Backcountry Camping In The Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness
Open for beach camping through Labor Day 2026. Permits required via Recreation.gov. Pets are prohibited in the wilderness area during this period (March 15 through Labor Day). No potable water is available; campers must bring their own. The park's main phone line (631-569-2100) is currently experiencing an outage; use temporary number 631-569-2099.
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.
Heat Advisory issued June 12 at 2:55AM EDT until June 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 101. * WHERE...In Connecticut, Northern Fairfield, Northern Middlesex, Northern New Haven, Southern Fairfield, and Southern New Haven Counties. In New York, Northern Nassau, Northwest Suffolk, Southern Nassau, and Southwest Suffolk Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Air Quality Alert issued June 12 at 2:02AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following counties: Nassau and Suffolk, from 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. For additional information, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at, https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi, or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.
Air Quality Alert issued June 11 at 2:38PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following counties: Nassau and Suffolk. until 11 PM EDT this evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. For additional information, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at, https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi, or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.
About
Backcountry camping in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness provides a rare opportunity to experience New York's only federally designated wilderness area overnight. This 7-mile stretch of barrier island features rolling dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, and undeveloped ocean beach accessible only on foot. The area is divided into two camping zones: the Western Zone (maximum 24 campers per night, up to 8 per site) accessed via Watch Hill after a 1-3 mile hike, and the Eastern Zone (maximum 12 campers per night, up to 4 per site) accessed from the Wilderness Visitor Center after a 2-3 mile hike. This is true primitive camping with no facilities. Campers must carry in all water, food, and gear, and pack out all trash. Human waste must be buried in catholes at least 6 inches deep and 300 feet from water sources. Open fires are prohibited; backpacking stoves are required for cooking. Campsites must be located at least 300 feet from other camping groups. Late fall through early spring offers the most comfortable conditions, avoiding the dense tick and mosquito populations of warmer months. The maximum length of stay is three consecutive nights. At least one member of each camping party must be 21 or older with valid photo ID.
Directions
By ferry from Patchogue: Take the ferry to Watch Hill or Davis Park and hike east. The western backcountry zone begins one mile past the Watch Hill Campground. By car from Smith Point: Take the William Floyd Parkway south to the Wilderness Visitor Center. Note there is no parking available at the Wilderness Visitor Center; plan to be dropped off. The eastern camping zone begins on the west side of Old Inlet, about 2 miles west of the visitor center.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| 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) 569-2100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Reservations | |
| Regulations | |
| NPS Campground Website |
Photos
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