The park was named after the prominent New York urban planner who was instrumental in its development during the mid-20th century.
The western end of the park features the Fire Island Lighthouse, which was first illuminated in 1858 and is accessible via a boardwalk from Field 5.
The park acts as a critical habitat for the piping plover, a threatened shorebird species that nests in the sand dunes.
Field 5 is the closest parking area to the Fire Island Lighthouse and the wilderness boardwalks.
The park offers one of the few designated surfing beaches on the western side of Long Island.
It is linked to the rest of Fire Island by a continuous beach walk, allowing hikers to reach the community of Kismet.
The park's infrastructure includes an 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf course that operates seasonally.
Robert Moses State Park is a 875-acre barrier island park located on the western end of Fire Island, offering five miles of oceanfront beach. It features four distinct fields providing access to swimming, surfing, and surf fishing. The park serves as the primary recreational gateway to the Fire Island National Seashore. Facilities include beach volleyball courts, a pitch-and-putt golf course, and multiple picnic areas with charcoal grills. Lifeguards are stationed at designated swimming areas during the peak summer season. The park is connected to mainland Long Island via the Robert Moses Causeway. The beach ecosystem supports diverse coastal bird populations, particularly near the protected dune structures. Visitors can access the Fire Island Lighthouse via a paved path located at the eastern end of the park. Parking capacity is extensive but frequently reaches maximum levels during high-demand summer weekends.
The elevated walkway near the Fire Island Lighthouse at sunset.
Arrive before mid-morning on summer weekends to avoid parking lot closures due to capacity limits.
Use Field 5 if you intend to walk to the Fire Island Lighthouse or explore the nature trails.
Bring your own shade structures, as natural shade is non-existent on the open beach.
Attempting to visit on peak summer weekend afternoons, as parking lots often reach capacity and close early.
The park remains open year-round, though amenities like concessions and lifeguard staffing are restricted to the summer season.
Carry-in, carry-out policy applies to all trash; stay off protected dunes to prevent erosion.
