Camping near Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island National Seashore features several established campgrounds with beach access and ocean views. Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers tent and cabin camping within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean. Smith Point County Park provides RV-friendly campsites with electric hookups and water access. The narrow barrier island setting creates a unique camping experience with both bay and ocean views at many locations. Additional options include Heckscher State Park Campground, Blydenburgh County Park, and Southaven County Park, which together provide a mix of accommodation types from tent sites to cabins.
Access to campgrounds on Fire Island generally requires ferry transportation, with limited vehicle access. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer months when demand is highest. Most campgrounds are open seasonally, with Smith Point and several county parks operating year-round. "Take the ferry over across the bay to this quiet little gem on Long Island. Amazing, your own ocean and beach! You are not quite roughing it as there are showers and running water at the Watchhill campground," notes one visitor. Bug protection is essential as multiple reviewers mention significant mosquito activity, especially during summer months. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this coastal environment, with ocean breezes providing relief from heat but potentially creating challenging camping conditions.
The oceanfront camping experience represents the main draw for most visitors. Campgrounds situated directly on or near the beach provide easy access to swimming, fishing, and beach activities. Several campers highlight the unique experience of falling asleep to the sound of waves. "Being on the beach and camping in October is just awesome. The bugs are gone, the days are warm and the nights are chilly," shared one camper at Smith's Point. Sites with ocean views tend to fill quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays. Facilities vary considerably between locations, with some offering full hookups and amenities like hot showers while others provide more primitive experiences. Wildlife encounters, particularly deer, are commonly mentioned in user reviews. Many campgrounds maintain a balance between natural beach environments and convenient amenities, though site privacy can be limited in more developed areas.
