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National park system unit in New York, United States
Photo: US National Park Service, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Fire Island National Seashore is a United States national seashore in the state of New York. Most of the Fire Island NS is on Fire Island with one section in the hamlet of Mastic Beach in the Town of Brookhaven on Long Island. Fire Island is a barrier island protecting Great South Bay and a portion of Long Island to its north.
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This off-island attraction is the plantation of a Revolutionary War General and Declaration of Independence signer. The estate includes 12 outbuildings and a cemetery. Family artifacts are displayed throughout the house.
This active navigational aid offers great views of the surroundings and the Manhattan skyline. Grounds include an easy-going nature trail loop. The lighthouse and its programs are run by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. A lighthouse built in 1826, now on the National Register of Historic Places
A 1.5-mile boardwalk provides a walkway through the famous Sunken Forest, a shady old-growth forest with hollies up to 200 years old, sassafras, and other hardwoods. The trees rarely grow above about 30 feet in height as they are constantly pruned back by the salty wind blowing over the tops of the dunes. The area has a snack bar/convenience store/gift shop, a picnic area with grills, restrooms and showers. A nice beach with lifeguards (in summer). Ranger-led interpretive programs are conducted throughout the summer months and by reservation for schools and other organized groups.
Electricity, water and a free boat pump-out station. Can accommodate boats with a draft to 4 feet and a 10-foot beam. A few slips can handle up to 14-foot wide vessels. Most slips have electric and water (extra fee charged). There is a 14-day limit on each stay. No reservations.
At the western edge of the Otis Pike Wilderness Area (Watch Hill Ferry). A beautiful beach (with lifeguards in summer) is a short walk from the ferries and marina. A self-guided nature trail explores the area. There is a small convenience store, pay phones, restrooms, and bathhouse.
Can accommodate boats with a draft to 5 feet and a 10 to 13-foot beam. A few slips can handle up to 20-foot wide vessels. Most slips have electric and water (extra fee charged). There is a 14-day limit on each stay. Limited reservations will be accepted by phone on the day of arrival, after 8:30AM.
Year-round parking at Smith Point County Park (fee). This gateway to the only Federally-designated wilderness in New York state has a ranger contact station, second floor viewing area and exhibit space, ranger-led interpretive programs, and a self-guided nature trail. Rangers issue permits for backcountry camping, and for recreational driving and waterfowl hunting in season.
Area is located near the center of Fire Island. It is across the Great South Bay from Bayport. It is only accessible by private boat and foot, and by charter ferry service from Patchogue. This is one of the narrowest parts of the island where you can walk from the bay to the ocean in five minutes. There is a dock for boaters to load and unload only, a boardwalk trail leading across the island to the ocean beach, restrooms, and a picnic area.
Home of William "Tangier" Smith, first Chief Justice of New York State, museum and Revolutionary War site.
Mid-May to mid-October. 36 tent sites and one group campsite which can accommodate up to 40 people are available. Accessible by private boat or ferry, Watch Hill is located directly across the Great South Bay from Patchogue, and the campground is a 1/4-mile walk from the ferry dock. Campground is within walking distance of the visitor center, marina, general store, an ocean beach, bathhouses, nature trails, and wilderness area. Fee is charged.
Backcountry camping (backpacking) is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Permit is required and can be obtained from 9AM-4PM at the Watch Hill Visitor Center, Phone: +1 631-597-6455 (Mid-May to mid-October); or Wilderness Visitor Center, Phone: +1 631-281-3010; (mid-May through December) when staffed. Camping is limited to no more than three groups of 4 in the eastern section and six groups of 4 in the western section. Campers must hike at least 1½ miles into the wilderness from the Wilderness Visitor Center at Smith Point or 1 mile from the Watch Hill Ranger Station. Bring drinking water & all necessary supplies, and carry out all garbage.
By ferry
Most people get onto Fire Island by boat. Ferries to Fire Island are passenger ferries only. Ferries operate on a full schedule during July and August, with fewer ferries in spring and fall.
By car
By bus
By plane
By train
By boat
Many Fire Island sites can be reached by private boat from the Great South Bay, with marinas at Watch Hill, Sailors Haven and some island communities.
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