GENERAL OUTER BEACH RULES

Regulations and equipment requirements are necessary for your safety and the safety of other visitors and park staff. The following Outer Beach Use rules are established to provide for enjoyment of the park and to protect the beaches fragile resources. Upon signing the Outer Beach 4x4 Permit waiver, permitee accepts responsibility to know and follow all Outer beach regulations. Failure to comply with the terms of the permit, including these regulations, may result in revocation of a valid permit and/or prosecution. All applicable County, State and Federal laws will be enforced.

GENERAL OUTER BEACH 4x4 PERMIT RULES

• Motor vehicles are permitted only within established roads, parking areas and designated outer beach routes. It is incumbent on the operator to ensure their vehicle is capable of navigating all outer beach conditions. Use of motor vehicles in on the Outer Beach is at the operator's own risk.
• Vehicles must have a valid Outer Beach 4x4 Vehicle use permit affixed vehicle in parks designated location, or entry will be denied or ticket issued. Check out the Outer Beach Off Roading page for more information on how and where to obtain a permit.
• Outer Beach 4x4 Vehicle use permit provides daily access to the beach. Overnight stays require a camping reservation and camping unit. See Camping page for more information.
• Outer Beach Permits are valid for the current calendar year in which it was purchased.
• Permit stickers are NOT refundable.
• Permit replacement Outer Beach stickers are only issued under certain circumstances issued to individual permit holders for the specific vehicle designated and MAY NOT be transferred from one person to another or from one vehicle to another. Sale or transfer of the permitted vehicle VOIDS the permit and sticker.
• Vehicle Sold - If the permitted vehicle is sold or in an accident, permittee MUST provide Park staff with enough of the original permit sticker to read the complete permit number in order to obtain a replacement sticker of the same type and expiration.
• Vehicle Accident - If the sticker is destroyed in an accident Permittee must provide a copy of the official police report of the accident to obtain a replacement sticker. Replacement permits will be charged the replacement permit fee.
• All vehicles must carry the following equipment while on the outer beach: jack, jack board, shovel, rope, chain or snap line, fire extinguisher, spare tire, tire wrench, tire gauge, flashlight, first aid kit, and a portable air compressor or air tank.
• No alcoholic beverages permitted on outer beach.
• Only marked cuts, roads, entrances and exits are to be used. No driving on dunes, swales or vegetation.
• Driving in designated bird nesting areas is prohibited.
• Speed limit of 10 MPH is strictly enforced.
• All vehicles must bear valid state license plates, be properly equipped, insured & registered to operate on public highways.
• Drivers must possess a valid state driver's license.
• Passengers shall not ride on the fenders, hood, roof, sides, tailgate or in any other place on the outside of a moving vehicle.
• No vehicle shall be used to tow a person or any recreational device over land or water or in the air.
• Use of safety belts and child restraints is required by law.
• Outer Beach permits do not replace parking fees unless outer beach access is closed. For parks without outer beach access vehicles are responsible for parking fees per Green Key status.
• All garbage must be removed from the beach and placed in receptacles or dumpster at Outer Beach entrance. No dumping, burning, or burying of trash is permitted.
• All vehicles must park perpendicular to dune line at least 10' from toe of the dune facing the water unless otherwise posted or directed by park staff.
• Ruts and holes caused by stuck vehicle must be filled in and debris removed.
• Pets must be on a leash no more than 6' in length and under owner's control at all times. It is the pet owner is responsible for immediate removal and proper disposal of pet's waste.

IMPORTANT BEACH ACCESS INFORMATION

Changing beach conditions, vehicle breakdowns, and human judgement errors may occasionally result in vehicles becoming stuck and needing assistance. In these instances:

If staff is available, Park staff can:

• Assist with removing sand from around the tires.
• Deflate tires.
• Set traction devices such as boards.
• Make a phone call on your behalf to friends/family.
• Provide information regarding local towing services.

Park staff cannot:

• Winch or pull the vehicles out
• Recommend a towing company.

Please always be prepared when visiting the outer beaches. Remember,

• Always carry the required safety equipment; adequate food, water and clothing.
• Know the park rules and regulations.
• Check beach and weather conditions prior to visiting.

Many outer beaches include nesting habitat for the Piping Plover, a threatened bird species. To aid in the recovery of this species, the outer beach may be subject to partial or total closure to all vehicle use during the nesting season which could last from March 15th to September 15th. Closed areas will be clearly marked by cable barriers and/or signs. Outer Beach 4x4 permits are not refundable due to beach conditions or closures.

Emergencies call 911

Park Rangers Headquarters: 631-854-1422

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Beach Fire Rules

Recreational fires under definitions outlined below are permitted unless it is deemed offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor or when conditions make such a fire hazardous.

• Ground fires are prohibited, including bonfires dug into the sand/dirt.
• Recreational fires only permitted in County approved fire containers. See List of Approved Fire Containers below.
  • EXCEPTION- Smith Point Outer Beach Day Trip area, no wood burning fires permitted. Only propane or pellet fires (or similar non-wood burning types) permitted.
• Approved fire pit or container may not exceed (3) feet in diameter, and must be utilized for pleasure, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
• Campfire size should not be larger than the container.
• Firewood should be clean and free of nails, screws or any other sharp objects. CCA, treated lumber, construction debris and pallets are prohibited to be used as firewood.
• Campers shall not move or relocate campsite fire pits.
• A fire extinguisher or other extinguishing equipment (dirt, sand, water barrel for example) shall be readily available to be used immediately.
• Fires may not be left unattended at any time.
• Burning of trash is strictly prohibited.
• All containers are to be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure, dune, vegetation line or combustible material.
• Flame must be completely extinguished before leaving beach. IMPORTANT: Covering the fire with sand does not extinguish the fire. Instead, it insulates the hot coals and fills the pits with hot sand.
• Fire container and sand under and near the fire must be cooled with water before leaving.
• Do not remove any materials from the park, beach or dunes to be used in a fire.
• Dispose of fire remains and trash in the containers provided for each at the park or taken with if proper containers are not available.
• Proper disposal of fire waste and fire cleanup is strictly enforced. Those who fail to follow beach fire rules will be subject to fines, Outer Beach Access Permit revoked and/or Green Key suspended.
• Fires at beach may be prohibited at any time at the Park Supervisors and/or Park Ranger discretion as necessary to ensure public safety and maintain essential park operations.

Approved Fire Containers*

• County provided fire pit (container must be left in place)
• Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas as an example)
• Portable gas fire pit
• Portable gas and charcoal barbecues (full size BBQ grills are not permitted)
• Pellet Fire Containers (less than 3 feet in diameter)

*Please note, approved fire container must be raised above the ground (fire does not rest directly on the ground)

Be advised that areas on the outer beach may be closed due to beach conditions, maintenance or bird nesting. Check the Outer Beach Conditions page for the latest conditions.

Outer Beach Camping*

Outer beach camping is permitted at these locations with a self-contained camper only. (Per Suffolk County Health Department self-contained units are defined as having a built-in flushable toilet with a built-in holding tank with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons.) Camping reservations may be booked for Cupsogue, Montauk, and Shinnecock East. (Beach Conditions Permitting) Smith Point outer beach camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis, pending beach conditions. Please check out our Camping Page for more information on how to reserve an outer beach campsite.