Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike Wilderness

The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness offers a wilderness experience like no other. It is the only federally designated wilderness in the State of New York, and it is just a short trip from New York City. The wilderness extends about seven miles from the Wilderness Visitor Center, adjacent to Smith Point County Park, to Watch Hill. Though it is one of the smallest wilderness areas managed by the National Park Service, the Fire Island wilderness offers big adventures. Backcountry camping is available by reservation for overnight stays in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness area. Campers are required to obtain a permit through recreation.gov before arriving on Fire Island. Late fall through early spring are the best times to camp to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Campers are required to camp in one of two designated areas. The eastern zone begins west of Old Inlet and ends 1000 feet east of Bellport Beach. The western zone starts 1000 feet west of Bellport Beach and ends at Long Cove, which is about one mile east of Watch Hill. Plan your visit so you can make the most of your wilderness experience. You're likely to encounter dense thickets of catbrier and poison ivy. In warmer weather, vast numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes and ticks. Wear light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to help you detect ticks and protect against the sun. In winter, bring plenty of warm layers. Always be aware of changing weather conditions, tide and ocean conditions and rip currents. For your safety, never swim alone. For more information, see the Backcountry Camping page, call the Wilderness Visitor Center at 631-281-3010, or e-mail fiis_information@nps.gov.