You can hike into the Fire Island Wilderness at any time, but it's best to plan your trip for late fall through early spring, to avoid the ticks and mosquitoes that share this habitat. If you plan to camp, you must obtain a backcountry camping permit (number of people per night are limited) and make special arrangements for overnight parking.

The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness contains a variety of barrier island ecosystems in a relatively natural condition. It is the only federally designated wilderness area in the State of New York. At 1,363 acres, it is also one of the smallest wilderness areas managed by the National Park Service. 

You can enter the Fire Island Wilderness from Watch Hill (which is accessible seasonally by ferry or private boat), Old Inlet (accessible by private boat only), or by the Wilderness Visitor Center (located adjacent to Smith Point County Park, accessible year round by car or bus). Privately-owned Bellport Beach splits the wilderness into two zones. (See park map.)

Park rangers issue permits for wilderness camping in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness.

As you hike deeper into the interior of the designated wilderness, you gradually begin to appreciate the sensation of being one with the barrier island. Here, you may truly understand and appreciate the value of wilderness.

Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness is within 60 miles of New York City. This wilderness is so close to millions of urban and suburban populations, yet it provides an opportunity to experience the values of wilderness character. Surrounded and buffered by high dunes and salt marsh, you can actually feel miles away from civilization.

In the wilderness, you can be free to explore, to discover a natural barrier island ecosystem, to savor the solitude. However, you must respect the natural resources and expect to provide for your own safety. You're likely to encounter poison ivy, briars, mosquitoes and ticks. From March 15 through Labor Day, pets are not permitted in the Fire Island Wilderness area or on the beach in front of the wilderness.
   

As seen from the boardwalk to Watch Hill's life-guarded beach, the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness provides a scenic and serene backdrop for the Watch Hill Campground.

Be a Good Steward 
Everyone has a responsibility to leave the island as they found it. Your efforts to leave it better than you found it—by carrying out more than you carried in—are truly appreciated. 

Learn More

The Wilderness Act was signed into law on September 3, 1964. Fire Island National Seashore's Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness was designated on December 23, 1980 (PL 96-585).

•  National Park Service Wilderness
•  Wilderness.net
•  Fire Island National Seashore Wilderness Management Plan (1983)
  

NPS Natural Resource Program Center

Visit "Views of the National Parks: Wilderness"

• Wilderness multimedia education program