Hither Hills State Park Campsite

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For New Yorkers dreaming of a coastal escape, where the rhythm of the ocean lulls you to sleep and sandy beaches are just steps away, Hither Hills State Park Campsite in Montauk, NY, offers an unparalleled experience. As one of New York's premier state park campgrounds, Hither Hills provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Long Island's East End. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a vibrant outdoor haven where memories are made against the backdrop of the majestic Atlantic Ocean.

Hither Hills State Park is more than just a campsite; it's a destination. With its prime oceanfront location, diverse ecosystems, and a wealth of recreational opportunities, it stands out as a flagship facility within the New York State Parks system. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a memorable family getaway, Hither Hills offers a blend of adventure and relaxation that caters to various interests. It's a chance to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature, all within a well-maintained and accessible environment.

From its two-mile sandy ocean beach to its unique "walking dunes," Hither Hills provides a setting rich in natural wonders. It's a place where you can wake up to the sound of crashing waves, spend your days exploring trails or splashing in the surf, and end your evenings under a sky filled with stars. For New Yorkers seeking an authentic and unforgettable outdoor adventure, Hither Hills State Park Campsite represents an ideal choice to experience the best of coastal living and state park offerings.

Hither Hills State Park Campsite is perfectly situated in

Montauk, NY 11954, USA

Montauk itself is a renowned destination, known for its rugged beauty, famous lighthouse, and vibrant surf culture. Being located right in Montauk means campers at Hither Hills are just minutes away from local attractions, charming shops, diverse dining options, and essential services. This provides the convenience of town amenities while still enjoying the tranquility of a state park setting.

Despite its seemingly remote location at the "End of the World" (as Montauk is often called), Hither Hills State Park is remarkably accessible for New Yorkers. It is approximately 122 miles from Manhattan, making it a feasible road trip for those looking to escape the city. Long Island's comprehensive road network, including the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and scenic Montauk Highway (NY-27), leads directly to the park. While traffic can be heavy during peak summer weekends, the journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of charming towns and picturesque landscapes along the way. Its prime location provides the perfect balance of an immersive natural experience and convenient access to both local Montauk highlights and the broader Long Island region.

Hither Hills State Park Campsite offers a wide array of services and facilities designed to enhance the camping experience and cater to diverse visitor needs. The park prides itself on providing a comprehensive environment for outdoor recreation and comfortable stays:

• 190-Site Campground: The park features a large campground with 190 sites, accommodating both tents and RVs. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a platform, and they are spaced throughout the park.
• Comfort/Shower Stations: There are four centrally located comfort and shower stations throughout the park, providing accessible restrooms and hot showers (no quarters needed!), ensuring a comfortable stay for campers.
• Dumping Station: For RV and trailer campers, a convenient dumping station is available for waste disposal.
• Ocean Swimming Beach: The park boasts a two-mile sandy ocean beach, open with lifeguards during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), offering safe swimming opportunities.
• Picnic Areas with Fireplaces: Scenic picnic areas are available, some equipped with fireplaces, perfect for day visitors or campers looking for an alternative cooking spot (note: fires in high season are restricted to metal containers 6 inches off the ground, or not permitted at all in high season in some areas).
• Playground and Playing Fields: For families, the park provides a playground and playing fields, including courts for horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, and tetherball, ensuring plenty of activities for children and adults.
• Camp Store: A convenience store is on-site, offering essential camping supplies, snacks, and other necessities.
• Park Office and Centrally Located Phones: A park office provides administrative support, and centrally located phones are available for convenience.
• Organized Recreation Programs: During the summer, the park offers an organized recreation program including family movies, folk and line dancing, children's summer theater, magic shows, and various environmental interpretation programs, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere.
• Recycling Program: The park maintains a large recycling program, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Patrolled by New York State Park Police: The presence of park police ensures safety and security for all visitors.

These services ensure that campers have access to necessary amenities and engaging activities throughout their stay.

Hither Hills State Park Campsite is packed with features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in New York. Its unique natural attributes and recreational offerings contribute to an unforgettable camping experience:

• Oceanfront Camping: One of the most significant highlights is the direct oceanfront camping. Campers can fall asleep to the sound of waves and have immediate access to the beautiful two-mile sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
• Diverse Natural Landscapes: The park encompasses more than just a beach. It features woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad, and pine trees, as well as the unique "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor on its eastern boundary. This provides diverse environments for exploration.
• Extensive Trail Network: Hither Hills offers a wide array of bridle paths, hiking, nature, biking, and cross-country ski trails. This allows visitors to explore the park's varied terrain, from coastal bluffs to wooded areas, year-round.
• Sport Fishing Opportunities: Anglers can fish year-round in both the ocean and a 40-acre freshwater lake within the park. Permits for night fishing and beach vehicles are available, catering to dedicated fishermen.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a playground, playing fields, and a comprehensive summer recreation program featuring movies, shows, and environmental education, the park is highly geared towards families and offers activities for all ages.
• Accessibility Features: The park strives for accessibility, offering accessible campsites, showers, restrooms, and a handicapped-accessible picnic area, ensuring more visitors can enjoy the facilities.
• Stargazing: Due to minimal light pollution this far out on Long Island, the night skies at Hither Hills are exceptional, offering fantastic stargazing opportunities.
• Proximity to Montauk Attractions: Beyond the park's borders, campers have easy access to Montauk's iconic lighthouse, Camp Hero State Park, Montauk Downs State Park, and Shadmoor State Park, as well as charming shops and restaurants.

These features combine to make Hither Hills State Park a dynamic and highly desirable camping destination in New York.

As a New York State Park, Hither Hills State Park Campsite generally operates under state park fee structures and reservation policies rather than offering traditional "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. However, there are specific guidelines and opportunities that can be beneficial for New York locals planning a visit:

• NY Resident Rates: New York State residents typically enjoy lower camping fees. For example, a NY Resident Weekday Reservation is generally $33, while a Weekend Reservation is $37. Non-resident fees are higher.
• Empire Pass: New York residents (and others) can purchase an Empire Pass, which provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most New York State Parks, including Hither Hills, for a full year. While not a direct camping discount, it can significantly reduce costs for frequent park visitors.
• Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance through the ReserveAmerica system. Given Hither Hills' popularity, booking as far in advance as possible, especially for peak season, is highly recommended.
• Peak Season Minimum Stays: During the peak season (typically late June to Labor Day weekend), there is a strict 7-night minimum stay for campsites, beginning on specific days (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) in designated loops. This ensures a full week of enjoyment for campers.
• Non-Peak Season Flexibility: During non-peak season, the minimum stay is typically two nights, offering more flexibility for shorter trips.
• Walk-in Policy: In the event that less than the minimum stay is available, stays may be permitted on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis, providing a last-minute opportunity for those who are flexible.
• Permit Information: Various permits are available for specific activities like night fishing or beach vehicle access, some with different rates for NY residents versus out-of-state visitors.

It's crucial to check the official New York State Parks website or ReserveAmerica for the most current pricing, reservation policies, and any specific alerts before planning your trip, as these details can be updated annually.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Hither Hills State Park Campsite, you can utilize the following contact details:

• Address: Montauk, NY 11954, USA (The physical park entrance is typically off Route 27/Montauk Highway.)
• General Park Information Phone: (631) 668-2554
• Secondary Phone (also listed for general info): (631) 668-3781

For camping reservations, it's essential to use the New York State Parks reservation system, which is managed through ReserveAmerica:

• ReserveAmerica Website: Visit newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com
• ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267

It's highly recommended to make reservations well in advance due to the park's popularity, especially during the summer peak season. You can also find additional information and updates on the official New York State Parks website for Hither Hills State Park.

For New York locals, Hither Hills State Park Campsite is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for several compelling reasons. Foremost among them is its unique oceanfront location on Long Island's iconic East End. The opportunity to camp directly by the Atlantic Ocean, with direct beach access for swimming, fishing, and relaxation, is a rare and invaluable experience, especially within the New York State Parks system. This proximity to the ocean offers a distinct advantage for locals seeking a true coastal escape without having to travel out of state.

Beyond the beach, the park’s extensive recreational offerings cater to a wide array of interests. From diverse hiking and biking trails that wind through woodlands and unique "walking dunes" to ample opportunities for sport fishing in both freshwater and saltwater, Hither Hills encourages an active outdoor lifestyle. The inclusion of family-friendly recreational programs during the summer months further solidifies its appeal, providing engaging activities for children and adults alike, fostering memorable family vacations right here in New York.

Finally, as a New York State Park, Hither Hills often offers preferential rates for New York residents and is easily accessible for many across the state. The combination of stunning natural beauty, a rich array of activities, well-maintained facilities including accessible options, and the convenience of being a drivable destination within New York, makes Hither Hills State Park Campsite an ideal choice for locals looking to experience the best of camping and coastal living right in their backyard.

Hither Hills State Park Campsite

Montauk, NY 11954, USA