The family campground at Watch Hill is ideal for families looking to rough it but aren't ready to hike into the backcountry.

Watch Hill Family Campground

Closed

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.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 2:56AM EDT until July 4 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY

2:56 AM — 8:00 PM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 115 expected. * WHERE...In Connecticut, Northern New London, Southern Middlesex, and Southern New London Counties. In New York, Northeast Suffolk, Northern Nassau, Northwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk, Southern Nassau, and Southwest Suffolk Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This is a multi-day extreme heat event with near record high temperatures and little overnight relief. This level of heat can be deadly for those without adequate cooling and hydration. Impacts to transportation infrastructure and electrical and water systems are also possible.

Rip Current Statement issued July 2 at 3:05AM EDT until July 2 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY

3:05 AM — 9:00 PM

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...Kings (Brooklyn), Southwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk, Southern Queens and Southern Nassau Counties. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

Air Quality Alert issued July 2 at 3:05AM EDT by NWS Upton NY

3:05 AM — 11:00 PM

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following counties: New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland. 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

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.

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

The family campground at Watch Hill is ideal for families looking to rough it but aren't ready to hike into the backcountry.

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