Backcountry Camping in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness

Overview:

Under the stars, near the sound of the surf, waking to a chorus of song birds, camping on Fire Island within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness can be a memorable experience. This wilderness camping experience is available by permit only. Two backcountry camping zones are available within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, the eastern and western zones. From March 15 to Labor Day (when seasonal driving restrictions are implemented), backcountry campsites may be selected on the beach in front of the eastern zone or western zone, in areas where there are no restrictions or closures (e.g., for the protection of nesting shorebirds or other protected species, or where beach conditions are not suitable). When seasonal driving restrictions are not in place, from early September through mid-March, campers must select campsites behind the dunes in wilderness within either the eastern or western zone. At least one member of each camping party must be 21 years of age or older in order to obtain a backcountry camping permit. There is a 3-night limit of stay for wilderness camping. Access to wilderness/backcountry camping is through the western gateway to wilderness, Watch Hill . Eastern Zone: Maximum number of permitted campers is 12 per night with a maximum number of four campers allowed in each site. Access to the Eastern Zone is on foot from Watch Hill, a 4 to 5.5 miles walk. Western Zone: Maximum number of permitted campers is 24 per night with a maximum number of eight campers allowed in each site.