Labor Day Weekend 2021 - Everything is open!…read more I came on a whim of intuition, with tent in tow, that my 3.5 he drive from the city might, just might result in a walk-up campsite for one or two nights. At first I was turned away because I was too late- all the available sites had been given away before 3pm. However, I stayed curious and asked some extra questions about how the walk-up system worked in the event I would try again the next day. To my luck, the park attendant said to come back in a couple hours because I might get lucky with some later call backs... and 4:30pm lucky I got!!! I did have a backup plan- that I would head to Wildwood on North Fork which had plenty of availability if I couldn't get a spot at Hither Hills. Everything was open- even the kitchen making egg sandwiches and salads in the General Store. Lifeguards on the beach. Beach stand selling alcohol. Showers and restrooms all open, and very clean. I stayed in the A section of the campground, which has the most sand on the lots, and backs up to the dunes, which was exactly what I wanted/needed. The campsites don't have electric, but there is a water spout in the middle of some sections. The bathrooms are never too far and the showers are clean. There are some electrical outlets in the bathroom for things like hair dryer and electric razor, or for me, charging a battery pack while I shower, brush my teeth, and do my hair. The beach on this weekend was pristine and perfect. Despite hurricane Ira moving through only days earlier, after the storm, the beach at Hither Hills had barely any debris or carnage and just smooth waves and perfect weather for a long holiday weekend. I didn't bother bringing a cooler or camp stove because I was just one person and there are plenty of restaurants and bars and cafes around to visit by car during the day- and that's part of the fun for me (and every yelper?!?)- exploring local food options! I also really enjoyed visiting the East Hampton library to pick up some free books, get WiFi connected, and recharge phone battery during the day. You definitely won't find a cheaper stay in the Hamptons or Montauk unless you're invited to someone's beach house!!

Genie helped us check in and was INCREDIBLE. She was so kind and friendly and helped us get…read moresituated once we arrived. We were new to the campground and she helped us with how to set up our fire as well. She really made our whole experience 100x better. Thank you Genie!! -J12

Did not know this was the inspiration for Stranger Things! The tower definitely gave Hawkins Lab…read morevibes. It was creepy driving through here with no one around. Did I lock the doors and roll the windows up? Yes. There's a cul-de-sac right below the tower with these "fake structures" that apparently were used to disguise the buildings during WWII. There were info plaques but I was too scared to get out lol. After googling quickly it says The "Town": The buildings included a gymnasium (disguised as church), commissary, barracks, exchange store, and residential homes. They were all boarded up with signs to stay out and falling objects, yikes! No thank you!

Camp Hero State Park offers spectacular views of both the Montauk Lighthouse and the Atlantic…read moreOcean. Tip: While this place is an interesting destination, it's dangerous enough that you should probably think twice before bringing young children along for a visit. The day we visited was clear and lovely, but we unfortunately couldn't stay long because our footgear wasn't appropriate for hiking around inside the park. I look forward to returning with more appropriate shoes. Note that some of the cliffs here are both high and steep, so you should mind the signs which warn people to avoid getting to close to the cliff edges.

This place is cool during the day, but to really appreciate it, try and get a glimpse of it at…read morenight. You need a permit to be there at night (you can buy one online from the NY state parks website) but once your there and see the lights intensity over the deep black ocean and sky you get a real feel for just how important this was, and still is in aiding navigation on a dark night.

I'd read about Montauk Point State Park, and I set out to visit when I found myself in the…read moreneighborhood.   It's a state park that's got some interesting history behind it, and some really good views.  So why am I rating it only 3 stars?  The parking and entrance fees are ridiculous! Tip: It costs $8 to park a single vehicle, and they charge $11 per person for the "privilege" of walking in the general vicinity of the lighthouse.

Part of the Montauk County Park, or, correct me if I'm wrong but they're one in the same... For me…read moreit's one of the most beautiful parks on Long Island. Great for hiking and the scenery can't be matched from the bluffs along the ocean to the calm waters of the sound on the north side. An absolute must if you're coming to Montauk.

Love this ambiance of this beach but important things to note!!!:…read more- very rocky. if you're out surfing beware of the rocky ground under the water. - no nearby parking unless you have a town permit. had to park about a 15 minute walk away.

Beautiful beach. There weren't very many people so it felt private. We didn't have an issue with…read moreparking and went after we ate lunch so we didn't need food. I can appreciate the views here. It was gorgeous and the sand felt so good on our feet. Didn't go in the water but got to walk along the beach. Tried checking in but the service wasn't so great. Will definitely come back.

Stopped by on the way to Montauk. Most of the outlets to the beach were closed off since it was…read morepre-season March. Found one at the end which led to a Long clean sandy beach on the other side of a small hill. Very clean camping space (minus the deer poop).

As someone who goes to a lot to alot parks. Half showers are very nice the other half disaster…read morescene. Customer service is mixed some people don't care about rules and some do. The park is beautiful.

This is a nice place for a hike as long as you bring bug spray and check for ticks later. It is…read moremostly pine forests punctuated by sand dunes. The main path makes a loop and took about 30 minutes for quicker walkers. Just pay attention to the trail markings on the trees to avoid getting lost! There are not restrooms or amenities at all, so plan ahead and bring water before you arrive.

Beautiful park, watch for ticks (eek!), the beach does have a lot of broken shells. On the plus…read moreside not too many people take advantage of the area (maybe because of the ticks?) but it's a nice area to go with out too many people.

This is one of the most beautiful State Parks in the system. It's great in all seasons, and a good…read moreplace for birders and paddlers.

Opened to the public in 1920 and made a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Orient Beach State Park…read moreis just a beautiful example of a natural beach environment. Orient beach offers a gorgeous environment for passive recreation as well as a paradise for beach goers. There is a 2.1 mile bike path along the park road which stretches along the section of the park called long beach. This road is also the entrance and exit to the park which is situated at the end of this stretch of road. Being part of the bike path it provides for an incredible walk with views of Gardiner's bay on one side and marsh lands on the other. There are many species of Birds and other wildlife life within the park and an amazing and unusual red cedar forest which encompasses the picnic area. Hobbies here include swimming , paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and a playground for the kiddies . Facilities here are very nice and clean, including a bath room and showers for when you get off the beach. Truly an incredible place to visit at least once in your life, its natural beauty is impressive.

Some of the best beaches on Long Island. The atmosphere, the people, and the water here is like no…read moreother place on the island.

I love taking a ride out to Montauk! Except for the traffic…read moreit's always enjoyable .We mainly go for the day , enjoy the beach and get a bite to eat . The area we go to is along the hotel strip . If you are staying at one of the hotels there you will have easy access to the beach otherwise you'll have to find a parking spot and walk on . Use the entrance ways along S. Emerson Ave , there are several of them . The beach is lovely but there is a downside , the beach itself is very narrow so when it begins to get crowded you are pretty much shoulder to shoulder with other beach goers . You will also find the sand to be grainy with lots of broken shells. Also, there are no public bathrooms as the strip is mainly for the hotel guests. Even still the ocean is relaxing and beautiful !

Rest area/scenic look out on the Montauk Highway, on the west bound side, between Montauk and the…read moreHamptons. Absolutely stunning view of Napeague Harbor. A few signs giving a geology lesson. There appears to be some hiking trails but I didn't see a map or distances. So we just walked around and took photographs. No picnic tables or seating.

Nothing says Goodbye to the Sun as Beautifully as the Heather Hills West overlook. Home to perhaps…read moreone of the most Beautiful sunsets that I have EVER witnessed the Hither Hills West Overlook serves as a Beautiful Peaceful Respite for cyclist and motorists on their ways to and from Montauk on Montauk Highway . The adjoining Forest features Beautiful hiking Pathways that really stretch for hours into the wilderness, you will reclaim little used trails cross unused railroad tracks and if not careful become totally lost. Now where's that GPS. Did I LOSE my Bug spray? I have taken Many Beautiful photographs of sunsets here. AT Sunset crowds of 20 -30 people will gather here, and raise a Toast... to salute Goodbye to the Day. I have also Rented a scooter and thought it would be a Short Trip to come here from Montauk Town .. It WASN'T... Is THAT ...Thunder ? The Sun comes up in the East... Sets in the West ... NOW you know which overlook's .. The BEST. JIM D.