Hither Hills State Park sits on a narrow stretch of Long Island’s eastern end between Montauk and Amagansett, offering a rare combination of Atlantic Ocean beachfront, forested walking trails, and large-scale camping just two hours from New York City. Whether you’re searching for a beach camping base, a quiet hiking escape, or a day trip that avoids the crowded Hamptons scene, this 1,755-acre park provides a practical and affordable option for exploring the Montauk Peninsula.
This guide covers what you’ll find at Hither Hills, how to plan your visit around seasons and facilities, what activities suit different interests and fitness levels, and what you need to verify before arrival.
What Can You Do at Hither Hills State Park?
Hither Hills State Park offers ocean swimming and sunbathing on a long sandy beach, tent and RV camping in a wooded campground, hiking on multi-use trails through pitch pine and oak forest, surf fishing along the shore, and picnicking near the beach pavilion. The park serves primarily as a beach destination with camping facilities rather than a wilderness area, making it suitable for families, weekend campers, anglers, and beachgoers seeking a less commercialized alternative to nearby private beaches.
The Beach and Ocean Access
The park’s Atlantic-facing beach stretches for roughly a mile and features wide sand with moderate surf typical of the open ocean. Water temperature peaks from July through early September, though even then the Atlantic remains cooler than sheltered bay waters elsewhere on Long Island.
Lifeguards staff designated swim areas during summer months, but specific coverage dates and daily hours change seasonally. Confirm current lifeguard schedules with New York State Parks before planning a visit with children or inexperienced swimmers.
The beach attracts fewer crowds than East Hampton’s Main Beach or Southampton’s Coopers Beach, though summer weekends still draw considerable numbers. Arrive before mid-morning on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August to secure convenient parking.
A large pavilion near the main beach parking area provides restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing facilities. Concession availability varies by season, so bring your own food and drinks if visiting outside peak summer weeks.
Beach Conditions and Safety
The open Atlantic creates stronger currents and larger waves than you’ll encounter on Long Island’s north shore or bay beaches. Rip currents occur regularly, especially after storms or during high surf.
Swim only in lifeguard-protected areas when guards are on duty, and ask lifeguards about current conditions before entering the water. Red flag warnings indicate dangerous conditions when swimming should be avoided entirely.
Camping at Hither Hills
The park operates one of Long Island’s largest public campgrounds, with over 150 sites set in a shaded woodland area a short walk from the beach. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, though not all sites offer electric hookups.
The campground typically opens in early April and closes in late November, with exact dates shifting slightly each year. Reservations open months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends, holiday periods, and the entire month of August.
Book campsites through the New York State Parks reservation system as early as possible if planning a summer visit. Walk-up availability exists mainly on weekday nights in spring and fall.
Campground Facilities and Amenities
The campground provides restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers, though shower buildings may close or reduce hours outside peak season. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
A camp store operates during summer months selling firewood, ice, basic groceries, and camping supplies. Outside summer, stock up on supplies in Amagansett or Montauk before arrival.
The campground sits roughly a quarter-mile from the beach via a paved path through the woods. You’ll need to carry beach gear, chairs, coolers, and other items on foot, as vehicle access to the beach is restricted to parking areas.
Who Camping Here Suits
Hither Hills works well for car campers seeking beach access without resort prices, families wanting a multi-day beach base, and anglers fishing the surf. The campground atmosphere remains relaxed and family-oriented rather than backcountry or wilderness-focused.
The close proximity to other campers, road noise from nearby Montauk Highway, and the popularity of the campground mean this isn’t an isolated or quiet experience. If you’re seeking solitude, consider hiking trails during off-peak hours or visiting in shoulder seasons.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Hither Hills contains roughly six miles of marked trails winding through coastal pine barrens, oak forest, and low dunes. The terrain remains relatively flat with only gentle elevation changes, making trails accessible to most fitness levels.
The Walking Dunes Trail offers the park’s most distinctive landscape feature, where wind-driven sand dunes have migrated inland and partially buried maritime forest. This roughly two-mile loop provides views of “ghost forests” where tree trunks protrude from advancing sand.
The Paumanok Path, a long-distance trail traversing the length of Long Island, passes through Hither Hills. You can hike segments of this trail for a longer forest walk beyond the park’s main loop trails.
Trail Conditions and What to Bring
Trails range from sandy doubletrack paths to narrower footpaths with exposed roots. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes rather than sandals, especially after rain when sandy sections become soft and tree roots slippery.
Ticks are common in wooded areas from spring through fall. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wear long pants tucked into socks when possible, and conduct thorough tick checks after hiking.
Bring sufficient water, as no potable water sources exist along interior trails. Shade is inconsistent, with exposed dune sections offering no relief from summer sun.
Fishing Opportunities
Surf fishing from the beach attracts anglers year-round, with striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and various other species available depending on season. Fall typically offers the most productive surf fishing as striped bass migrate along the coast.
A New York State fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older. Check current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations for size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures before fishing.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles with appropriate permits can access certain beach sections for fishing, but restricted zones, permit requirements, and access points change. Verify current off-road vehicle regulations with New York State Parks before attempting beach driving.
When to Visit Hither Hills
Summer from late June through Labor Day delivers warmest ocean water, full facility operation, lifeguard coverage, and the most crowded conditions. Expect the park to reach capacity on sunny summer weekends, with parking lots filling by late morning.
Late spring (May through mid-June) and early fall (September through October) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, reduced camping rates, and pleasant hiking conditions. Ocean swimming remains possible in September when water retains summer warmth, though lifeguard coverage may be limited.
Winter access continues for day use, including beach walks and hiking, but the campground closes and facilities operate on reduced schedules. Winter storms create dramatic beach conditions but also bring strong winds and rough surf that make swimming unsafe.
Weather Considerations
Coastal weather can shift rapidly, with fog, wind, and sudden temperature drops common even in summer. Pack layers including a windbreaker or light jacket regardless of season.
Hurricane season from June through November can bring tropical systems or their remnants to Long Island. Monitor weather forecasts before and during your visit, and have contingency plans if camping during active tropical weather patterns.
Getting to Hither Hills
The park sits on Montauk Highway (Route 27) between the villages of Amagansett and Montauk, roughly 110 miles east of New York City. Personal vehicle remains the most practical transportation option.
From New York City, expect approximately two to three hours driving time depending on traffic, with significant delays common on summer Friday afternoons and evenings when weekend traffic heads east. Allow extra time and consider departing very early or arriving mid-week to avoid congestion.
The Hampton Jitney and other bus services connect Manhattan with Amagansett and Montauk, but service frequency is limited and stops sit several miles from the park entrance. Without a car, reaching the park from bus stops requires taxi or ride-share services.
Parking
Day-use parking areas serve beach visitors and trail hikers. New York State Parks charges a vehicle fee during the main season, with fees subject to change.
Parking lots fill to capacity on summer weekends and holidays, with the park sometimes closing to new arrivals once parking is full. Arrive before 10 a.m. on busy days or visit on weekdays for reliable parking access.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Montauk Point State Park and the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse sit roughly 15 minutes east, offering dramatic coastal bluffs, a small museum, and the iconic 1796 lighthouse. The area provides good bird-watching, especially during spring and fall migrations.
The village of Montauk offers restaurants, surf shops, fishing charters, and a working commercial fishing harbor. Downtown Montauk sits about 10 minutes from Hither Hills.
Amagansett, just west of the park, provides a quieter village atmosphere with farm stands, small shops, and additional beach access. The hamlet serves as a convenient supply stop for campers.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Beach visitors should pack standard beach items including sunscreen (reef-safe formulas protect marine environments), beach chairs or blankets, shade structures if desired, plenty of drinking water, and food if concessions are closed. Bring quarters for showers if camping.
Hikers need sturdy footwear, tick repellent, sun protection, water, and a simple trail map available at park offices or online through New York State Parks. Download maps in advance as cell service can be inconsistent in wooded areas.
Campers should bring all camping gear appropriate for coastal conditions, including tent stakes that hold well in sand, extra rope for securing tents and canopies against wind, and warm layers for cool nights even in summer.
What Not to Bring
Glass containers are prohibited on the beach. Pets are allowed in campgrounds but restricted from beach areas during summer season, with specific rules varying by location and time of year.
Verify current pet policies with New York State Parks before bringing animals. Service animals receive different accommodation under applicable law.
Accessibility Considerations
The paved path from the campground to the beach is relatively level and may accommodate wheelchairs, though sand near the beach requires assistance or specialized beach wheelchairs. Contact the park office in advance to ask about beach wheelchair availability and accessibility accommodations.
Restroom facilities near the beach pavilion include accessible stalls. Trail surfaces in wooded areas are unpaved, sandy, and uneven, presenting challenges for those with mobility limitations.
Park Fees and Reservations
New York State Parks charges vehicle entrance fees for day use and nightly fees for camping, with rates varying by season and amenity level. Empire Passport holders receive free or reduced entry depending on pass type.
Fee structures, pass options, and reservation policies change periodically. Check the official New York State Parks website for current fees, reservation windows, cancellation policies, and accepted payment methods before your visit.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes
- Book campsites months in advance for summer weekends rather than assuming availability
- Arrive early on summer days to secure parking before lots reach capacity
- Check tide times if planning extensive beach walking, as high tide narrows usable beach width significantly
- Bring all food and supplies you’ll need, especially when visiting outside peak season when stores and concessions may be closed
- Conduct thorough tick checks after any time spent on trails or in grassy areas
- Respect quiet hours in the campground, typically enforced from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Verify current beach driving regulations if planning to fish from a vehicle, as rules are complex and strictly enforced
Environmental Responsibility
Hither Hills protects important coastal habitats including rare maritime forest and active dune systems. Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and avoid disturbing vegetation that stabilizes dunes.
Pack out all trash and recyclables. Beach litter harms marine life and nesting shorebirds.
Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals. Feeding wildlife creates dangerous dependencies and alters natural behaviors.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize chemical impacts on marine ecosystems. Products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are particularly harmful to ocean life.
Plan Your Hither Hills Visit
Hither Hills State Park delivers accessible Atlantic beach access, affordable coastal camping, and quiet forest trails within reach of New York City, making it a practical choice for weekend escapes and longer camping stays on the Montauk Peninsula. Your visit will succeed best with advance campsite reservations if staying overnight, early arrival on busy days, tick precautions when hiking, and realistic expectations about crowds during summer peak season.
Start by checking the New York State Parks website for current fees, facility status, reservation availability, and any alerts or closures that might affect your plans. Verify weather forecasts and ocean conditions before departure, especially if camping or swimming.
For more helpful destination guides, explore our articles on Colorado Bend State Park and additional resources including state park destinations across the country.