Fire Island National Seashore is a national seashore run by the National Park Service in New York.
In the park service’s words
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.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
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 to Smith Point and allows access to Fire Island's Wilderness for hikers, photographers, birders, campers, anglers, hunters, and others.
- Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike Wilderness (1 to 4 Days): 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tour the Tower!: Climb Long Island's tallest lighthouse.
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. 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.
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Booking | From | RVs | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness | 36 | Both | $25 | No | none listed |
| Watch Hill Campground | 28 | Reservable | n/a | No | showers, water, cell signal |
Lodging
- The Bayberry Dunes Beach View House: Tucked away just south of the Watch Hill marina and a short walk from the community Davis Park, the Bayberry Dunes House offers guests interested in lodging a secluded Fire Island retreat.
- Watch Hill Bayview House: Tucked away just south of the Watch Hill marina and a short walk from the community Davis Park, the Watch Hill Bayview House offers guests interested in lodging a secluded Fire Island retreat.
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 Avenue. 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.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) | Islip, NY | No road route | 9 | Regional |
| Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) | New Haven, CT | No road route | 40 | Regional |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) | New York, NY | No road route | 41 | Large hub |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
- Fire Island Lighthouse: Daily, 10:00AM - 4:00PM. The Fire Island Lighthouse is open daily 10 AM - 4 PM. The last tower tour is at 3:30 PM.
- Wilderness Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. 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.
- Watch Hill Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 11:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 11:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 11:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 11:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 11:00AM - 4:00PM. The Watch Hill Visitor Center is open five days a week (Wednesday-Sunday) during the summer season from July 1st through Labor Day from shortly after the first ferry arrives to approximately 4:00 PM. Before July 1st 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. The visitor center is open on federal holidays during the summer season.
- Sailors Haven Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 10:00AM - 3:30PM; Thu 10:00AM - 3:30PM; Fri 10:00AM - 3:30PM; Sat 10:00AM - 3:30PM; Sun 10:00AM - 3:30PM. Sailors Haven Visitor Center is open five days a week (Wednesday-Sunday) from July 1st 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.
- William Floyd Estate: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. The William Floyd Estate grounds are open from April 1 through November 30. The Old Mastic House is open seasonally from May through September, Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Check the Calendar of Events for information on special winter programs on the grounds of the Estate.
Weather
Spring: Temperatures may range from high 30s to low 50s (F). Rain and sun are equally common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 65 F to 90 F. Fall: Temperatures from 70 F in early autumn to 40 F later in the season may be expected. Winter: Temperatures in the 30s (F) are common, with below freezing temperatures possible.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 322 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Fire Island National Seashore?
No entrance fee.
Where is Fire Island National Seashore?
In New York. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Long Island MacArthur Airport, about 9 miles away.
Can you camp at Fire Island National Seashore?
Yes, at 2 campgrounds the park service lists.
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