Hither Hills State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Hither Hills State Park offers exceptional oceanfront RV camping across 189 sites with three distinct loops, featuring direct beach access, spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic, and unique walking dunes. Located just steps from Montauk on Long Island's South Fork, this flagship New York State Park welcomed visitors to pristine sandy beaches and organized summer recreation programs, making it Long Island's premier beach camping destination that requires reservations up to nine months in advance with a seven-day minimum during peak season from mid-June to mid-September.
What Makes Hither Hills the Ultimate Beach Camping Destination?
Nestled on the southeastern edge of Long Island near Montauk, Hither Hills State Park captures the magic of coastal camping with two miles of sandy Atlantic beachfront and over 1,700 acres of diverse terrain. This oceanfront paradise lets you fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to stunning sunrises over the ocean—all from the comfort of your RV.
The park's unique "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor on the eastern boundary create a constantly shifting landscape where coastal winds sculpt sand formations that can reach up to eight stories high. These dunes literally "walk" as strong winds gradually blow the sand southeast, creating one of the most spectacular and unusual natural features on the East Coast. The park's woodlands feature Russian olive, oak, shad, and pine trees that provide welcome shade during hot summer days.
During peak season from mid-June to mid-September, a seven-day minimum Sunday-to-Sunday restriction applies. The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, with reservations available up to nine months in advance.
Hither Hills State Park offers visitors scenic picnic areas and fireplaces, sport fishing, a sandy ocean beach, playing fields, a playground, and a 189-site campground on the ocean. Year-round fishing opportunities include permits for night fishing, making this a premier destination for anglers seeking striped bass and other coastal species.
Summer brings an organized recreation program featuring family movies, folk and line dancing, children's summer theater, magic shows, and environmental interpretation programs. These activities create a vibrant community atmosphere where families can connect with fellow campers while making lasting memories.
The park's location—122 miles from Manhattan—makes it an accessible weekend escape for NYC residents while feeling worlds away from city life. Whether you're seeking adventure on bridle paths and hiking trails, or simply want to lounge on two miles of pristine beach, Hither Hills delivers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and coastal relaxation.
RV Rentals in Hither Hills State Park
Transportation
Driving
Hither Hills State Park is located 122 miles from Manhattan via Sunrise Highway, making it easily accessible for RVers throughout the New York metropolitan area. The journey typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. RVers won't encounter any height obstacles or major restrictions along the route, with well-maintained highways leading all the way to the park entrance.
The park entrance is located on Old Montauk Highway (Route 27) in Montauk. Within the park, roads are paved with no driving restrictions, allowing easy navigation to campsites. However, note that motor homes, pop-ups, and trailers are not allowed in the parking lot on Friday, Saturday & Sunday during peak season, though this doesn't affect overnight campers already set up at their sites.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Montauk Gateway Access: Montauk positions you within minutes of Hither Hills State Park's entrance, offering the most convenient access to oceanfront camping. This charming fishing village provides excellent restaurants, the historic Montauk Lighthouse, and easy beach access.
Long Island Regional Access: Long Island offers a broader selection of rigs and competitive pricing while remaining within easy driving distance. The South Fork's scenic route through the Hamptons makes the journey part of the adventure.
Parking
You can park your RV at designated campsites throughout the three loops. Once you've set up camp, hiking and biking trails provide convenient ways to explore the park. The closest town is East Hampton, where you can top up supplies, grab a bite to eat, or explore upscale boutiques and galleries.
Public Transportation
The Long Island Railroad provides service to Montauk station, approximately 15 minutes from the park by taxi. From Manhattan, Penn Station offers direct seasonal service during summer months, making car-free beach camping a viable option. Local taxi services and ride-sharing apps provide transportation between the station and campground.
Campgrounds and parking in Hither Hills State Park
Campsites in Hither Hills State Park
Reservations camping
Nearby Options
If Hither Hills is fully booked, consider these excellent alternatives:
Wildwood State Park: Located on Long Island's North Shore, Wildwood offers over 300 campsites with full hookups and beautiful views of Long Island Sound.
Fire Island National Seashore: Smith Point County Park provides the only RV camping option at Fire Island, with water hookups and select electric/sewer sites.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure, or discover campgrounds in New York for additional options near Long Island.
West Loop
The West Loop has 108 sites suitable for RV, trailer, and tent camping, making it the largest section at Hither Hills. Each campsite features a concrete patio area, though you'll need to bring your own fire pit. Since there are no electrical hookups, generators are permitted during certain daytime hours to keep your rig powered.
Sites in the West Loop accommodate up to six people per night. The majority are back-in sites varying in length from approximately 25 to 40 feet. Several ADA-accessible sites are available for reservation. The West Loop is set on a two-mile sandy beach with access to a 40-acre freshwater lake, providing excellent swimming and fishing opportunities.
Amenities include modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, as well as an RV dump station. Picnic tables and fire pits are available at the day-use area. During peak season, this loop fills quickly with families seeking the perfect balance of beach access and campground amenities.
East Loop
The East Loop is directly opposite the West Loop along the beach with 37 campsites that accommodate RVers, trailer campers, and tent campers. East Loop campers enjoy easy beach access throughout their stay, with slightly less crowded conditions than the larger West Loop.
All three loops require that the individual who books the campsite be at least 21 years old and present at the campsite continually. Be prepared to provide ID, as park staff will check ID upon check-in.
The East Loop features the same amenities as the West Loop, including a communal restroom with hot showers and flushing toilets. Sites offer concrete patios, and the loop provides good access to hiking trails leading to the walking dunes.
J Loop
The J Loop is tent-only sites, and generators are not permitted. Entry into this loop requires a key card with a $5 deposit for each card (cash only, with a $5 replacement fee if lost). This creates a quieter, more rustic camping experience perfect for those seeking to truly disconnect.
The J Loop offers the most spectacular ocean views of any camping area in the park, with many sites positioned right against the dunes where you can hear the surf throughout the night. This premium tent camping experience makes J Loop highly sought-after among minimalist campers.
Seasonal activities in Hither Hills State Park
Off-Season
Coastal walks
The two-mile stretch of sandy beachfront is perfect for a crisp winter stroll when the scenery is at its most dramatic. Don your best winter gear (it gets windy!) and comb the beachfront for unusual shells and marine life such as Horseshoe crabs. Pack a picnic with a flask of steaming hot tea or coffee to enjoy along the way or up at the day-use area when you’re done. Coastal walks are a very relaxing way to enjoy being out in nature!
Cross-Country Skiing
Pack your skis and snowshoes along when you visit the park over the colder months. During the winter months, the mountain bike trails that surround this coastal nature reserve are groomed and turned into exceptional ski trails. Lined with trees and coastal views, the scenery is one of the best in the area for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with trails that are accessible for skiers of all levels and ages. Make sure to wrap up warm and don’t forget to bring your camera!
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Long Island outdoor adventures, check out our Wildwood State Park guide, or explore Fire Island National Seashore for barrier island camping experiences.
Sport fishing
Hither Hills State Park offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing for RV fishermen visiting its borders. The 40-acre freshwater lake at Hither Hills State Park is a favorite amongst anglers who can enjoy sport fishing here all year round. The fish you’ll typically find in the area include largemouth and smallmouth bass and trout. Alternatively, you can enjoy fishing on the beach. For something completely different, you can even obtain a special permit that allows you to fish at night.
In-Season
Hiking
Hither Hills State Park has an impressive network of hiking and biking trails that wind their way throughout the park and along the shoreline. Take a stroll along the scenic bridle paths and admire the panoramic coastal views of the North Atlantic. The unique walking dunes of Napeague Harbor on the western side of the park offer some wonderful views, or simply take a stroll through the woodlands dotted with oak, shad, pine, and Russian olive trees.
Water sports
Set right on a two-mile oceanfront beach and a 40-acre freshwater lake, there are plenty of opportunities for exciting water sporting recreation at Hither Hills State Park. Go surfing or windsurfing on the ocean waves of the North Atlantic or swim and stand up paddleboard on the glassy waters of the lake. You can also enjoy paddling along the lake or in the ocean with your kayak or canoe, so make sure to bring yours along in the motorhome.
Recreation Programs
During the summer months, an exciting recreation program keeps the whole family entertained. Enjoy a jam-packed schedule of fun organized activities hosted by the park such as family movie nights, folk and line dancing events, kids’ summer theater or magic shows, and a variety of environmental interpretation programs. You won’t be bored! Most of these are hosted by the rangers at the park, who enjoy imparting their knowledge of the surrounding nature and doing things with the campers. The entertainment program is subject to change so be sure to ask the park for an up-to-date schedule upon booking.
