Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore is a protected area located on Fire Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island in New York. Established in 1964, it encompasses approximately 26 miles of sandy coastline, maritime forests, and wetlands. The seashore spans 30,000 acres, including parts of Suffolk County and nearby areas, making it a popular natural retreat for both locals and visitors.

Fire Island National Seashore has a rich historical background. It was once inhabited by Native Americans, and during the colonial era, it served as a vital trade route for the European settlers. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fire Island became a popular resort destination, with grand hotels and vacation homes. Today, remnants of these structures can be explored, providing a glimpse into the island's past.

Visitors to Fire Island National Seashore can engage in a variety of activities. The pristine beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Hiking and birdwatching are popular inland activities, with several nature trails winding through the diverse landscapes of the seashore. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are also enjoyed in the surrounding waters, providing a chance to explore the island from a different perspective.

The wildlife at Fire Island National Seashore is diverse and unique. This protected area provides habitat for a variety of birds, including piping plovers, ospreys, and migrating shorebirds. It is also home to the globally rare Atlantic maritime forest, which features a diverse array of plant species and provides essential nesting and feeding grounds for wildlife.

Fire Island Lighthouse, located within the seashore, is a prominent attraction that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Built in 1826, this historic landmark served as a crucial navigational aid for ships entering New York Harbor. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating history.

In addition to the national seashore, the Fire Island area offers other attractions worth exploring. The lively communities of Ocean Beach and Cherry Grove provide charming villages with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Cherry Grove, in particular, is known as a LGBTQ+ friendly destination and features a vibrant nightlife.

Overall, Fire Island National Seashore provides visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of this barrier island off the coast of New York. Whether it's enjoying the pristine beaches, exploring the island's diverse landscapes, or delving into its fascinating past, Fire Island National Seashore offers something for everyone.

Fire Island National Seashore is situated off the southern coast of Long Island, New York, encompassing a stunning stretch of pristine beaches, dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. This national seashore is a geographical gem, spanning 26 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and offering a natural haven just a short distance from the bustling city of New York. Located within Suffolk County, Fire Island National Seashore consists of Fire Island and parts of the smaller nearby islands, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems found within this coastal region. With panoramic views of the ocean, serene saltwater marshes, and abundant wildlife, this stunning location serves as a tranquil escape from the nearby urban landscape.

Address & Contact

120 Laurel Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
Driving Directions
Phone: 631-515-5557
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Fire Island National Seashore would be during the months of May, June, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 64°F to 74°F. Additionally, they have relatively lower average monthly precipitation, ranging from 3.5 in. to 3.8 in. This time frame allows visitors to enjoy the seashore while avoiding larger crowds compared to the peak summer months.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Fire Island National Seashore are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Camping Backcountry Camping Boating Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Swimming Gathering and Foraging

Topics

Learn about these topics at Fire Island National Seashore: Animals Birds Night Sky Unique Species Wilderness Forests and Woodlands Wetlands Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Civil War Marshes Migrations Endangered Dunes Maritime Oceans Ships and Shipwrecks Lighthouses LGB American Heritage

Visitor Centers

William Floyd Estate

The William Floyd Estate, which was authorized as an addition to Fire Island National Seashore in 1965, is located on the mainland of Long Island in Mastic Beach. Visitors can explore the Estate grounds, trails, outbuildings and a cemetery. The Old Mastic House is typically open for tours May-September.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: William Floyd Estate.

Campsites within or near Fire Island National Seashore

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, camping on Fire Island within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness can be a memorable experience. This wilderness 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.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Wilderness Camping Permit Fee)
Total Campsites: 36
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Watch Hill Family Campground

The family campground at Watch Hill provides a camping experience like no other.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 28
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The campground is operated by concessioner LoveFINS.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 28
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Fire Island National Seashore

Radisson Hotel Hauppauge-Long Island

With a stay at Radisson Hotel Hauppauge-Long Island in Hauppauge, you'll be near the airport, just steps from Hauppauge Industrial Park and a 5-minute drive from Brentwood State Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Hauppauge? This hotel has facilities measuring 6,356 square feet (590 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 110 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy, Hauppauge, New York 11788
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Long Island / Commack

Located in Commack, Hampton Inn Long Island / Commack is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Hauppauge Industrial Park and Brentwood State Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Commack? This hotel has 504 square feet (47 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request), and a train station pick-up service is also provided at no charge.
Address: 680 Commack Road, Commack, New York 11725
Web: Link

Hilton Garden Inn Stony Brook

Located in Stony Brook, Hilton Garden Inn Stony Brook is just steps from Stony Brook University and a 5-minute drive from Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Stony Brook? This hotel has facilities measuring 3980 square feet (370 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Circle Road, Stony Brook, New York 11794
Web: Link

Newly Renovated Beach House Vineyards Farms Hampton's

When you stay at Newly Renovated Beach House Vineyards Farms Hampton's in Wading River, you'll be on the beach and within a 5-minute drive of Wading River Landing. Featured amenities include a library and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 212 Creek Rd, Wading River, New York 11792
Web: Link

Cottage on the Beach. Wineries, North Fork & the Hamptons

When you stay at Cottage on the Beach. Wineries, North Fork & the Hamptons in Wading River, you'll be on the beach and within a 5-minute drive of Wading River Landing. Featured amenities include a library and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4 Oak Street, Wading River, New York 11792
Web: Link

Very Large Luxury Beach House Amazing Views North Fork Hamptons

When you stay at Very Large Luxury Beach House Amazing Views North Fork Hamptons in Wading River, you'll be on the beach and within a 5-minute drive of Wading River Landing. Featured amenities include a library and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 70 Creek Road, Wading River, New York 11792
Web: Link

Diana Beach House in Heart of North Fork Hamptons

When you stay at Diana Beach House in Heart of North Fork Hamptons in Wading River, you'll be on the beach and within a 5-minute drive of Wading River Landing. Featured amenities include a library and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 148 creek rd, Wading River, New York 11792
Web: Link

Beautiful Waterfront Colonial

When you stay at this vacation home in Wading River, you'll be on the beach and within a 5-minute drive of Wading River Landing. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 152 creek rd, Wading River, New York 11792
Web: Link

Home2 Suites by Hilton Long Island Brookhaven, NY

When you stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Long Island Brookhaven, NY in Yaphank, you'll be by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Baseball Heaven and Carmans River. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Yaphank? This aparthotel has facilities measuring 1368 square feet (127 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 101 BOULEVARD EAST, Yaphank, New York 11980
Web: Link

Deer Park Motor Inn

With a stay at Deer Park Motor Inn in Deer Park, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Tanger Outlets and Belmont Lake State Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 354 Commack Rd, Deer Park, New York 11729
Web: Link