Wilderness Camping, Fire Island National Seashore , New York

Backcountry camping (backpacking) is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness area, but you must be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes and heat if you intend to camp during the summer. Late fall through early spring are the best times to camp to avoid these conditions.

A required permit can be obtained from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Watch Hill Visitor Center (631-597-6455; mid-May to mid-October) or Wilderness Visitor Center (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. Open fires are prohibited; use a backcountry stove for cooking.

Campsites must be north of the primary dune, not in sight of the beach, in a sandy area with no vegetation, and at least one mile inside the wilderness boundary.

There are limited dune crossings from the wilderness to the be