Details
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
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 campground includes 20 sand tent sites and 8 safari tent ("glamping") sites. Transportation to the campground is by private boat or the Watch Hill Ferry, which leaves from Patchogue, NY. Sites are available typically from mid-May weekend to mid-October. The campground is operated by concessioner LoveFINS.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
The campground at Watch Hill is opened seasonally. Camping is typically available from at mid-May to mid-October.
Weather
Spring along the coast can be cool and windy. Summers on Fire Island are typically warm and humid. Annual precipitation averages 38.9" with the distribution being relatively consistent throughout the year. Be sure to check the forecast before your trip and prepare for your trip to Fire Island by bringing water and sun protection, and packing layers. Please note that ferry schedules may change and some programs may be canceled or postponed in poor weather conditions.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Showers
Cell Phone Reception
Camp Store
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Ice For Sale
Directions
Campers should plan to take a passenger ferry from Patchogue, New York, or a private boat to Watch Hill. The Watch Hill Campground is accessible by foot from the marina and main pavilion at Watch Hill. From the ferry dock, walk south past the visitor center and marina and turn left at the end of the boardwalk, continuing east past the ranger station and maintenance building. Continue east until reaching the dune station and bathroom pavilion area and turn left. Total distance: 0.3 miles.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Open fires are not permitted due to risk for brushfires. Campers are permitted to bring a camping stove or grill that does not use an open flame. Charcoal grills are also available.Regulations Overview
See the LoveFINS' site for full list of regulations.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
Access is provided by boardwalk. Campers at the ADA campsite have easy access to bathrooms and other facilities, as well as large portions of the salt marsh nature trail.
Cell Phone Information
While the cellular signal is usually strong at Watch Hill, visitors should be prepared for occasionally spotty service.
RV Allowed
No
RV Information
There is no access for vehicles to these campgrounds.
RV Maximum Length
0
Additional Information
Tent sites include picnic tables and grills. All sites have little shade and are situated on sand. Campers must transport all supplies and camping gear about a third of a mile from the marina. Campers should check in at the general store.
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
One ADA campsite is available for reservation. It features a boardwalk deck for camping which is connected to the main boardwalk access. A table, grill and other campsite amenities are available as well. Tent tie-down points are built into the deck.
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
No Roads
Classifications
Limited Development Campground
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