Fire Island National Seashore Map

Description:
This map shows towns, villages, main roads, secondary roads, trails, parking lots, marinas, swim areas, food services, picnic areas, and campgrounds in Fire Island National Seashore.

About Fire Island National Seashore

Located off the southern shore of Long Island, New York, Fire Island National Seashore encompasses 26 miles of the 32-mile-long barrier island. Established by Congress in 1964, this protected area serves as a vital barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island's mainland, helping to shield coastal communities from storms and erosion.

The seashore features diverse ecosystems, including maritime forests, dunes, and salt marshes. One of its most distinctive natural landmarks is the Sunken Forest, a rare 300-year-old maritime holly forest that grows protected behind the dunes. The area is also home to several endangered and threatened species, including the piping plover and seabeach amaranth. The island's unique geological formation continues to evolve through natural processes of erosion and accretion, making it a living laboratory for coastal dynamics.

Notable historic sites within the seashore include the Fire Island Lighthouse, constructed in 1858, which stands 168 feet tall and remains an active aid to navigation. The lighthouse complex includes a keeper's quarters and a modern visitor center. Another significant landmark is the William Floyd Estate, a 25-room house that belonged to one of New York's signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The seashore provides numerous recreational opportunities throughout its various managed areas. Visitors can engage in swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking. The island's vehicle-free environment in many sections promotes a unique atmosphere where visitors must travel by foot or boat. The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, designated in 1981, represents New York State's only federally designated wilderness area and offers pristine coastal experiences for adventurous hikers.

The National Seashore is accessible via ferry services from three mainland terminals: Bay Shore, Sayville, and Patchogue. Several small communities exist within the seashore's boundaries, including Ocean Beach, Cherry Grove, and the Fire Island Pines, each maintaining its distinct character while adhering to National Park Service regulations.