About Fire Island National Seashore
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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Fire Island National Seashore encompasses five National Park Service sites on Fire Island, and headquarters and the William Floyd Estate on Long Island. The Fire Island Lighthouse, the William Floyd Estate and Wilderness Visitor Center are open year-round. Watch Hill and Sailors Haven on Fire Island are open seasonally. Please be sure to check the hours of operations and the exceptions tab for each site you plan to visit.
Activities
Getting There
Fire Island National Seashore Headquarters are located in Patchogue, New York, on Long Island. Fire Island National Seashore Headquarters: Via Long Island Expressway/I-495: Take Exit 61 (Patchogue-Holbrook Road) to Waverly Ave. Head south on Waverly Ave to West Ave. Turn right onto Laurel Street. Via NY-27: Take Exit 52 onto Waverly Ave. Head south on Waverly Ave to West Ave. Turn right onto Laurel Street.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Burma Trail
Burma Trail is a seven-mile-long footpath that spans the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness Area from Watch Hill…
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…
Backcountry camping is the best way to experience New York States only federally designated wilderness. Backcountry camping is available by…
Fishing Fire Island
Fishing on Fire Island is a fun and easy way to experience the park. Learn more about fishing regulations before…
Where can I fish? Though Wilderness Beach is a popular site for surfcasting, fishing is permitted throughout the seashore. Rules…
Boating Fire Island
Fire Island National Seashore is one of the best, and most affordable places to boat around Long Island. Two large…
Boating is a relaxing way to get out on the water and see the seashore from a different perspective. Boaters…
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…
Fire Island is a birding hotspot in New York, especially during spring and fall migration. The diversity of barrier island…
Tour the Tower!
Climb Long Island's tallest lighthouse.
Climb the iconic Lighthouse Tower for a spectacular bird’s eye view of Fire Island. Due to Covid-19 the tower is…
Visitor Centers
Fire Island Lighthouse
The Fire Island Lighthouse is on the western part of Fire Island National Seashore, adjacent to Robert Moses State Park. The Fire Island Lighthouse area…
Hours: The Fire Island Lighthouse is open daily 10 AM - 4 PM. The last tower tour is at 3:30 PM.
Sailors Haven Visitor Center
In addition to a one and a half mile long boardwalk trail through the Sunken Forest, a globally rare maritime holly forest, Sailors Haven also…
Hours: Sailors Haven Visitor Center is typically open on weekends from July Fourth to the end of September and is staffed from shortly after the first ferry arrives to shortly before the last ferry leaves for the day. Ferries run shortened hours mid May - June and the day after Labor Day through Columbus Day. Ferries run on a weather-permitting basis and visitor center hours depend on ferry availability. The visitor center is also open for special tours and programs in the shoulder seasons.
Watch Hill Visitor Center
The Watch Hill area offers a visitor center, family campground, ranger-led interpretive programs (including guided kayak trips), a 175-slip transient marina with water, electric, and…
Hours: The Watch Hill Visitor Center is typically open on weekends from July 4th through Labor Day from shortly after the first ferry arrives to approximately 3:30 PM. Before July 4th and after Labor Day, the visitor center may be open limited hours. All operating hours depend on the ferry schedule and may change due to the weather and other factors.
Wilderness Visitor Center
The Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center includes a ranger contact station, 360-degree view of barrier island, Eastern National sales outlet, and exhibit space. Permits for…
Hours: The Wilderness Visitor Center is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9AM to 4PM. The Visitor Center is closed Monday-Tuesday, with holiday closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Please check alerts under "Current Conditions" for any alterations to the schedule due to staffing levels or weather-related closures.
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…
Hours: The William Floyd Estate grounds are open everyday year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. While the grounds of the William Floyd Estate are open, the Old Mastic House may be closed. Check the Calendar of Events for information on special winter programs on the grounds of the Estate.
Campgrounds
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…
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…
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