Fire Island National Seashore offers limited but distinctive tent camping options accessible primarily by ferry. Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides established tent sites situated between the dunes and bay, with a convenient location approximately half a mile from the ferry dock. The campground features boardwalk access and designated sites, some more private than others, while backcountry camping permits allow for more secluded tent camping experiences along the eastern beach areas.
Tent campers should prepare for specific conditions at Fire Island. The sites have no fire pits, though charcoal cooking on provided grills is permitted. Campers must bring all necessary supplies as amenities are limited, though the Watch Hill location does offer running water, showers, and toilets. Mosquitoes and horseflies are notably abundant during summer months, requiring effective insect repellent with DEET. Reservations are highly recommended during the season between March 15 and Labor Day, with a two-night minimum requirement on weekends at Watch Hill.
Backcountry tent camping provides the most immersive beach experience at Fire Island. After check-in, campers can walk east along the beach until reaching designated areas marked by tent symbols, allowing for significant spacing between campsites and greater privacy among the dunes. This option offers a more secluded experience with natural surroundings and ocean sounds. A review noted, "It felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves because there was no one else even close to around us." The tent sites offer a unique combination of natural isolation with the convenience of being accessible via public transportation from New York City, making them popular weekend destinations for tent campers seeking beach proximity.
"Fire Island National Seashore! Take the ferry over across the bay to this quiet little gem on Long Island. Amazing, your own ocean and beach!"
"You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it."
from $25 / night
"I have lived 6 miles from this campground for the last 20 years and never knew they had tent sites. The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids."
"They have shower and restroom facilities , the showers were amazing and also so clean ! I had such a great stay and this is deffinatly one of my top favorite campgrounds."
from $5 - $60 / night
from $10 - $35 / night
TravelerThe campsites were big had no trouble finding it. One of the ranges escorted us to the site. The staff was very nice. The bathrooms were immaculate. I saw it being cleaned twice in 24 hours. It was a little partying going on till about 1 AM, but it wasn’t too bothersome.
TravelerOverall a superb spot to either stay put and enjoy the camp, park and beach or to use as a base to explore the region. Huge campground, yet peaceful. Online map would make it seem spaces are tight but it is a very big area and so ample room to stretch out your space. Not a lot of privacy as most spaces are out in the open or light tree area but it is not an invasive feeling situation. Very popular for CT families with biking, walking and the beautiful beach right here. Lots of grass, level sites. A few sites have electric but not many and this seems to be the big rig area. Most people are tent or small camper setups. Bathrooms clean, hot water reasonable temp. Dish washing stations at each restroom. Movies at night (kids). The state park is really pretty and well maintained. The area towns are very pretty and remarkably quiet in general (not many tourist traps) and its easy to access various shoreline parks, drives, viewpoints. I'd avoid the spots very nearest the park road as it does get a lot of day visitors to the park/beach. I'm here late August and schools go back this week so midweek the campground is less than half full but I believe it will fill for the weekend.
TravelerFamilies are all around. Place is clean. Several play areas for children. Office upon 24/7. Also they added an Activity Room for kids. Beach accessible and great views.
TravelerTo start, Andrew was phenomenal. I arrived at 6:40 PM and he was able to hook us up with the last campground and was so patient and friendly when answering our questions. Overall staff was great, I saw someone picking up trash after campers checked out. Bathrooms are clean, 1 mile walk from campgrounds to beach area. Very spider and tick heavy if you don’t stay on the walking trail. Campers were very respectful and friendly, overall an amazing first time camping trip. Paid about $32 for a night. Drinking water on site.
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
TravelerCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
ScoutMy wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)
ScoutAbsolute worst Camp Hosts. They cancel every event they schedule while receiving free beach camping all summer. They’re an embarassment and a constant disappointment for young children. Shame on you and shame on Hammonasset.
GuideI've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles. I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult.
That aside, this is a very nice campground with various kinds of sites. You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded. This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform. There is a separate area for RVs vs tents. There is also a store where you can get a cup of coffee in the morning and lots of goodies throughout the day.
There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk.
There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby. I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind.
Lovely campground with lots of activities to entertain you.
Fire Island National Seashore sits on a barrier island off the southern shore of Long Island, with camping areas positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay. The narrow island stretches approximately 32 miles long but averages only a quarter-mile wide, creating a distinctive camping environment where ocean sounds are nearly always audible. Both established and backcountry camping options require ferry transportation, with no road access connecting to mainland Long Island.
Beach exploration: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides direct access to miles of undeveloped Atlantic Ocean shoreline. "Amazing, your own ocean and beach! You are not quite roughing it as there are showers and running water at the Watchhill campground," notes Megan B.
Morning birdwatching: The area between the dunes and bay attracts diverse bird species, especially during migration seasons. "Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves" is highlighted by Igor K. as part of what makes Watch Hill a "favorite place ever."
Stargazing: Clear nights offer exceptional stargazing opportunities away from urban light pollution. One camper describes the experience as a chance to "stargaze over the clear ocean" while falling asleep to "the waves crashing."
Secluded beach access: The backcountry camping areas allow for significant privacy once you've hiked in. "After that you can choose where you want to set up camp. There are many spots along the dunes and allows to really space out from other campers," explains Emily S. about Fire Island National Seashore backcountry camping.
Ferry transportation: The boat journey adds to the destination's appeal and helps maintain the island's undeveloped character. Pedro R. notes it's "only about 20 min drive and 30 min ferry trip" to reach Watch Hill from nearby communities.
Getting away from crowds: Even during peak summer season, camping provides relative isolation. "Fire Island is a great spot in the summer, but can be busy. Camping gets you away from the bustle," shares Jill F., highlighting the contrast between the developed communities and camping areas.
Insect preparation: Beyond basic repellent, consider additional protection measures for summer months. "Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!!! We spent a lot of time inside our tent, needless to say," warns Rosie R. about Battle Row Campground.
Shower facilities: The campground showers are basic and may lack privacy or consistent hot water. Pedro R. mentions "no hot showers as it was a beach bathroom shower. It was a little cooler so showering was not that great also showers are not covered no curtains."
Walking distances: From ferry to campsite and between facilities requires planning. "It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection," notes Jill F. about the Watch Hill area.
Fire restrictions: Standard campfires are prohibited in most camping areas. "The only disappointments were that there are no campfires allowed and no dogs, but it's very understandable why," explains Nora S., adding that these rules help preserve the protected status of the area.
Ranger programs: Schedule activities around National Park Service educational opportunities. Inocencia O. mentions "there are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids" at Webb Mountain Park.
Consider nearby alternatives: For families seeking more amenities, mainland options provide easier access. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," notes katrina M. about Battle Row Campground on Long Island.
Timing considerations: Early season or post-Labor Day visits offer reduced crowds and insects. "We went the weekend after labor day," mentions Emily S., noting "it felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves because there was no one else even close to around us."
Limited RV options: True tent camping dominates Fire Island, with few RV accommodations. "There are lots of RVs but not close to tent sites," explains katrina M. about the Battle Row Campground, which provides a mainland alternative with "electric and water" hookups.
Site size considerations: The few RV-accessible sites nearby have specific limitations. "The sites all have a table and raised BBQ 'pit' for cooking only," notes katrina M., adding that the sites are "very big" but "you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fire Island National Seashore?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fire Island National Seashore is Watch Hill Fire Island Campground — Fire Island National Seashore with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fire Island National Seashore?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Fire Island National Seashore, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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