Camp Hero State Park
Montauk’s Secret Military Base
Camp Hero is a former WWII military base at the very tip of Long Island—surf fishing, hiking, and the mysterious decommissioned radar tower that inspired “Stranger Things”!
History
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| WWII | Coastal defense base |
| Cold War | AN/FPS-35 radar |
| Pop Culture | “Montauk Project” legend, Stranger Things inspiration |
Is this where Stranger Things is based?
Sort of! The show was originally titled “Montauk” and inspired by conspiracy theories about secret experiments here.
Location & Getting There
Camp Hero State Park is located in New York. The park’s coordinates are 41.0706, -71.8567. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: New York
- Coordinates: 41.0706, -71.8567
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
New York’s state park system spans glacier-carved Finger Lakes gorges, wild Adirondack backcountry, Hudson Valley cliffs, Long Island beaches, and Niagara Falls. Activities include hiking dramatic gorge trails, swimming at supervised beaches, fishing world-class trout streams, camping in old-growth forests, cross-country skiing, rock climbing the Shawangunk Ridge, and kayaking the Thousand Islands.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is peak for swimming and waterfalls. Fall brings world-class foliage peaking mid-to-late October. Spring delivers peak waterfall flow. Winter turns Adirondack parks into skiing paradises. Many gorge trails are closed November through May.
Visitor Tips
Parking fees range from $6 to $10. An Empire Pass ($80/year) covers all state parks. Camping through ReserveAmerica up to 9 months in advance. Popular gorge parks require parking reservations on peak weekends.
Explore More New York State Parks
Camp Hero State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New York. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New York guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
