Parks / Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island National Seashore
National Seashore · NY
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and people for centuries. Far from the pressure of nearby big-city life, dynamic barrier island beaches offer solitude, camaraderie, and spiritual renewal.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Beach Lifeguard Alert - Watch Hill and Sailors Haven Currently Unguarded
Beaches at Watch Hill and Sailors Haven are currently unguarded. Lifeguard services are expected to resume on 9/5/26. Swimming in the ocean can be hazardous, especially when lifeguards are not present. Rip currents, breaking waves, changing tides, and other surf conditions can quickly place even experienced swimmers in danger. Visitors who choose to enter the water should use extreme caution, remain close to shore, never swim alone, and closely supervise children at all times. For emergencies, call 911.
West Nile Virus detected in Mosquito Samples at the Floyd Estate, FI Pines
West Nile Virus has been detected at the William Floyd Estate and Fire Island Pines from mosquito samples collected on August 12, 2026. Increased surveillance of mosquitoes in the area will continue. It is recommended visitors limit or forego outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
Talisman-Barrett Beach Dock Closed for 2026 Season; Services Limited
Due to damage from winter ice, the Talisman-Barrett Beach dock is closed. NPS staff are evaluating options for repairs. There is no timeline for restoration. Boaters should plan to anchor in the bay to access the site. Be advised that the area is extremely shallow. Restroom maintenance will be limited during this time and visitors must pack out all trash and belongings. Public use of some areas will be restricted for safety.
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.
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.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (2)
Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness
Under the stars, near the sound of the surf, waking to a chorus of song birds, backcountry camping on Fire Island within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness can be a memorable experience. This backcountry camping experience is available by permit only. Permits are limited and issued for specific nights and number of persons within the group. A maximum length of stay is three consecutive nights. Beach camping may be available from March 15 through Labor Day.
Details →Watch Hill Campground
Close to the beach, bay, and the Otis Pike Wilderness, the Watch Hill Campground provides a traditional camping experience on Fire Island's eastern end. The campground includes 20 sand tent sites and 8 safari tent ("glamping") sites. Transportation to the campground is by private boat or the Watch Hill Ferry, which leaves from Patchogue, NY. Sites are available typically from mid-May weekend to mid-October. The campground is operated by concessioner LoveFINS.
Details →Upcoming Events
Watch Hill: Seining in the Great South Bay
Sep 5, 2026 · Watch Hill Salt Marsh Station. Watch Hill, Fire Island, NY. Take private boat or ferry from Patchogue Ferry Terminal, 160 West Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772.
Watch Hill: Explore the Salt Marsh Nature Trail
Sep 5, 2026 · Watch Hill, Fire Island. Access by private boat or public ferry from Patchogue/Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, 150 West Avenue, Patchogue, New York.
Sailors Haven: Explore the Sunken Forest
Sep 5, 2026 · Sailors Haven Visitor Center. Sailors Haven, Fire Island. Access by private boat, or by public ferry from Sayville/Sailors Haven Ferry, River Road, Sayville, New York.
Sailors Haven: Seining in the Great South Bay
Sep 5, 2026 · Sailors Haven Visitor Center. Sailors Haven, Fire Island, NY. Take private boat or ferry from Sayville Ferry Terminal, 41 River Road, Sayville, NY 11782 (Fee for Parking).
William Floyd Estate: Old Mastic House Exhibit Viewing
Sep 7, 2026 · 245 Park Drive, Mastic Beach, NY. From the parking area, walk east on the boardwalk to the Old Mastic House and check in with a ranger on the front porch.
Sailors Haven: Explore the Sunken Forest
Sep 7, 2026 · Sailors Haven Visitor Center. Sailors Haven, Fire Island. Access by private boat, or by public ferry from Sayville/Sailors Haven Ferry, River Road, Sayville, New York.
Watch Hill: Explore the Salt Marsh Nature Trail
Sep 7, 2026 · Watch Hill, Fire Island. Access by private boat or public ferry from Patchogue/Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, 150 West Avenue, Patchogue, New York.
William Floyd Estate: Late Summer Birding
Sep 12, 2026 · William Floyd Estate. 245 Park Drive, Mastic Beach, NY 11951
Lighthouse: Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
Sep 12, 2026 · Fire Island Lighthouse. Park at Robert Moses Field 5 (fee) and walk east for 0.6 mile on boardwalks to the lighthouse.
Lighthouse: Grandparents Day
Sep 13, 2026 · Fire Island Lighthouse. Parking is available at Robert Moses State Park Field 5. Walk east 0.6 miles on boardwalk to the Lighthouse.
Wilderness: Shipmates: Songs of the Sea Sing Along / Play Along
Sep 18, 2026 · Southern terminus of the William Floyd Parkway.
Sailors Haven: Monarch Madness
Sep 19, 2026 · Sailors Haven Visitor Center. Sailors Haven, Fire Island, NY. Take private boat or ferry from Sayville Ferry Terminal, 41 River Road, Sayville, NY 11782 (Fee for Parking).
Lighthouse: 200 Year Celebration of the 1826 Fire Island Lighthouse
Sep 20, 2026 · Fire Island Lighthouse. Parking is available at Robert Moses State Park Field 5. Walk east 0.6 miles on boardwalk to the Lighthouse.
Lighthouse: Evening Tower Tour
Sep 26, 2026 · Fire Island Lighthouse. Parking is available at Robert Moses State Park Field 5. Walk east 0.6 miles on boardwalk to the Lighthouse.
Things to Do
Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike Wilderness
The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness offers a wilderness experience like no other. Backcountry camping is one of the best ways to experience it.
Birding at Fire Island
Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, Fire Island is a prime location for birdwatching. Spot year-round, nesting, and seasonal migrants from the oceans, dunes, forests and fields of Fire Island National Seashore.
Boating Fire Island
Fire Island National Seashore is one of the best, and most affordable places to boat around Long Island. Two large marinas are available with a range of amenities.
Burma Trail
Burma Trail is a seven-mile-long footpath that spans the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness Area from Watch Hill to Smith Point and allows access to Fire Island's Wilderness for hikers, photographers, birders, campers, anglers, hunters, and others.
Fishing Fire Island
Fishing on Fire Island is a fun and easy way to experience the park. Learn more about fishing regulations before heading out.
Tour the Tower!
Climb Long Island's tallest lighthouse.
Visitor Centers
- Fire Island Lighthouse
- Sailors Haven Visitor Center
- Watch Hill Visitor Center
- Wilderness Visitor Center
- William Floyd Estate
Source: National Park Service.