Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Park Closure Recreational Driving - Beach Entry May Be Closed At High Tide

The Wilderness beach entry (west of Smith Point County Park) may be closed two hours before and after high tide due to a small section of diminished beach west of the Wilderness Visitor Center. Drivers must obey all closure signage and stay a minimum 20 feet from the toe of the dune while driving. Call the Wilderness Visitor Center at 631-997-7832 Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for current conditions. Check tides before your outing at the link below.

Read the full alert

Park Closure 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.

Read the full alert

Information 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.

Weather Small Craft Advisory issued November 8 at 2:02PM EST until November 9 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Upton NY

* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and seas

1 to 3 feet.

* WHERE...Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, Peconic and

Gardiners Bays, and South Shore Bays from Jones Inlet through

Shinnecock Bay.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

What to do: Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

Read the full alert · Until Nov 9, 2026, 11:00 PM

Overview

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

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

The Roosevelt connection

T.R. was here

What to see and do

Activities

  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Guided Tours
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Gathering and Foraging
  • Hunting
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Fire Island National Seashore: 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.

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.

Visitor centers

Campgrounds

  • Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness (36 sites) — reserve
  • Watch Hill Campground (28 sites) — reserve

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.

Phone: 631-515-5557

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

A park ranger walks on a boardwalk in a shady, green forest.
The Sunken Forest · NPS Photo
A sandy dune stands above the beach with dune grass and a horseshoe crab carapace in the foreground.
Otis Pike Wilderness · NPS Photo
A white two-story colonial home with green shutters stands on a lawn with blue sky and white clouds.
William Floyd Estate · NPS Photo
A small white and gray shorebird with orange bill and legs runs on the sand.
Piping Plover · NPS Photo
Waves crash on a sandy beach as the sun sets on a cloud-strewn sky.
Beach Sunset · NPS Photo
Boats docked in a marina with wood-sided buildings surrounding.
Watch Hill Marina · NPS Photo

Pair it with