Hither Hills State Park

For us New Yorkers, the allure of escaping the city's relentless pace for a dose of nature is a powerful one. While our city parks offer fantastic green spaces, sometimes what's truly needed is a more expansive, immersive natural experience, ideally with the calming sound of the ocean. This is where New York State Parks shine, offering incredible recreational opportunities just a drive away. Among the most cherished of these is Hither Hills State Park, a jewel located on the scenic eastern end of Long Island in Montauk.

Hither Hills State Park is a truly special destination, providing a unique blend of oceanfront beauty, rolling hills, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Unlike many other state parks, Hither Hills offers a rare chance to camp right on the beach, providing an unparalleled experience of waking up to the sound of waves and having direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. It's a place where families can create lasting memories, where outdoor enthusiasts can find their stride, and where anyone can simply unwind and reconnect with the natural world.

Administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Hither Hills is meticulously maintained, ensuring that its natural beauty is preserved for all to enjoy. It stands as a testament to New York State's commitment to providing diverse and high-quality recreational spaces for its residents. For New Yorkers looking for a genuine escape to the coast, complete with the conveniences that make a stay comfortable, Hither Hills State Park presents an ideal and highly recommended choice, offering a peaceful retreat that feels a world away from the city, yet is still within reach.

Hither Hills State Park is majestically situated at 164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, USA. This address places it on the outermost tip of Long Island's South Fork, in the iconic village of Montauk. Its location is a significant part of its appeal, offering breathtaking ocean views and a feeling of being at the very edge of the land.

While Montauk might seem a world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, it is remarkably accessible for those of us living in the metropolitan area. The primary mode of transportation for many New Yorkers visiting Montauk is by car. The drive typically involves taking the Long Island Expressway (I-495) or Sunrise Highway (NY-27) eastbound, which seamlessly transitions into Montauk Highway (Route 27) as you head further east. The journey offers scenic stretches, particularly as you approach the Hamptons and Montauk, though traffic can be significant, especially during peak summer weekends. Hither Hills State Park is located directly off Old Montauk Highway, making it easy to find once you're in the area.

For those preferring not to drive, Montauk is also accessible via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The Montauk branch provides service from Penn Station in Manhattan, with stops along Long Island, directly to the Montauk station. From the Montauk station, taxis or local ride-sharing services would be necessary for the short ride to Hither Hills State Park. Additionally, Hampton Jitney and Hampton Ambassador bus services offer comfortable, direct transportation from various points in Manhattan and Long Island directly to Montauk, providing another convenient option for reaching this beautiful destination without a personal vehicle.

The park itself is designed for pedestrian access within its grounds, with paths and direct access to the beach from the camping and picnic areas. Parking is available on-site, though there is a fee, and as reviews note, it's generally well-lit and feels secure, a plus for visitors.

Hither Hills State Park, as a premier New York State Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to enhance the visitor experience, particularly for those seeking outdoor recreation and a peaceful coastal retreat. These services cater to both day-trippers and campers, ensuring a comfortable and engaging visit:

• Beach Access and Lifeguard Service: The park provides direct access to its stunning ocean beach. During the peak season (typically late June through Labor Day), lifeguard services are usually available during designated hours, ensuring safe swimming conditions.

• Campgrounds and Facilities: A major draw, Hither Hills offers a popular oceanfront campground with sites available for tents and RVs. Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to well-maintained restrooms and showers (hot showers are a definite plus, as noted by visitors).

• Picnic Areas: Dedicated picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecue grills are available, perfect for family outings, as highlighted in reviews.

• Playground: A well-maintained playground provides a safe and fun area for children to enjoy, adding to the park's family-friendly appeal.

• Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities are a consistent highlight, ensuring convenience and comfort for both day visitors and campers.

• Nature Trails and Hiking: The park features several miles of hiking trails through its diverse terrain, including woodlands and dunes, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation.

• Fishing: Anglers can enjoy surf fishing directly from the ocean beach (with appropriate permits or licenses where required), a popular activity in Montauk.

• Recreational Programs (Seasonal): During peak season, park staff may offer interpretive programs, nature walks, or other recreational activities designed to educate visitors about the park's natural and historical significance.

• Concession/Park Office: A park office or concession stand may be available for information, emergency assistance, and potentially basic supplies or snacks.

These services are managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, ensuring consistent quality and availability for all park visitors.

Hither Hills State Park is celebrated for several unique features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for New Yorkers seeking a natural escape, particularly on Long Island's East End:

• Oceanfront Camping: This is arguably the park's most significant highlight. Hither Hills is one of the few places in New York State where visitors can camp directly on the ocean, offering unparalleled access to the beach and the soothing sounds of the waves, as noted by enthusiastic campers.

• Stunning Atlantic Ocean Beach: The park boasts a beautiful, expansive sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and long walks. Despite natural erosion, its beauty remains a major draw.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: As reviews attest, especially during the shoulder seasons (like April), the park offers a remarkably quiet and peaceful environment, providing a true escape from urban noise and a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistent positive feedback highlights the cleanliness and good maintenance of the park's restrooms and hot showers, a crucial feature for campers and day visitors alike, significantly enhancing the overall comfort of a visit.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a dedicated playground and pleasant picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecues, the park is ideally suited for families looking to enjoy a day or a longer camping trip outdoors.

• Diverse Natural Landscape: Beyond the beach, Hither Hills offers a varied topography, including woodlands, sandy dunes, and bluffs, providing scenic backdrops for hiking and nature observation.

• Proximity to Montauk Village: While offering a secluded feel, the park is conveniently close to the vibrant village of Montauk. This means easy access to local amenities like grocery stores (e.g., IGA), drug stores (e.g., White's), and numerous restaurants, combining natural beauty with practical conveniences.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The oceanfront location makes Hither Hills a prime spot for surfcasting, a popular activity for anglers looking to catch striped bass, bluefish, and other marine species.

These features collectively create a comprehensive and highly desirable outdoor experience, making Hither Hills State Park a beloved destination for generations of New Yorkers.

As a New York State Park, Hither Hills State Park does not typically run commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private business might (e.g., percentage discounts, loyalty programs). However, the park consistently provides inherent value and programs that can be considered significant "offers" for New Yorkers:

• Empire Pass Program: This is the most significant "promotion" for frequent park visitors. The Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most New York State Parks and DEC forest preserve facilities for an annual fee. For families or individuals planning multiple visits to Hither Hills or other state parks, this offers substantial savings on daily parking fees.

• Free Nature Programs and Events: During peak seasons, the park often hosts free interpretive programs, guided nature walks, and educational events led by park naturalists. These "offers" provide valuable learning experiences about local ecology, wildlife, and history.

• Accessible Camping Rates: While camping incurs a fee, the rates at Hither Hills are generally standardized by NY State Parks and often represent a more affordable option for an oceanfront stay compared to private resorts or hotels in Montauk, especially for longer durations.

• Senior Citizen and Veterans Discounts: New York State Parks offer various discounts for senior citizens (e.g., Golden Park Program) and veterans on certain fees, including some camping and day-use fees. These are direct "offers" for eligible New Yorkers.

• Off-Season Peace and Quiet: As highlighted in reviews, visiting during the shoulder seasons (like April or late fall) provides a "promotion" of incredible peace and quiet, often with fewer crowds and a more serene experience, though some services might be limited.

• Picnic and Recreation Facilities: The free use of picnic tables, barbecue grills, and the playground areas are continuous "offers" that enhance the affordability of a family day out.

To find specific details on the Empire Pass, senior/veteran discounts, or a schedule of free interpretive programs, the best resource is the official New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website (parks.ny.gov). It's also advisable to check the Hither Hills State Park specific page on the website for any direct park-related announcements.

For inquiries, reservations, or any specific questions regarding Hither Hills State Park, you can reach them directly using the following contact details:

• Address: 164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, USA

• Phone: (631) 668-2554

The phone number is the most direct way to speak with park staff, who can provide information on current conditions, operating hours, camping availability, specific rules and regulations, and details about facilities. This is particularly useful for checking beach conditions, playground status, or any seasonal changes in services.

For camping reservations, it's generally recommended to use the official New York State Parks reservation system, ReserveAmerica (or a similar platform linked from the NY State Parks website), as sites at Hither Hills are highly sought after, especially during the summer. The official New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website (parks.ny.gov) also serves as a comprehensive resource for detailed park information, maps, and updates.

Visiting in person during operational hours is also an option for immediate inquiries, particularly if you are already in the Montauk area. The park office typically serves as the central point for visitor assistance on-site.

For us New Yorkers, Hither Hills State Park is not just suitable; it's an indispensable and cherished escape that perfectly caters to our urban needs for nature, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Its prime location on the stunning Montauk coastline offers a natural beauty that feels a world away from city life, yet remains conveniently accessible for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

The park's unique feature of oceanfront camping is a dream come true for many city dwellers, providing an unparalleled opportunity to sleep just steps from the Atlantic, lulled by the soothing sound of waves – a luxury rarely found. For families, the well-maintained playgrounds, picnic areas, and clean facilities (including hot showers) make it an ideal spot for creating lasting memories in a safe and engaging environment. Even for a day trip, the expansive beach and scenic trails offer ample opportunities for recreation and unwinding.

Furthermore, the park's proximity to the charming village of Montauk means that while you can immerse yourself in nature, essential amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and diverse restaurants are just a short drive away, striking a perfect balance between rugged outdoor experience and convenient comfort. For those of us seeking to recharge, reconnect with the natural world, or simply enjoy the unique coastal charm of Long Island, Hither Hills State Park truly stands out as a premier destination, a beloved retreat that perfectly complements the dynamic energy of our New York lives.

Hither Hills State Park

164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, USA