Camp Hero State ParkAbout Camp Hero State Park
Camp Hero State Park is a New York State park at the eastern tip of Long Island near the village of Montauk, occupying coastal headlands and shoreline. The site is notable for its coastal terrain and surviving military structures from the 20th century.
Park visitors use an extensive trail network that links seaside bluffs, forested areas and sandy beaches; the area is popular for hiking, birdwatching and shoreline access. Distinctive features include an elevated radar/tower structure and a series of concrete bunkers and emplacements left from the site’s former military use.
The area was developed as a U.S. coastal defense installation in the 20th century and later transferred to state management for park use; military buildings and infrastructure remain as historic physical features. Over time the site has been managed for both preservation of those structures and for public recreational access.
The park is at Montauk on the easternmost end of Long Island, within the town of East Hampton. It lies adjacent to other public lands and shoreline areas at the tip of the island and is accessed from the Montauk area.
- Military remains: Remnants of 20th-century coastal defense installations are visible throughout the park and are a primary point of interest.
What to See#
- Radar tower: The former military radar tower and observation post remain as a prominent landmark and can be seen from park trails near the eastern shore of Montauk.
- Military fortifications: Concrete bunkers and gun emplacements from the site’s coastal-defense period are scattered through the park and are accessible from the trail network.
- Trails and beaches: A system of coastal trails links bluffs, beaches and viewpoints; popular destinations include beaches and cliff-top overlooks along Long Island’s eastern end.
Nearby Attractions to Camp Hero State Park
Best Time to Visit Camp Hero State Park
Best visited in late spring through fall; summer for swimming, shoulder seasons for quieter hiking and birding.
Weather & Climate near Camp Hero State Park
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1146 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 4° | -6° | 102 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 4° | -5° | 89 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 7° | -1° | 107 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 101 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 91 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 23° | 18° | 83 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 26° | 22° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 18° - 26° | 22° | 98 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 14° - 22° | 18° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 8° - 17° | 13° | 87 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 111 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 7° | -2° | 108 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Camp Hero State Park
From Montauk village, Camp Hero is an easy local drive or a 10-20 minute bike ride. Drive or take local buses along Montauk Highway (Route 27) east to Camp Hero Road/State Park entrance.
Tips for Visiting Camp Hero State Park
- Hike to the Montauk Point Lighthouse at dawn-Camp Hero's coastal trails catch sunrise light beautifully.
- Follow signed trails; parts of the park are former military property with restricted areas.
- Bring a windproof layer: the headland is exposed and afternoon sea breezes are strong.