A current valid permit is required for every vehicle driven on Fire Island beaches. Each Fire Island National Seashore permit has its own stipulations and requirements. Smith Point County Park and Robert Moses State Park have separate recreational use permits.

Recreational vehicles are permitted to drive at certain times on designated portions of Fire Island National Seashore as a means of access for fishing or hunting. With a Sportsman's Vehicle Permit, you may drive on the beach along the Atlantic Ocean on the south shore of Fire Island, west of the Wilderness Visitor Center and east of Long Cove, between the water's edge and 20 feet seaward of the beach grass.  Vehicles may not cross dunes, damage vegetation, or enter the designated wilderness area.

The beach may be closed to all driving during high tides, when vehicles will not be able to safely travel at least 20 feet from the base of the dunes.

Permits for recreational driving may be purchased at the Otis Pike Wilderness Visitor Center on or after September 1, for use between September 15 and December 31. However, the beach may be closed to driving at any time due to high water or other adverse conditions on the beach. In 2005, no recreational driving permits were issued due to an overwash near Old Inlet.

Current rates for a Sportsman's Vehicle Permit are $50/year (check or money order only, made payable to "National Park Service"). You must possess a valid state drivers license and your properly-equipped four-wheel drive vehicle must have a current state registration. 

When you purchase your permit, you are also required to watch a 5-minute driving orientation video, where you'll be advised of the "rules of the road" and other safety and resource protection messages.