Fire Island National Seashore - Wilderness Visitor Center (U.S. National Park Service)

Aerial view of Wilderness Visitor Center, with Smith Point County Park parking lot in background.

The Wilderness Visitor Center, on the beach at the southern end of the William Floyd Parkway, is one of the Fire Island National Seashore facilities accessible by car. Parking is available at Smith Point County Park.

The Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center is located at the southernmost end of William Floyd Parkway, adjacent to Smith Point County Park. This is Fire Island National Seashore's eastern gateway to the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, the only federally designated wilderness area in New York State.

The Fire Island Wilderness is accessible year round by car. Parking is available at Smith Point County Park, where a fee is charged in season. (Special arrangements must be made for overnight parking while backcountry camping.) The Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center includes a ranger contact station, second floor viewing area and exhibit space, ranger-led interpretive programs, a self-guided nature trail. Rangers issue permits for backcountry camping, and for recreational driving and waterfowl hunting in season.

At the Wilderness Visitor Center, you may pick up park brochures or a Junior Ranger Activity booklet, and watch the Fire Island National Seashore orientation film. Stop by the Touch Table to discover some of the seashells and other ocean life that have washed ashore. During the summer, meet the latest inhabitants of the aquarium.

Learn more about the wilderness, the dynamic barrier island, the trees and wildflowers of the dunes and swales, the birds and wildlife that you may see on your walk down the beach or through the Fire Island Wilderness.

At the Eastern National sales outlet, you may purchase books about the history of Fire Island, field guides to the native plants and animals, and interesting items for kids of all ages. Other items can help you better understand and appreciate the value of wilderness.

During the summer, you may participate in one of the ranger-conducted programs. Seaside Stories and Crafts has been a favorite program for children.

Things To Do:

Interpretive Programs/Guided Tours

Education Programs

Sunbathing/Swimming (No Lifeguards; lifeguards are available seasonally at Smith Point County Park beach.)

Beachcombing

Hiking

Saltwater Fishing

Surfing (No Lifeguards)

Wildlife Viewing

Wilderness Camping

Waterfowl Hunting in season

How To Get There

Important Phone Numbers:
Wilderness Visitor Center:
631-281-3010