Robert Moses State Park wilderness guide
State Park · NY

Robert Moses State Park

Robert Moses State Park is a prominent Long Island coastal park offering extensive beachfront, diverse recreational facilities, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Fire Island Inlet.

State Park8754+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

875

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Robert Moses State Park

Robert Moses State Park is a prominent Long Island coastal park offering extensive beachfront, diverse recreational facilities, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Fire Island Inlet.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located on the western end of Fire Island in Suffolk County, New York, Robert Moses State Park spans a barrier island separating the Atlantic Ocean from Great South Bay. This park is characterized by its wide sandy beaches, dunes, and salt marshes. Established in 1908 and named after Robert Moses, the influential urban planner, it provides an important recreational outlet for residents and visitors of Long Island and New York City. The park features miles of oceanfront beach, fishing piers, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Popular activities include sunbathing, swimming, fishing, biking, and birdwatching. The park’s ecology includes coastal plant communities, migratory birds, and marine life. Notable landmarks include the historic Fire Island Lighthouse nearby and the large Robert Moses Causeway that connects the park to the mainland. The park also offers facilities such as a large campground, picnic shelter, and lifeguard services during the summer. The accessibility and variety of outdoor opportunities make it a favored destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking beach and bay recreation close to New York City.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Robert Moses State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Expansive sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing✦ Fishers’ Walk II Fishing Pier, a top spot for surf and pier fishing✦ Robert Moses Causeway with stunning views of the park and surrounding waters✦ Robert Moses State Park Campground offering vehicle-accessible camping near the beach
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Robert Moses State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Biking

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Robert Moses State Park
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Robert Moses State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Robert Moses State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use parking fees apply; permits required for campground reservations

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Robert Moses State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Robert Moses State Park Campground

A vehicle-accessible campground offering over 250 sites close to the ocean, with amenities including restrooms and showers.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Robert Moses State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Babylon, New York
⌖ 3.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Babylon, New York

Babylon, NY, is a lively coastal town with excellent hiking, kayaking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Surrounded by parks and beaches, it’s a perfect base for outdoor adventurers seeking bayfront nature and scenic trails.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
West Islip, New York
⌖ 4.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

West Islip, New York

West Islip, NY is a peaceful Long Island town known for bay kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. With coastal parks and quiet trails, it’s a great spot for waterfront outdoor adventures near NYC.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
North Babylon, New York
⌖ 5.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Babylon, New York

North Babylon offers accessible waterfront adventures with kayaking, fishing, and bird watching on Great South Bay. Enjoy easy hiking trails and scenic picnics nearby, making it a relaxed outdoor escape close to Long Island's state parks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Amityville, New York
⌖ 5.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Amityville, New York

Amityville offers a relaxed coastal escape with paddling on Manhasset Bay, easy biking routes, and family-friendly parks. Visit from late spring to early fall for ideal weather and outdoor fun.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Bay Shore, New York
⌖ 6.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bay Shore, New York

Bay Shore, NY offers outdoor lovers easy access to kayaking across Great South Bay, scenic biking routes, and peaceful beachcombing. Ideal for water-based fun and nature walks, it’s a refreshing coastal destination on Long Island's South Shore.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Massapequa, New York
⌖ 8.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Massapequa, New York

Massapequa offers peaceful outdoor escapes with paddling, biking, and hiking around its scenic preserve and waterways. Perfect for travelers seeking relaxed nature experiences near Long Island’s south shore.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Robert Moses State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.