Robert Moses State Park
Park Barrier island park with beaches and dunes
On Fire Island’s barrier beach, Robert Moses State Park offers long Atlantic beaches, fishing piers and picnic areas; visitors arrive for swimming, surf fishing and accessible boardwalks close to Long Island.
Robert Moses State Park is a state-run barrier-island park on the western end of Fire Island in Suffolk County, New York, known primarily for its ocean beaches and recreational shoreline.
The park is named for Robert Moses and was developed in the mid 20th century as part of Long Island’s system of state parks and barrier-island recreational areas. Over time facilities and parking were expanded to serve growing visitor numbers.
Located on the western end of Fire Island, the park is reachable from Long Island via the Robert Moses Causeway in Suffolk County and sits at the maritime interface between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay.
- Access and setting: Accessible via the Robert Moses Causeway, the park occupies the western end of Fire Island and includes Atlantic ocean beaches and bay-side shoreline.
How to Get to Robert Moses State Park #
By car: take the Southern State Parkway or Wantagh State Parkway toward Jones Beach, then follow signs to Robert Moses Causeway and the appropriate park unit. The park is reachable from NYC in about an hour to 90 minutes depending on traffic; check bridge tolls and seasonal parking arrangements.
Tips for Visiting Robert Moses State Park #
- Arrive mid-week or early morning in summer to avoid heavy weekend crowds and long parking lines
- Drive the Robert Moses Causeway slowly at dusk for good views of the Atlantic and prime birdwatching near the inlet
- If visiting for surf or fishing, check seasonal restrictions and local advisories
Best Time to Visit Robert Moses State Park #
Summer for beaches and waves; spring and autumn for fewer crowds and good birding.
