Outer Beach Access
Nothing beats driving your four-wheel drive vehicle along the sandy shores of Suffolk County! 7 County parks offer outer beach (shoreline) access to individuals with the 4x4 Outer Beach permit. This permit can be purchased year-round at West Sayville, Blydenburgh, Cathedral Pines, Cedar Point, Indian Island, Sears Bellows, Smith Point, West Hills, and online. In Season they are also available at Montauk, Cupsogue and Shinnecock East park offices.
The Outer Beach 4x4 permit includes access to designated beach areas (see maps below), as well as night fishing in designated parks. The permit must be permanently affixed to the window of the vehicle, otherwise entry to the outer beach will be denied. Be advised that areas on the outer beach may be closed due to beach conditions, maintenance or bird nesting. Please check the Suffolk County Parks Social Media pages or call the park of your choice to get up-to-date outer beach access information.
Information Needed to Purchase the 4x4 Outer Beach Permit
- Active Green Key Card (if applicable, passes are available to non-residents)
- Vehicle Registration in your name
- Driver’s License
- For individuals with a discounted Green Key, you can only purchase one discounted Outer Beach Permit, all additional passes will be at the regular resident rate.
- Online purchases can take 7 to 14 business days to arrive and do require a signature, as they are sent via USPS Certified Mail. Click Here to view FAQ for online purchases.
Required Equipment for Outer Beach Off-Roading
| Jack
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Jackboard
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| Shovel
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Rope, Chain or Snap Line
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| Fire Extinguisher
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Spare Tire
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| Tire Gauge
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Flashlight
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| First Aid Kit
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Portable Air compressor or Air Tank
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Off Roading Outer Beach Rules and Regulations
Current Outer Beach Map
Suffolk County Parks with Outer Beach Access
Smith Point County Park
Cupsogue Beach County Park*
Montauk County Park*
Shinnecock East County Park*
Cedar Point County Park
Charles F. Altenkirch County Park (formally known as Shinnecock West County Park)
Orient Point County Park
*Outer beach camping is permitted at these locations with a self-contained camper only.
Outer Beach Camping
Cupsogue, Montauk, Shinnecock East are all outer beach camping locations. When making reservations at these campgrounds please keep in mind that only self-contained campers are allowed. 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.
4x4 Outer Beach permits are required for those making reservations at outer beach camping locations. The only exception is for Cupsogue, sites 1-12, as these sites are on hard pack ground.
If beach conditions are favorable, outer beach camping will be made available at Smith Point County Park. Typically, if camping is allowed it is in late August/early September and these sites are walk up only, on a first-come, first served basis.