Last updated: October 16, 2024
Thing to Do
Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike Wilderness
NPS
The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness offers a wilderness experience like no other. It is the only federally designated wilderness in the State of New York, and it is just a short trip from New York City.
The wilderness extends about seven miles from the Wilderness Visitor Center, adjacent to Smith Point County Park, to Watch Hill. Though it is one of the smallest wilderness areas managed by the National Park Service, the Fire Island wilderness offers big adventures.
Backcountry camping is available by reservation for overnight stays in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness area. Campers are required to obtain a permit through recreation.gov before arriving on Fire Island. Late fall through early spring are the best times to camp to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Campers are required to camp in one of two designated areas. The eastern zone begins west of Old Inlet and ends 1000 feet east of Bellport Beach. The western zone starts 1000 feet west of Bellport Beach and ends at Long Cove, which is about one mile east of Watch Hill.
Plan your visit so you can make the most of your wilderness experience. You're likely to encounter dense thickets of catbrier and poison ivy. In warmer weather, vast numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes and ticks. Wear light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to help you detect ticks and protect against the sun. In winter, bring plenty of warm layers. Always be aware of changing weather conditions, tide and ocean conditions and rip currents. For your safety, never swim alone.
For more information, see the Backcountry Camping page, call the Wilderness Visitor Center at 631-281-3010, or e-mail fiis_information@nps.gov.
The wilderness extends about seven miles from the Wilderness Visitor Center, adjacent to Smith Point County Park, to Watch Hill. Though it is one of the smallest wilderness areas managed by the National Park Service, the Fire Island wilderness offers big adventures.
Backcountry camping is available by reservation for overnight stays in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness area. Campers are required to obtain a permit through recreation.gov before arriving on Fire Island. Late fall through early spring are the best times to camp to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Campers are required to camp in one of two designated areas. The eastern zone begins west of Old Inlet and ends 1000 feet east of Bellport Beach. The western zone starts 1000 feet west of Bellport Beach and ends at Long Cove, which is about one mile east of Watch Hill.
Plan your visit so you can make the most of your wilderness experience. You're likely to encounter dense thickets of catbrier and poison ivy. In warmer weather, vast numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes and ticks. Wear light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to help you detect ticks and protect against the sun. In winter, bring plenty of warm layers. Always be aware of changing weather conditions, tide and ocean conditions and rip currents. For your safety, never swim alone.
For more information, see the Backcountry Camping page, call the Wilderness Visitor Center at 631-281-3010, or e-mail fiis_information@nps.gov.
Details
Duration
1-4 Days
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is the best way to experience New York States only federally designated wilderness. Backcountry camping is available by reservation for overnight stays in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness area. Campers are required to obtain a permit through recreation.gov before arriving on Fire Island.
Late fall through early spring are the best times to camp to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Foot access to the backcountry camping area is currently limited due to the breach at Old Inlet. Campers should plan to take a ferry from Patchogue to Watch Hill or Davis Park, or otherwise access the backcountry camping zone by kayak, sailboat or canoe.
Plan your visit so you can make the most of your wilderness experience. You're likely to encounter dense thickets of catbrier and poison ivy. In warmer weather, vast numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes and ticks. Wear light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to help you detect ticks and protect against the sun. In winter, bring plenty of warm layers. Always be aware of changing weather conditions, tide and ocean conditions and rip currents. For your safety, never swim alone.
For more information call the Wilderness Visitor Center: 631-281-3010
or email fiis_information@nps.gov
Late fall through early spring are the best times to camp to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Foot access to the backcountry camping area is currently limited due to the breach at Old Inlet. Campers should plan to take a ferry from Patchogue to Watch Hill or Davis Park, or otherwise access the backcountry camping zone by kayak, sailboat or canoe.
Plan your visit so you can make the most of your wilderness experience. You're likely to encounter dense thickets of catbrier and poison ivy. In warmer weather, vast numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes and ticks. Wear light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to help you detect ticks and protect against the sun. In winter, bring plenty of warm layers. Always be aware of changing weather conditions, tide and ocean conditions and rip currents. For your safety, never swim alone.
For more information call the Wilderness Visitor Center: 631-281-3010
or email fiis_information@nps.gov
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are restricted on ocean beaches from March 15 until Labor Day to protect nesting shorebirds.
Activity Fee
Yes
Permits for backcountry camping cost $25 and must be acquired in advance on Recreation.gov.
Location
Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness Western Zone Camping
The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness is a seven-mile long stretch of barrier beach west of Watch Hill and east of Smith Point County Park. Campers are required to camp in one of two designated areas. The eastern zone begins west of Old Inlet and ends 1000 feet east of Bellport Beach. The western zone starts 1000 feet west of Bellport Beach and ends at Long Cove, which is about one mile east of Watch Hill.
Accessibility Information
Backcountry camping on Fire Island can be physically strenuous. Backcountry camping sites are only accessible by beach and interior wilderness trails or by water via kayak, canoe or sailboat. Beach and trails may vary in condition from day to day but campers should plan for an extended hike to access camping areas. There are no bathrooms or other facilities within the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness camping zones. Campers will need to bring food and water, and should come prepared harsh sunlight and changing weather conditions. Campers should also be prepared to encounter ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy.