves for cooking. Federal wilderness designation means no wheeled devices are permitted. Campers should prepare for poison ivy, catbrier thickets, changing weather, and strong sun exposure.
Directions
Access via ferry from Patchogue to Watch Hill or Davis Park, then hike east (Western Zone begins 1 mile past Watch Hill). Alternatively, drive to Smith Point County Park via William Floyd Parkway; the Eastern Zone begins about 2 miles west of the Wilderness Visitor Center. No parking at the Visitor Center; drop-off only. Also accessible by kayak, canoe, or sailboat.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| fiis_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (631) 281-3010 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Reservations | |
| Regulations | |
| NPS Campground Website |
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!