Hither Hills State Park
00 review164 Old Montauk Highway, MONTAUK, New York, 11954, United States
Hither Hills State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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About this campground
Discover a coastal sanctuary where ancient sand dunes meet maritime forests at Hither Hills State Park. This extraordinary landscape offers campers a rare glimpse into Long Island's wild heart, where shifting sands and resilient woodlands create an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty. Here, the rhythm of the Atlantic shapes both the land and your camping experience, offering adventures that range from beachcombing pristine shores to exploring mysterious walking dunes that seem to move with a life of their own.
The campground primarily supports tent and RV camping. There are no accommodations for pets, and specific loops are designated for tents only. Group camping is available, and some accessible campsites are present, though no cabins or glamping options exist.
Historical SignificanceLong before European settlers arrived, the Montaukett people called this land home, drawn by its abundant resources and strategic coastal location. The area's maritime heritage runs deep, with generations of fishermen launching from these shores and lighthouse keepers maintaining vigil over treacherous waters. During World War II, the coastline served as a critical defense point, with military installations dotting the landscape. Today, remnants of fishing camps and old foundations whisper stories of the past, while the park preserves both the natural ecosystem and the cultural legacy of those who lived and worked along this dynamic shoreline.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of coastal seasons at Hither Hills, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm beach days perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with temperatures reaching into the 80s and cooling ocean breezes. Spring and fall offer ideal camping weather with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them perfect for hiking and nature observation. Winter transforms the park into a serene escape, with crisp air and dramatic seascapes that reward hardy campers with solitude and stunning sunrise views over the Atlantic.
ElevationRising from sea level beaches to rolling dune ridges that reach heights of 80 feet, Hither Hills offers a surprisingly varied topography for a coastal park. The landscape flows from sandy beaches through undulating dunes to elevated woodland areas, creating diverse microclimates and habitats. These elevation changes not only provide spectacular vantage points for ocean views but also create natural windbreaks that shelter camping areas from coastal breezes. The gentle slopes make for accessible hiking while still offering enough variation to keep trails interesting and provide panoramic viewpoints of both ocean and bay.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where nature performs its most dramatic acts. The park's crown jewels are the remarkable 'walking dunes' of Napeague Harbor, massive sand formations that migrate across the landscape, swallowing and revealing forests in their slow, relentless march. Ancient groves of gnarled oak trees stand alongside aromatic pine forests, while exotic Russian olive trees add silver-green accents to the woodland palette. Delicate shadbush blooms herald spring's arrival, creating clouds of white flowers against the dark forest backdrop. Between forest and sea, pristine beaches stretch for miles, offering everything from secluded coves to expansive sandy shores where the Atlantic's waves provide an endless soundtrack to your camping adventure.
Geological RegionPerched on the glacial moraine that forms Long Island's backbone, Hither Hills showcases the powerful forces that shaped this coastline over millennia. The park sits within a unique geological transition zone where ancient glacial deposits meet active coastal processes. The famous walking dunes represent one of the few remaining examples of this rare phenomenon in the northeastern United States, formed by prevailing winds that continuously reshape the landscape. Beneath the sandy surface lies a complex foundation of glacial till and outwash plains, creating the varied terrain that supports both maritime forests and coastal ecosystems. This dynamic geological setting makes Hither Hills a living laboratory where visitors can witness Earth's sculpting forces in real-time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe picnic area is handicapped-accessible. There are also accessible campsites available.
Sites SizeThe maximum equipment length is between 20 to 40 feet, depending on the site.
Sites PrivacySites are spaced throughout the park, but specific details about privacy levels (e.g., secluded or open) are not provided.
Total Campsites115 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Hither Hills State Park offers a diverse array of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and organized summer events. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the park's unique geographical features like the walking dunes of Napeague Harbor and its woodlands.
Hiking
The park has designated trails for hiking, including the walking dunes at Napeague Harbor. Additional details on trail lengths or levels of difficulty are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted year-round. Anglers can even obtain special permits to fish at night.Swimming
The park has a two-mile sandy ocean beach available for swimming. It is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and staffed with lifeguards, although swimming is subject to water quality and safety measures.Biking
Biking is listed as an available activity, but no further details about specific paths or terrains are given.Boating
Boating is mentioned as a recreational option, though details about the types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not given.Wildlife viewing
The woodlands surrounding the park are filled with Russian olive, oak, pine, and shad trees, making it suitable for birdwatching and other wildlife observation.Beach activities
Apart from swimming, the ocean beach offers opportunities for sunbathing and other beach-related leisure activities.Cultural and Educational Programs
During summer, the park hosts an organized recreation program with activities like family movies, folk and line dancing, and environmental interpretation programs.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing is available during the winter months.Water Sports
Boating and swimming are the notable water sports offered.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
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Temperature Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Emergency Services
New York State Park Police patrol the area. No particular details about hospitals, ranger stations, or other emergency service locations are available.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe park has a large and organized recycling program in place to manage waste effectively.
Campground Map
164 Old Montauk Highway, MONTAUK, New York, 11954, United States
Driving directionsThe park is 122 miles from Manhattan, via Sunrise Highway (Route 27) East.
The park is accessible via paved roads and is 122 miles from Manhattan. Directions mention Route 27 East, but no further road type details or navigation challenges are explicitly described.Nearby supplies
The park includes a camp store for convenience items, but specific details about groceries, camping supplies, or fuel options nearby are unavailable.
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Last updated August 10, 2025