Robert Moses State Park

Robert Moses State Park stretches across 875 acres on the western end of Fire Island, offering 5 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach and serving as the gateway to Fire Island National Seashore. Originally established in 1908 as Fire Island State Park—making it Long Island’s oldest state park—this beloved destination was renamed in 1964 to honor Robert Moses, the visionary parks commissioner who transformed New York’s public recreation system. With 300+ bird species, an iconic lighthouse just a boardwalk away, and some of the finest surf fishing on the East Coast, Robert Moses State Park draws millions of visitors each summer while remaining remarkably more relaxed than neighboring Jones Beach.

Atlantic Ocean Beaches

Robert Moses State Park’s five miles of white sandy beach rank among the finest on the entire Eastern Seaboard. Unlike the often-packed shores at Jones Beach to the west, Robert Moses offers a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere—even at peak summer weekends. The park is organized into five distinct beach fields, each with its own character, bathhouses, and amenities. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly swimming with lifeguard protection, serious surfing breaks, or a quiet stretch of sand to watch the sunset, there’s a field for you.

Lifeguards patrol designated swimming areas from late May through early September, typically from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends and holidays during the early and late season, with daily coverage from late June through Labor Day. The Atlantic waters here can be cold—typically 60–70°F in peak summer—but invigorating. Always check posted flags for current conditions, as shark sightings have led to temporary beach closures in recent summers.

Fire Island Lighthouse

One of Robert Moses State Park’s greatest draws isn’t technically in the park at all. A scenic ¾-mile nature boardwalk from Field 5 leads directly to the Fire Island Lighthouse—Long Island’s tallest landmark at 168 feet. Built in 1858, this stunning black-and-white-banded beacon guided ships past the treacherous Fire Island Inlet for over a century. Today, visitors can climb all 182 steps to the gallery deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Great South Bay, and the Long Island skyline.

The lighthouse grounds also include a keeper’s quarters museum with fascinating exhibits on Fire Island’s maritime history, shipwrecks, and the U.S. Life-Saving Service. The boardwalk path to the lighthouse winds through coastal scrub and dune habitat—an excellent birding walk, especially during fall migration when warblers and raptors move through in impressive numbers.

Wildlife & Birding

Robert Moses State Park sits within one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most important migratory corridors, making it an exceptional birding destination. With over 300 documented bird species, the park’s beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests provide critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds year-round.

The piping plover—a federally threatened shorebird—nests on Robert Moses’s beaches each summer. Specific beach sections are fenced off to protect nesting areas, so please respect all closures. During September and October, thousands of monarch butterflies pass through on their epic migration to Mexico, creating unforgettable natural spectacles. In winter, keep an eye out for snowy owls perched on the dunes and harbor seals hauled out on the rocks near the inlet.

Surf Fishing

Robert Moses State Park is one of the premier surf fishing destinations on Long Island’s South Shore. The park’s location at the western tip of Fire Island, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Fire Island Inlet, creates ideal conditions for pursuing a variety of saltwater game fish. Serious anglers arrive before dawn for the best action, especially during the fall blitz when striped bass and bluefish chase bait through the surf zone.

Recreation & Activities

Beyond the beach and fishing, Robert Moses State Park offers a surprising variety of recreational options. The park’s four full-service bathhouses provide changing rooms, showers, and restrooms, while multiple concession stands serve everything from classic boardwalk fare to ice cream.

Gateway to Fire Island

Robert Moses State Park serves as the most accessible entry point to Fire Island National Seashore, one of America’s most unique barrier island ecosystems. From Field 5, visitors can walk directly onto Fire Island and explore:

• Lighthouse Beach — Semi-wilderness beach stretching east from the lighthouse
• Fire Island Lighthouse & Museum — The iconic 1858 beacon (see above)
• Kismet — The first car-free community on Fire Island, accessible by foot
• National Seashore Visitor Center — Rangers, exhibits, and guided programs

Fire Island is one of New York’s greatest natural treasures—32 miles of pristine barrier island with no roads, cars, or commercial development. The fact that you can walk to it from a state park parking lot makes Robert Moses an unbeatable starting point for exploration.

History & Legacy

The park’s namesake, Robert Moses (1888–1981), was arguably the most powerful urban planner in American history. As Long Island State Parks Commissioner beginning in 1924, he transformed miles of inaccessible shoreline into public beaches and parklands connected by revolutionary parkway systems. The construction of the Robert Moses Causeway in 1964 finally gave ordinary New Yorkers easy automobile access to Fire Island’s western beaches.

The site itself has an even longer history. The Fire Island Lighthouse was first lit in 1826 (replaced by the current tower in 1858), and the island served as a critical life-saving station during the era of coastal shipwrecks. Today, the park stands as a monument to the democratization of public recreation—a beach once accessible only to the wealthy is now enjoyed by millions.

Seasonal Guide

Entry & Parking Fees

Getting There

Robert Moses State Park is located at the western tip of Fire Island, accessible via the Robert Moses Causeway from the Southern State Parkway or Sagtikos State Parkway. The park is approximately 50 miles east of Manhattan and 60 miles from JFK Airport.

Budget Planner

Safety Tips

What to Pack

Nearby Attractions

• Fire Island National Seashore — 32 miles of pristine barrier island (walk from Field 5)
• Captree State Park — Charter fishing, boat launches, bay access (5 min)
• Jones Beach State Park — 6.5 miles of beach, amphitheater concerts (25 min)
• Gilgo Beach — Quiet surfing beach, no crowds (15 min)
• Long Island Maritime Museum — Oyster history, boat building (20 min)

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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