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Robert Moses State Park occupies the western tip of Fire Island, a narrow barrier island off the South Shore of Long Island, New York. Managed by New York State Parks, it offers roughly five miles of open Atlantic Ocean beach, making it one of the most accessible ocean beaches in the New York metropolitan area.
The park sits at the end of the Robert Moses Causeway, which means visitors can drive directly onto the island — unusual for Fire Island, where most communities are car-free. This access has made it a summer institution for generations of New York-area residents.
Beyond sunbathing and swimming, the park is notable for the historic Fire Island Lighthouse, a working lighthouse that stands just outside the park boundary and is managed separately by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. The surrounding landscape includes dunes, maritime shrub habitat, and sections of the barrier island that attract migratory birds in spring and fall.
Before You Go
Robert Moses State Park is a New York State Park. There is a seasonal vehicle parking fee; verify the current rate on the official New York State Parks website (parks.ny.gov) before your visit, as fees are updated periodically.
The beach season officially runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, when lifeguards are on duty. Swimming is permitted only in designated, guarded areas. Outside of those dates, the park remains open but amenities are reduced and swimming is unsupervised.
The park can become extremely crowded on summer weekends. Parking lots fill early — often by mid-morning on hot holiday weekends. If the lots are full, staff may turn vehicles away at the causeway. Arriving early (before 9 a.m.) significantly improves your experience.
- Pets: Dogs are generally not permitted on the beach during the summer season; verify current rules on the official site, as policies can change.
- Alcohol: Prohibited on state park beaches in New York.
- Fires: Open fires and charcoal grills are generally not permitted on the beach; verify current rules locally.
Getting There
By Car
The park is reached via the Robert Moses Causeway (Southern State Parkway to Causeway Drive), which connects Long Island to the barrier island. There are multiple numbered parking fields within the park. GPS navigation to "Robert Moses State Park, Bay Shore, NY" is reliable. Note that commercial vehicles and oversized trucks are restricted on the causeway.
By Public Transit
Direct public transit to the park is limited. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) serves Bay Shore station on the Babylon Branch; from Bay Shore, ferry service operates to Fire Island communities during the season, but ferries do not serve Robert Moses State Park directly. Check the MTA and Fire Island Ferries websites for current schedules. Some visitors combine LIRR with a taxi or rideshare from the Bay Shore area.
By Bicycle
Cyclists may cross the causeway, though the crossing is lengthy and exposed. Confirm current bike access rules on the official parks site before making the trip.
Getting Around
Within the park, travel is primarily on foot. Parking fields are spread along the beach road, and most facilities are a short walk from any lot. Field 5 is located nearest the Fire Island Lighthouse access point.
The park itself is flat and easy to navigate. A paved road runs the length of the park's developed area; pedestrians and cyclists share this corridor. There are no shuttles or internal transit services within the park — plan to walk between areas.
Outside the park, the broader Fire Island communities to the east are accessible only on foot or by bicycle along the island, or by returning to the mainland and taking the ferry. Robert Moses State Park is effectively the western terminus of the island experience.
Things to See & Do
Swimming and Beach
The Atlantic-facing beach is the park's centerpiece. Lifeguards patrol designated swim zones during the summer season. The surf can be moderate to strong; always swim within the flagged areas and heed lifeguard instructions.
Fire Island Lighthouse
The 1858 lighthouse stands 168 feet tall and is a short walk from Parking Field 5. The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society operates the lighthouse and museum; they offer guided tours and the opportunity to climb to the lantern room. Verify their hours and any admission fees directly with the Preservation Society before visiting.
Fishing
Surf fishing is popular along the ocean beach and the bay side of the park. Anglers commonly target striped bass, bluefish, and fluke, depending on season. A valid New York State fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older; licenses are available through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Birding and Nature
The dune and maritime shrub habitat supports resident and migratory species. Spring and fall migration periods bring warblers, shorebirds, and raptors through the area. The bay-side shoreline offers additional habitat diversity.
Picnicking
Picnic areas with tables are available near the parking fields. Covered pavilions exist in some areas; these can be reserved through the New York State Parks reservation system (verify availability and process on the official site).
Food & Drink
The park operates seasonal concession stands near the main parking fields during the summer season. Offerings typically include standard beach fare — sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks, and ice cream. Hours and availability vary; do not rely on these as your sole food source, especially on shoulder-season visits.
Bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages in a cooler is common and practical. There are no restaurants inside the park itself.
The nearest off-park dining options are on the Long Island mainland, primarily in the communities of Babylon and Bay Shore, accessible by returning across the causeway. Some visitors make a meal stop in these towns before or after their park visit.
Practical Information
Facilities
Restrooms and outdoor showers are located near each parking field. The showers are cold-water and intended for rinsing off sand and salt before returning to your vehicle.
Accessibility
New York State Parks provides accessibility accommodations including accessible restrooms and beach wheelchair loan programs at select locations. Contact the park directly or check the official parks site to confirm current accessibility resources at Robert Moses.
Cell Service
Cell service is generally available throughout the park, though coverage can be inconsistent near the dunes and at the far ends of the beach.
Emergency
Lifeguards are the first point of contact for beach emergencies during the swim season. For general emergencies, dial 911. The park's administration office can be reached via the New York State Parks directory; verify the current direct number on parks.ny.gov.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (UV exposure is high on an open beach)
- Water and food
- Beach chairs or blanket
- Cash or card for parking fee
- Valid fishing license if fishing
- Insect repellent for bay-side areas in warm months
Safety
Ocean swimming at Robert Moses carries real risks. Rip currents are possible, particularly during and after storms or periods of heavy swell. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting the current, then angle back to the beach. Always swim in lifeguard-supervised zones.
Sun exposure on an open beach can be intense, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in summer. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply after swimming, and seek shade periodically.
The parking lots and causeway can create heat-related risk in summer for those left in vehicles. Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car.
Biting insects — greenhead flies in particular — can be a significant nuisance on and around barrier island beaches in mid-summer (typically July). Insect repellent helps but does not fully deter greenheads.
