The western tip of Fire Island is accessible by car via the Robert Moses Causeway — one of the few parts of Fire Island reachable by car. The park offers five pristine ocean beach fields with excellent surfing conditions, a lighthouse, and sweeping views of the Great South Bay.
Robert Moses State Park occupies the western tip of Fire Island, the only section of this 50-kilometer barrier island accessible by car. Reached via the Robert Moses Causeway from Bay Shore or Captree Island, the park encompasses five distinct beach fields fronting the Atlantic Ocean, plus the historic Fire Island Lighthouse and a sizable Great South Bay shoreline. The barrier island setting means the beach is fully exposed to Atlantic swells, creating consistently clean surf breaks — particularly around the unguarded Parking Field 5, which is one of Long Island's premier surfing destinations.
The sand here runs finer and paler than many New York-area beaches, the result of decades of barrier island drift and limited commercial development. The ocean presents varying shades of blue-green depending on season, with summer water temperatures reaching the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit by August. The shore is flat and wide at low tide, with a moderate beach slope that produces a distinct shore break suited to body surfing and board surfing alike. Dune grass stabilizes the inland edge, and the sound of surf and wind carries across an otherwise quiet landscape since the park prohibits private vehicles beyond the parking lots.
Lifeguards staff Fields 2 through 4 during summer season. Snack bars and restrooms are available at the main bathhouse near Field 2. The Fire Island Lighthouse — a 156-foot brick tower first lit in 1858 — stands near the park entrance and offers guided tours during peak season. Views from the top take in the entire western end of the island, the Great South Bay, and on clear days the Manhattan skyline to the northeast.
Access is straightforward: the Robert Moses Causeway terminates at the parking fields, and no ferry is required. Parking fees apply during summer. For those coming from Manhattan, the Long Island Rail Road's Babylon branch connects to Babylon Station, where taxi and rideshare services reach the causeway. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes from Penn Station including transit time.
The park draws a mix of families in the supervised fields, surfers at Field 5, and fishing enthusiasts along the bay-side jetties. Off-season, the empty beach and lighthouse grounds attract birdwatchers and photographers documenting the Atlantic Flyway migration.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- restrooms
- showers
- snack bars
- parking
- lighthouse tours
Good to know
- Best for
- families, surfers, photographers, beachcombers, swimmers
Highlights
- Five Atlantic-facing beach fields including the famous Field 5 surf break, one of Long Island's most consistent ocean waves
- The Fire Island Lighthouse — a 156-foot historic beacon built in 1858 with guided tours and panoramic bay and ocean views
- Pristine pale-sand beach without vehicle traffic, surrounded by Atlantic dunes and sea grass typical of barrier island ecosystems
- Great South Bay shoreline opposite the ocean beach offers calm flat-water fishing and sheltered wading for small children
- One of the few parts of Fire Island accessible by car, combining barrier island natural beauty with easy driving access
Tips for visiting
- Parking Field 5 has no lifeguards and is the domain of experienced surfers — swimmers should use Fields 2 through 4
- Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends; the causeway parking lots fill by midday and the park can close to incoming vehicles
- The lighthouse tour is a worthwhile add-on — buy tickets at the visitor center near the park entrance before heading to the beach
- Bay-side access near the eastern edge of the park offers sheltered, calmer water for children uncomfortable with ocean surf
- Off-season visits in September and October offer near-empty beaches and excellent shorebird watching during Atlantic Flyway migration
When to visit
Late June through August offers warm water and full lifeguard coverage across the main swimming fields. September brings smaller crowds and consistent surf; autumn weekdays can be nearly deserted, making them ideal for photography and birdwatching along the Atlantic Flyway.
Accessibility
The main bathhouse and central areas of Robert Moses State Park are wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways from the parking lots to the bathhouse and beach access points. A limited number of beach wheelchairs are available free of charge at the bathhouse during summer season. The lighthouse tour involves steep spiral stairs and is not accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Robert Moses State Park from New York City?
By car, take the Southern State Parkway or Captree State Park Causeway to the Robert Moses Causeway, which leads directly to the parking fields — approximately 80 km and 90 minutes from Manhattan. The LIRR Babylon line stops at Babylon Station, from which rideshare services connect to the causeway. No ferry is required.
Is there surfing at Robert Moses State Park?
Yes. Parking Field 5, located at the eastern end of the park near the lighthouse, is a popular and consistent surf break. It is unguarded by lifeguards and intended for experienced surfers. Surfboards are prohibited in the lifeguarded swimming areas at Fields 2 through 4.
What is the Fire Island Lighthouse and can visitors go inside?
The Fire Island Lighthouse is a 156-foot brick lighthouse built in 1858 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open for guided tours during the summer and fall seasons; visitors can climb to the top for bay and ocean views. The lighthouse is managed by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society.
Are there restaurants or food at Robert Moses State Park?
The park has snack bars at the main bathhouse near Field 2 during summer. A small concession is also located near the lighthouse area. Full restaurant dining is not available inside the park; the nearest towns of Bay Shore and Babylon offer broader dining options.
Can visitors camp overnight at Robert Moses State Park?
Overnight camping is not available at Robert Moses State Park. The park is a day-use facility that closes each evening. Nearby camping can be found at other Long Island state parks or in communities on Fire Island accessible by ferry from Bay Shore.