Robert Moses State Park Field 5

For many New Yorkers, a perfect summer day involves sun, sand, and the refreshing waves of the Atlantic. Robert Moses State Park, located at the western end of Fire Island, is a quintessential Long Island beach destination that delivers all this and more. Specifically, Field 5 stands out as a highly popular and well-equipped area within the park, offering a comprehensive beach experience for locals and visitors alike. It's more than just a stretch of sand; it's a vibrant hub for recreation, relaxation, and even a bit of exploration.

Robert Moses State Park, encompassing five miles of pristine ocean beach, is a flagship facility managed by New York State Parks. Field 5, one of its distinct parking and access areas, has garnered particular praise for its amenities and unique features. As numerous local reviews highlight, it boasts a "delightful bar with lively music near the concession area," a "nice little shop," and a "well-maintained and clean" beach with convenient showers. Its ease of access from the parking lot to the water's edge, coupled with a scenic boardwalk leading to the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse, solidifies its reputation as a top-tier destination. Another enthusiastic review simply states, "Robert Moses Field 5 is a fantastic spot, especially during the summer when everything is open," emphasizing its popularity and full range of offerings during peak season. This article will dive into what makes Robert Moses State Park Field 5 such a beloved spot for New Yorkers, exploring its accessibility, the wide array of services and features available, and why it's a perfect choice for your next beach adventure.

Robert Moses State Park Field 5 is strategically located at 1 Burma Rd, Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA, on the western tip of Fire Island. This prime location at the southern end of the Robert Moses Causeway makes it incredibly accessible for New Yorkers, offering a straightforward journey to a pristine ocean beach.

For those traveling by car, accessibility is a major highlight. The Robert Moses Causeway directly connects Fire Island to mainland Long Island, making it one of the few points on the barrier island reachable by vehicle. The park is easily accessed from major Long Island highways such as the Southern State Parkway, the Long Island Expressway (I-495), and Sunrise Highway (Route 27), allowing for a relatively quick drive from various parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as New York City's boroughs. Field 5 itself features a large, paved parking lot, ensuring ample space even on busy summer days. While there is a vehicle entrance fee to access the park (typically $8-$10 per car during peak season, with variations for weekends/holidays), this fee contributes to the maintenance of the park and its excellent facilities. Empire Pass holders enjoy free vehicle entry, making it an even more attractive option for frequent park visitors.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, Robert Moses State Park Field 5 is also a viable option. Suffolk Transit's S47 bus route provides seasonal service connecting the Babylon Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station to the park. The Babylon LIRR station offers convenient train service from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan, as well as from various points on Long Island. This bus connection provides an important link for those without personal vehicles, ensuring that the beautiful beaches of Robert Moses State Park are accessible to a wider audience. The seamless journey, culminating in the short walk from the parking lot to the beach, as noted by visitors, makes Field 5 a highly convenient and popular choice for a day out.

Robert Moses State Park Field 5 provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable beach experience for all visitors. These services go beyond just access to the sand and surf:

• Lifeguard-Protected Swimming Areas: During the swimming season (typically from late May through early September), designated areas are staffed by certified lifeguards, ensuring swimmer safety in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Concessions and Food Service: Field 5 features a concession area where visitors can purchase food and drinks. Reviews specifically mention a "delightful bar with lively music near the concession area," offering a pleasant ambiance for enjoying refreshments. There's also a "nice little shop" conveniently located for beach essentials.
• Public Restrooms and Showers: Well-maintained and accessible public bathrooms are available, along with private outdoor showers, which are a highly appreciated amenity for rinsing off sand and salt after a swim.
• First Aid Stations: For minor injuries or emergencies, first aid offices are located within the park, ensuring immediate assistance when needed.
• Playground Area: Field 5 boasts a large playground area, making it especially "perfect for families" with children who need more than just sand to stay entertained. (Note: Recent information indicates playgrounds might be closed due to construction, so it's always good to verify current status.)
• Accessibility Services: Robert Moses State Park is committed to accessibility. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at First Aid Offices, and mobility mats are often installed at Field 5 during the summer season for easier beach access for those with mobility challenges.
• Picnic Areas: Designated picnic areas equipped with tables and sometimes grills are available, providing ideal spots for families and groups to enjoy packed meals. (A permit may be required for groups of 50 or more).
• Permit Sales: The park office sells various permits, including Empire Passports, and permits for specialized activities like fishing, surfing, stargazing, and 4-wheel drive beach vehicle access for those with appropriate vehicles and licenses.

These extensive services contribute significantly to the appeal and functionality of Robert Moses State Park Field 5.

Robert Moses State Park Field 5 is celebrated for several key features and highlights that enhance the visitor experience and make it a highly desirable destination for New Yorkers:

• Pristine Ocean Beach: The park offers five miles of beautiful, white, fine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Field 5 provides excellent access to these clean and well-maintained shores, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.
• Walk to Fire Island Lighthouse: A major draw is the scenic ¾ mile nature walk along a boardwalk that leads directly from Field 5 to the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach. This walk is praised for its beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife like red foxes and deer, offering a unique blend of nature and history.
• Lively Concession Area with Bar: Unlike many state park beaches, Field 5 boasts a "delightful bar with lively music" near the concession area. This adds a unique, social ambiance, allowing visitors to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment right by the beach, making it a popular spot.
• Excellent Surf Conditions: The oceanfront at Robert Moses is known for its surf-friendly waves, attracting surfers and boogie-boarders. Surf-fishing is also a popular activity.
• Accessibility for All: The park's commitment to accessibility is a key highlight, with beach wheelchairs and mobility mats ensuring that the beach is enjoyable for individuals with diverse mobility needs.
• Dedicated Boardwalk: Field 5 features a boardwalk that extends the length of the parking area, providing easy and pleasant access from the parking lot to the beach and amenities, as well as serving as the starting point for the lighthouse walk.
• Year-Round Recreation: While summer is peak season, the park allows for picnicking, fishing, surfing, and playground use year-round, offering continuous opportunities for outdoor enjoyment beyond the swimming season.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With a playground (currently under construction, verify status), clean facilities, and a safe swimming environment, Field 5 is highly regarded as a family-friendly destination.

These distinctive features collectively make Robert Moses State Park Field 5 a comprehensive and highly enjoyable beach experience for New Yorkers.

As a New York State Park, Robert Moses State Park Field 5 does not offer typical commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its value lies in providing accessible and well-maintained public recreational facilities. However, there are inherent "offers" and ways to save that are significant for New Yorkers:

• Affordable Entry Fee: The vehicle entrance fee, typically $8-$10 per car during peak season, is a remarkably low cost for accessing such a high-quality ocean beach with extensive amenities. This makes it a highly affordable day out for families and groups.
• New York State Parks Empire Pass: The most significant "special offer" for frequent visitors is the Empire Pass. This annual pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most New York State Parks and DEC forest preserve facilities. For Robert Moses State Park Field 5, possessing an Empire Pass means you bypass the vehicle entrance fee entirely, offering substantial savings for those who visit state parks regularly.
• Free Activities and Amenities: Many of the park's offerings are included with the vehicle entrance fee or are free year-round. This includes access to the pristine beach, public restrooms and showers, picnic areas, and the scenic walk to the Fire Island Lighthouse. The free availability of beach wheelchairs is also a valuable "offer" for accessibility.
• Seasonal Flexibility: While swimming is seasonal, the park's availability for activities like fishing, picnicking, and walking the boardwalk year-round, often with reduced or no vehicle fees in the off-season, can be considered an extended "offer" for different types of recreational experiences.

New Yorkers are encouraged to consider purchasing an Empire Pass if they plan multiple visits to state parks throughout the year. For specific event schedules, seasonal hours, and current fee structures, always consult the official New York State Parks website for Robert Moses State Park.

For general inquiries about Robert Moses State Park Field 5, including current conditions, operational hours, or specific questions about amenities and events, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 1 Burma Rd, Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA (This address identifies the specific Field 5 location within the park).

Phone: (631) 687-4750 (This phone number is specifically provided for Robert Moses State Park Field 5)

Mobile Phone: +1 631-687-4750 (This is the same number, but often listed as a mobile contact too)

For broader inquiries about Robert Moses State Park (which includes all fields), the general information line is (631) 669-0449. It is always recommended to check the official New York State Parks website for Robert Moses State Park for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, seasonal changes, specific event schedules, and any advisories before planning your visit.

For New Yorkers, Robert Moses State Park Field 5 is an exceptionally suitable and highly valued destination, serving as a quintessential Long Island beach experience. Its appeal lies in its combination of pristine natural beauty, robust amenities, and convenient accessibility, making it an ideal choice for a day trip or a regular haunt for locals.

Firstly, its location at the end of the Robert Moses Causeway offers unparalleled ease of access by car, a crucial factor for many Long Island families. The ample parking and straightforward journey mean less time commuting and more time enjoying the sand and surf. Even with public transport connections, it remains a feasible and attractive option for city dwellers seeking a beach escape.

Secondly, Field 5 is designed with the visitor in mind. The reviews highlight its well-maintained, clean beach, essential showers, and readily available food and drinks, including a lively bar area – a feature not common at all state park beaches. This level of convenience ensures a comfortable and enjoyable day for everyone, from families with young children utilizing the playground (verify current status) to groups looking for a vibrant beach atmosphere.

Perhaps its most compelling draw for locals is the unique blend of recreation and natural exploration. The short, pleasant walk from the parking lot to the beach and water, combined with the scenic boardwalk leading to the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse, offers more than just swimming and sunbathing. It provides an opportunity for a leisurely stroll, wildlife viewing, and a touch of local history, truly enriching the beach experience. For New Yorkers seeking a reliable, high-quality, and multi-faceted beach destination on Long Island, Robert Moses State Park Field 5 stands out as a top-tier choice that consistently delivers on its promise of a wonderful day out.

Robert Moses State Park Field 5

1 Burma Rd, Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA