Long Island State Parks
4 WHEEL DRIVE BEACH ACCESS
SURFING AND WINDSURFING GUIDE
*For the most update to information on access to Gilgo State Park,
please contact the Robert Moses Park Office, 631-669-0449.
Table of Contents
Valid Access Locations……..…………………………..…………..………………..Page 2
Permit Conditions……………………………………………………………………….Page 3
Required Equipment and Tips……………………………………………………..Page 4
Safety Equipment and Getting Un-Stuck……………………………………..Page 4
Piping Plover……………………………………………………………..………………..Page 5
Robert Moses State Park/Democrat Point…………………………………..Page 6
Gilgo…………………………………………………………..………………………………Page 7
Hither Hills State Park…………………………………..……………….……………Page 7
Napeague State Park……………………………………..…………………………..Page 8
Montauk Point State Park……………………………………………………………Page 8
VALID 4 WHEEL DRIVE BEACH ACCESS LOCATIONS
FOR SURFING AND WINDSURFING:
This permit allows 4-wheel drive vehicles access to designated beach
areas at Gilgo, Hither Hills, Montauk Point, Napeague, and Robert Moses
for the purpose of daylight (sunrise to sunset) surfing and
windsurfing only.
Valid year round access at: GILGO, HITHER HILLS, NAPEAGUE and
ROBERT MOSES (DEMOCRAT POINT- weather/conditions permitting-
Beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day until Labor Day, vehicles
may enter before 7 AM and after 5 PM ONLY)
Valid from January 1 to March 31 at: MONTAUK POINT
Valid from September 15 to December 31: ROBERT MOSES, FIELDS #3
AND #4—access to parking lots only
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Long Island State Park
Beach Driving Permit
Conditions
9 N.Y.C.R.R. 372.1 - 372.6;415.4
In addition to the conditions that appear on your permit,
the following specific conditions must also be followed:
1. All permits will expire on December 31, regardless of the date issued.
2. Permits are valid for 4-wheel drive vehicles only and allow access to designated
beach areas for the purpose of daylight (sunrise to sunset) surfing and wind-
surfing only.
3. Permittee and each passenger over 12 years old will be required to
possess surfing equipment (boogie boards do not qualify as surfing
equipment) and show upon request of State Parks employee. Children MUST
be supervised at all times.
4. Tires shall not exceed either 35 inches in diameter or 12.5 inches in width as
measured at the widest point.
5. Before passing the Beach Vehicle checkpoint location, all beach vehicle tires must
be aired down to one-half the maximum rated tire pressure.
6. Vehicles are prohibited from driving through bathing areas from 7am to 5 pm be-
ginning the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend until after Labor Day at specifi-
cally designated parks.
7. Follow designated access roads to the beach. Do not exceed 10 MPH at any
time. Vehicles are permitted access to fishing areas only; vehicles are not per-
mitted elsewhere in off-road travel. Always stay to the right when approaching
oncoming vehicles. DO NOT DRIVE on dunes, wetlands, beach grass, bird nest-
ing areas, or in seal haul out areas.
8. Do not destroy the sand fence. This fence is helpful in maintaining a stable beach
environment.
9. Pedestrians have the right-of-way; please be courteous to people walking on the
beach.
10. Please help us maintain a safe, clean, and attractive environment for the enjoy-
ment of everyone. Return unwanted fish to the water. Take litter and debris with
you and discard in trash receptacles.
11. Smoking on beach is Prohibited.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE PERMIT CONDITIONS WILL RESULT IN
IMMEDIATE REVOCATION OF PERMIT. PERMIT WILL BE REVOKED FOR ONE YEAR FROM
DATE OF REVOCATION. THERE WILL BE NO REPLACEMENTS FOR LOST, STOLEN OR
REVOKED PERMITS. DUPLICATE PERMITS WILL NOT BE ISSUED. PERMITS WILL NOT BE
ISSUED APRIL 1 THROUGH LABOR DAY.
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REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
ALL NEW YORK STATE PARKS
Surfboards, no boogieboards
EXTRA SAFETY
(for all persons age 12 and over) EQUIPMENT
*Portable cellular phone
Portable Toilet *Fire Extinguisher
*Tire Inflation Device
Tow Rope or Tow Chain *CB Radio
Jack, Jack Board, Shovel *Tool Kit
*Flashlight
Approved Tires, Spare Tire *First Aid Kit
(Maximum of 35 inches in diameter by 12.5 *Garbage Bags
inches in width) *Gallon of Water
Tire Gauge
(capable of registering a minimum of 5 PSI)
TIPS AND PRACTICES
• Wherever possible, use existing tracks.
• Driving all over the beach is reckless and can be harmful.
• Use designated access roads only. Undesignated area access is illegal, and can
cause erosion leaving the beach vulnerable to storm damage.
• Ruts and holes caused by a stuck vehicle must be filled in after said vehicle has
been removed.
• Tire pressure should be at least one half the maximum recommended pressure
located on the side-wall of the tire.
• A pressure of 16 to 20 pounds is a safe range.
• Stay away from all vegetation as the weight of the vehicle could destroy root
systems.
• Avoid the high water rack line, as birds often feed in this area, and it is subject to
debris and hard conch shells that could damage your tires.
WHAT IF I GET STUCK?
*Do not spin your tires
*Check and make sure you are in 4 wheel drive.
*Lower tire pressure between 15 and 18 psi.
*Pull a small amount of sand away from the front and rear of all four tires.
*Slowly attempt to drive in reverse, where the sand is compacted.
*Keep front tires straight, back up and attempt to free your vehicle.
*Proceed evenly, keeping up your momentum without spinning your tires.
*If buried, jack vehicle up first, then compact sand under tires.
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Endangered and threatened species including piping plovers, least terns and a
rare beach plant called sea-beachamaranth can be found on some beaches.
Please respect symbolic fencing and barricades that have been installed toprotect
these areas and wildlife. Persons may be arrested and fined for killing, harassing
or in any way disturbing these species.
Beaches are subject to closure during nesting season.
Do not feed, attract, touch or harass any wildlife.
Animals in the park may seem tame, but they are stillwild. Please re-
port any odd behavior seen in animals,or any bites, scratches or other
contact with wild or domestic animals to a park official immediately.
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ROBERT MOSES STATE PARK
Fields #3 & #4 access to parking lots only
(September 15 to December 31)
In case of an emergency, call 911
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*For the most update to information on access to Gilgo State Park, please contact the Robert Moses Park Office, 631-669-0449.
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