Watch Hill Family Campground
The campground is currently closed for the season. Watch Hill typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and operates through mid-October. Reservations are handled through LoveFINS and often open in mid-February. Note: partial boardwalk closures are in effect at Watch Hill Nature Trail due to storm damage.
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.
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.
Heat Advisory issued June 11 at 1:34PM EDT until June 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
* WHAT...Heat index values around 100 expected. * 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 Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
About
Watch Hill Family Campground provides a traditional camping experience on Fire Island's remote eastern end, surrounded by pristine beaches, maritime forest, and the protected Otis Pike Wilderness. The campground features 22 sand tent sites that accommodate up to five adults, one universally accessible site on a boardwalk deck, one group site, and four furnished glamping platforms. All sites include picnic tables and charcoal grills. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October and is run by authorized concessioner LoveFINS. Facilities include flush toilets, free hot showers, potable water, and a camp store with basic supplies. A nature trail, visitor center with ranger programs, and 175-slip marina are all within the Watch Hill complex. Access requires planning since no vehicle access exists to Fire Island. Campers arrive via the Watch Hill Ferry from Patchogue, NY or by private boat, then walk approximately 0.3 miles from the marina to the campground carrying their gear. This isolation creates a peaceful escape, though campers should pack accordingly.
Directions
Take the Watch Hill Ferry from Patchogue, NY or arrive by private boat. From the ferry dock, walk south past the visitor center and marina, turn left at the end of the boardwalk heading east past the ranger station. Continue east to the dune station and bathroom pavilion, then turn left. Total walk is 0.3 miles. No vehicle access exists.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $35 - $199 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (631) 597-6074 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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