Accessible only by ferry from Patchogue, Watch Hill Fire Island Campground sits behind protective dunes on Fire Island's eastern end. The campground requires a half-mile walk from the ferry dock along boardwalks, with campers typically using carts to transport gear across the car-free island.
The established campground features numbered sites with varying levels of privacy. Some sites position campers directly adjacent to neighbors, while others like site 2 offer more separation. All sites include picnic tables and access to restrooms and shower facilities, though reviewers note the beach-style showers lack hot water and privacy curtains. The campground also provides access to backcountry camping permits, allowing visitors to set up along designated areas east of the main camping zone for greater spacing from other campers.
Fire Island's location brings persistent insect activity during warmer months. Multiple visitors emphasize bringing strong insect repellent, with mosquitoes and horseflies creating challenges for outdoor dining and relaxation. Igor K. notes "birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves" as compensation for the bugs.
The beach sits just steps from camping areas, with a restaurant, bar, and shops within a ten-minute walk from sites. Weekend reservations require two-night minimums, and open fires are prohibited though charcoal grilling is permitted. Ferry schedules dictate arrival and departure times, making advance planning essential.
Description
Come enjoy Fire Island National Seashore at its finest. Your camping adventure begins the minute you board the ferry at the Watch Hill ferry terminal (free parking) in Patchogue located diagonally across the street from the west end of the LIRR station. Our campgrounds and glamping platform tents are in a protected area behind the majestic primary dunes and just a short walk to the ocean beach. The setting is one of spectacular barrier island ecology with pristine high dunes intact, something not seen in the other national seashore communities due to their development. The campground borders on its eastern edge 7 miles of the only federally designated wilderness in NYS, the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. Whether you wish to enjoy the beach or the outdoors and the abundant wildlife - including Humpback Whale sightings off the beach - Watch Hill is an unique and rare camping experience that feels like the national park it is. It is great for all ages and a perfect family destination, spring, summer and fall. The facilities include running water, picnic tables, grills, showers, bathrooms and a GFI outlet to charge cell phones. There is a National Park Service ranger station that has a Junior Ranger program, hands on interpretive wildlife displays, guided nature walks on the vast boardwalk trails, and a guided canoe tour through the marshes on the bay side. The campground contains 26 sand sites, a universally accessible site with wood decking and one group campsite for up to 40 campers.
By reserving, you are agreeing to the campground rules, Hold Harmless Clause, Visitor's Acknowledgement of Risks, fees and cancellation policy.https://www.reserveamerica.com/article.do?assetGuid=968a0aac-8786-4efa-96ce-717badd81854
- After check-in at general store, visitors may arrive at campsite at 11 AM and 3 PM for Glamping sites (later than camping because need to clean & change bedding) or earlier if available.
- Campsites allow for either one family unit or five adults with either two 2-person tents or one 5-person tent.
- Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
- Campers reserve a specific campsite and cannot change sites without checking with the General Store first for reassignment if availability. Camping in a site without the appropriate permits is illegal. Only marked sites may be used and tents may not be pitched in vegetation. Trenching, digging, or leveling sites is prohibited.
- Check-in at the General Store between 10AM - 4PM. You will be issued a camping permit and it must be secured to your post at your site. If you do not check in by 4PM your reservation may be forfeited unless you call. If you are going to be late and are still coming, you must contact the General Store at 631-597-6074.
- Check-out by 11AM on the last day of your reservation. To extend your stay, please check with the General Store. Campers who do not remove all gear by 11AM will be charged for another day.
- The campsite permit holder must be 21 years of age to rent a campsite and must be present at all times.
- Open ground fires are prohibited. Use only charcoal in grills provided, or you may bring a camp stove. Dispose of coals in proper receptacles.
- No flammables, including cooking fuels are allowed on the ferry. Cooking fuels may be purchased at the concession. Check with the Davis Park Ferry for more details at 631-475-1665 and you can call the General Store for availability of fuels at 631-597-6074.
- Pets must be leashed and must not disturb other campers. Pets may not allowed on ocean beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day (check with the Watch Hill Visitor Center 631-597-6455). Pets are not permitted in any sanitary facilities including showers. Pets are not to be left unattended at campsites. It is the owners responsibility to remove and dispose of pet's waste. Two pets allowed per campsite.
- Restrictions: Skateboards, bicycles, and scooters are not allowed in the park.
- Sanitation: Dispose of all trash & recyclables in appropriate receptacles, wash dishes only at sink stand, and leave your site clean.
- Generators and other power equipment are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are between 10PM - 6AM. Loud noise and audio devices are not permitted during quiet hours.
- Group Campsite may be reserved online by bona fide not-for-profit organizations only. Given the unique demand for the group site we reserve the right to limit the number and duration of reservations from any particular group in trying to serve as many groups as possible.
- Please read the safety bulletin and what to bring for further information that will help your stay with us be more enjoyable.
- Please read the Laws & Policies advisory of the National Park Service and the Fire Island National Seashore here https://www.nps.gov/fiis/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Three new furnished safari tent glamps will be offered this season in addition to our 4 safari tent glamp sites, . If there is no availability for your dates, check back periodically for the new safari tent updates.
If you have any questions - or need more information - please visit www.loveFINS.com or email us. Thanks!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWatch Hill Fire Island Campground is located in New York near Bayport
Directions
Campers check-in at the General Store up the ramp and to the right as you exit the Watch Hill Ferry at Watch Hill. You have to take a ferry from Patchogue. If the store is closed you can self check-in. The best ferry is the Watch Hill Ferry. Parking is free to all visitors at the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal in Patchogue. It’s located at 150 West Avenue, Patchogue, NY. There can be limited ferry service for the Watch Hill Ferry but it can be supplemented by extensive ferry service with the Davis Park Ferry, 80 Brightwood St, Patchogue. Both ferry terminals are mile walk apart on the mainland and on Fire Island. Watch Hill is a mile east of Davis Point along the nature boardwalk or the ocean beach. Note, there are parking fees at the Davis Park Ferry terminal for non-residents of Town of Brookhaven. However, you can park at the Watch Hill Ferry if you take the Davis Park Ferry just give yourself time to park the car and get to the Davis Ferry Terminal. Both ferry schedules are available at [www.davisparkferry.com](https://www.davisparkferry.com/) BY TRAIN: Take the LIRR train to the Patchogue Station. Walk to the Watch Hill Patchogue Ferry Terminal from the west end of the Patchogue Station. Get a great deal with the MTA Beach Getaway Package. BY CAR: Eastbound I-495 - exit 61, right on Patchogue-Holbrook Rd, continue onto Waverly Ave, 2nd exit roundabout onto Holbrook Rd, continue onto West Ave, terminal on Right. Eastbound Southern State and Sunrise Hwy (27) - Southern State Pkwy to NY-27 E exit 52, make right onto Waverly Ave from service road pick-up above. Westbound Sunrise - Exit 52, turn left on Waverly Ave, pick up above. Westbound I-495 - Exit 63, turn left onto N. Ocean Ave, turn right on W. Main St, turn left on West Ave. Parking is free at the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal.
Address
PO Box 594
Patchogue, NY 11772
Coordinates
40.6913 N
72.9856 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 43 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 59 min from New Haven, CT
- 2 hrs 12 min from Waterbury, CT
