Ticks

Ticks (including deer ticks) can carry the bacteria for Lyme Disease, may be quite tiny, as small as the period at the end of this sentence. They live in the vegetation. Protect yourself from contact with ticks by remaining on the boardwalks or beach. Dress in light-colored clothing and tuck your pants into your socks. Use repellent if desired. Always check your body thoroughly after possible exposure. More information about identifying and protecting yourself against ticks is available at the ranger station.

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is plentiful on Fire Island. Stay on the boardwalk trails and established dune crossings to avoid contact with this three-leafed plant. If you do touch poison ivy, wash with soap and water immediately to help prevent the rash.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is recommended, even on overcast days.

Wildlife

Feeding or harassing wildlife is illegal. It interferes with natural processes and teaches wild animals unsafe behaviors. Keep foods protected from animals. Report any wildlife problems to a Ranger.

In Case of Emergency

Report any emergency to a Ranger or lifeguard. First aid stations are located at the dune station and visitor center.

Campground Rules

Fires

Wood and open ground fires are prohibited. Use only charcoal in grills provided, or you may bring a camp stove. Dispose of coals in proper receptacles.

Cooking Fuels

No flammables, including cooking fuels are allowed on the ferry. Cooking fuels may be purchased at the concession.

Pets

Pets must be leashed and must not disturb other campers.

Sites

Only marked sites may be used and tents may not be pitched in vegetation. Trenching, digging, or leveling sites is prohibited. Sites are not assigned, they are on a first come, first serve basis.

Sanitation

Dispose of all trash containers, wash dishes only at sink stand, and please leave your site clean.

Generators

Generators and other power equipment are prohibited.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 am Loud noise and audio devices are not permitted during quiet hours.

Checkout Times

Please have all your gear off your site by 11 am on the last day of your reservation.

Cancellations

If you have a reservation and cannot arrive by the first day, please call (631) 597-3109. Reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Late Arrivals

Campers who will be arriving late must contact the dockmaster (631) 597-3109 before 4 pm, or their reservation will be forfeited.

No Phone or Fax Reservations

Reservations will not be accepted via telephone or fax. Campsites may be reserved by filling out the Campsite Reservation Form.

Walk-Ins

Depending on site availability, visitors without reservations may be able to obtain a site on a first-come, first-serve basis. Upon arrival at Watch Hill, contact the General Store to determine site availability. We cannot guarantee that walk-ins will obtain a site. If nothing is available at that time, you will be placed on a waiting list. When a site becomes available you will be notified via your cell phone or you can check back at the store at 4:30 pm.

What to Bring

To make your trip safe and enjoyable, please bring the following items:

Wagon or backpack to carry gear from the ferry (the campground is ¼ mile from the ferry dock)
Extra long tent stakes for use in sand
Charcoal or camp stove
Insect repellent and sunscreen
A sturdy animal-proof container for your food
Insect netting

Activities

Visitors can enjoy a variety of self-guided activities, such as hiking (campground is adjacent to Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area), bird watching, using the bay and ocean beaches, and canoeing.

Back to Camping

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