East of Watch Hill [1] and its adjacent National Wilderness Area is another beach park accessible by car. Like Robert Moses State Park [2], Smith Point County Park (William Floyd Pkwy., 631/852-1313, www.lirv.com/camps/Smith.htm [3]) has plenty of bathhouses and concession stands, and attracts large crowds on summer weekends.
Technically speaking, the park is not part of the National Seashore, but since it’s located next to Smith Point West, which is, and both are lined with the same wide and wonderful beach, it all feels the same.
Smith Point West also has a National Seashore visitors center (631/281-3010, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Wed.–Sun. early Sept.–June, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs. and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri.–Sun. July–early Sept.) and self-guided nature trail.
Smith Point County Park and Smith Point West are at the southern end of the William Floyd Pkwy., off the Sunrise Highway (Route 27). Parking in summer is $10.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/long-island/the-south-shore/fire-island/watch-hill
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/long-island/the-south-shore/fire-island/robert-moses-state-park
[3] http://www.lirv.com/camps/Smith.htm