Mike Busch
Suffolk County has announced new driving restrictions at Smith Point Outer Beach to balance public access with the protection of endangered Piping Plovers.
From the Suffolk County Parks Website:
Current Outer Beach Conditions:
Effective June 2, 2017 until Further Notice:
The Parks Department offers numerous recreational opportunities for park visitors on its outer beaches. Weather and beach conditions permitting, the Parks Department allows day and night fishing, camping (in-season) and day trips for patrons with a properly permitted 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Smith Point County Park: As of June 3rd the Smith Point Outer Beach will be open for Day Tripping from Cut 1A East to snow fence Barricade near Cut 2 from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 8 pm on the weekends. The inlet is open for Fisherman actively engaged in fishing only, and will remain open after 8 pm. Access to the inlet is via Cut 2 to Burma Road.
SMITH POINT OUTER BEACH ACCESS UPDATE
We have been working diligently with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our Parks Environmental team to ensure that we continue to keep the beach open as long as possible this summer season.
As of June 2nd the Smith Point Outer Beach will be open for Day Tripping from Cut 1A East to snow fence Barricade near Cut 2 from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 8 pm on the weekends. The inlet is open for Fisherman actively engaged in fishing only, and will remain open after 8 pm. Access to the inlet is via Cut 2 to Burma Road.
We will continue to advocate to keep the outer beach open but need your help to ensure we remain in compliance with all federal regulations.
You can help by following these simple rules:
Please do not walk or drive in plover designated areas.
Please keep all pets leashed and under your control at all times.
Talk to your friends and educate your fellow beach goers. If you see something or someone that may be violating any of the regulations please message us on Facebook or call 852-COPS. Together we can keep Smith Point Outer Beach open this season.
Cupsogue Beach County Park:The outer beach can be accessed via Burma Road to gate just past the campground. Access to the inlet is closed.
Montauk County Park: The Outer Beach is open for day trips. For up-to-date conditions please call the Park Office at (631)852-7879
Shinnecock East: The outer beach is open for day trips only.
Charles F. Altenkirch County Park, formerly known as Shinnecock West County Park: Outer Beach is open from September 15 – March 15. Limited parking is available, for County residents, in the parking lot adjacent to the inlet.
Cedar Point County Park: The entire peninsula from the snow fence and metal post barricade(just before the duck blinds), to the Lighthouse point is now closed to 4 wheel driving due to the presence of Piping Plovers
About Outer Beach Off-Roading
Several of our parks offer outer beach (shoreline) access opportunities to off-road vehicles (ORV’s). A Suffolk County Parks Recreational Vehicle Use permit is required to enjoy these locations. Suffolk County Park Recreational Vehicle Use permits may be purchased at the parks listed below and at the West Sayville Parks Administration Office. The Recreational Vehicle Use permit includes access to designated beach areas for off-roading as well as night fishing in designated parks. If on the beach at night, everyone must have fishing equipment and must be actively engaged in fishing. This is strictly enforced. Be advised that areas on the outer beach may be closed due to beach conditions, maintenance or bird nesting. Please check the Suffolk County Parks Facebook/Twitter page or call the park of your choice to get up-to-date outer beach access information.
Suffolk County Parks which offer outer beach access for off-roading are:
*Outer beach camping is permitted with a camping reservation at these locations with self-contained campers only. Please check out our Camping Page for more information.
Please note four-wheel drive vehicle MUST be present when purchasing your outer beach permit. The outer beach permit MUST be permanently affixed to the driver’s side window at the time of purchase. If permit is not permanently affixed to the window entry to the outer beach will be denied.
Click Here for Off Roading Outer Beach Rules and Regulations
