What to Expect at Montauk Lighthouse, Camp Hero and Montauk Point State Park
Are you visiting Montauk for the first time and want to know what to expect when you visit Montauk Point State Park and the Montauk Lighthouse?
No trip to Montauk is complete without seeing the Montauk lighthouse which stands 110 feet tall and was commissioned in 1792 President George Washington making it the oldest lighthouse in New York State! And the fourth oldest working lighthouse in the United States.
Maybe you want to walk all the way up to the light in the Montauk Lighthouse, fish off the shores of Montauk Point State Park or hike around historic Camp Hero. As a Montauk local, I’m here to help you plan your visit and let you know what you can expect while visiting this amazing and historically rich destination in Montauk.
Quick Tips for Visiting Montauk Point:
- Check the Montauk Point Lighthouse website for opening hours before you go. Especially in the off season.
- Entry to the lighthouse and museum is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids.
- You can walk to the top of the Montauk Lighthouse.
- Montauk Point can be VERY windy so dress accordingly.
- There is a playground for kids in the lower parking lot of the lighthouse!
- There is a concession with food and beverages available for purchase.
- Montauk Point, the lighthouse and Camp Hero State Park are about a 10 minute drive East from Montauk town.
- The Lighthouse gets decked with Christmas lights and a big wreath on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Kids can meet also meet Santa at the lighthouse!
FAQ:
Where is Montauk Lighthouse?
Montauk Lighthouse is located at the most Eastern Tip of Long Island (and New York State!) in the hamlet of Montauk and the town of East Hampton.
Can you go to the top of Montauk Lighthouse?
Yes! Entry to the Montauk Lighthouse includes walking the 137 steps to the top of the Lighthouse.
Montauk Point State Park
Montauk Point Lighthouse & Museum
I live and have grown up in Montauk so although I come to the lighthouse often, I don’t always visit the museum and climb to the top. But I recently visited and… wow. Even for someone that has lived here their whole life the history of the lighthouse is so fascinating.
I would recommend climbing to the top of the lighthouse first. The guides at the bottom of the stairs and at the top of the lighthouse are so friendly and have a wealth of knowledge so ask away!
You’ll have to walk up 137 stairs to get to the top but the views from the top of the Lighthouse are unmatched and will truly take your breath away. You’ll also get an up close view of the refurbished, antique Fresnel lens that was made in France in 1902 and served as the light for the Montauk Lighthouse from 1902-1987 and 2023-present.
On your way down be sure to check out the other historical and antique lights as well as an interactive map of Long Island and its lighthouses.
Next, walk through the museum where you’ll go through a detailed history of Montauk from the beginning to present day. This portion of the museum is not just about the Montauk Lighthouse but about the Montauket Indians, the first settlers, developers of Montauk, towns people and more!
There is also an exhibit on shipwrecks in Montauk including the HMS Culloden which was part of the British fleet patrolling Gardiners Bay during the Revolutionary War. On January 23, 1781 the Culloden was caught in a severe winter storm where it was blown off course and run aground at Wills Point (now called Culloden Point!)
Another amazing exhibit to see and read about are the historic erosion and preservation efforts of Giorgina Ried to save the lighthouse and the surrounding areas at Montauk Point. Ried played a vital role in organizing restoration projects aimed at reinforcing the lighthouse and bluffs.
Restoration of the bluffs and lighthouse is an ever ongoing government project. Most recently they rebuilt the rock wall around the front of the lighthouse.
Things to do: Fishing, Hiking & Surfing
There is loads to do other than visiting the Montauk Lighthouse museum. Fishing or surfcasting is a really popular activity at Montauk Point State Park. Depending on the time of year (and when the Stripped Bass are running!) you’ll see many surfcasters along the rocks in the front of the lighthouse on the rocky shores in the surrounding areas.
Surfing is also a popular activity at Montauk Point State Park. Depending on the swell direction and wind direction you can spot surfers on either side of the Montauk Lighthouse. Surfing at Montauk Point is only for experienced surfers. My favorite spot to watch is from the parking lot and bluffs at Camp Hero State park!
Must Read: Your Guide to Surfing in Montauk
Lastly, there are plenty of hikes to do around Montauk Point State park as well! Popular trails include the Seal Haul trail, Oyster Pond and if you’re feeling ambitious you can do a complete loop through Montauk Point State Park and Camp Hero State Park.
Must Read: Best Hikes to do in Montauk, NY
Parking & Facilities
There are two large parking areas just across the street from the Lighthouse in addition to restrooms in the lower lot. Entry to the parking lots is $8 per vehicle between 8am and 4pm and charged by New York State.
There is a also a small cafe in a separate building called George’s Lighthouse Cafe where you can get drinks and food. There are picnic tables outside with incredible ocean and lighthouse views but the building and decor is extremely out dated. If this doesn’t bother you, it’s a great spot for a drink or snack before or after visiting the lighthouse!
If you’d rather sit in a nice restaurant and have lunch you’ll want to read my guide to my favorite restaurants in Montauk on the water!
Sunrise and Sunset at Montauk Point Lighthouse
Sunrise and sunset are my favorite times to visit the Lighthouse, especially if you want to take photos and get the good lighting! Sunrise is a really special since the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on the season you may be in some company of fisherman surfcasting off the rocks in front of the lighthouse.
Watching the sunset from the Lighthouse is also a favorite. Although you’ll have to face away from the lighthouse to the west! Regardless its a beautiful place to be at sunset up on the bluffs next to the ocean.
See Montauk sunrise times here.
See Montauk sunset times here.
Must Read: Best places to take photographs in Montauk
Santa Claus at the Lighthouse / Lighting the Lighthouse
Each year Montauk Lighthouse celebrates the start of the holiday season with a Lighting the Lighthouse community event. The lighting always happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving and usually features free hot chocolate and live music. At dusk the lights get turned on and the lighthouse is all decorated and lit for Christmas!
There is also a meet and greet with Santa at the Montauk Lighthouse the Sunday following Thanksgiving. The event lasts from 11am to 2pm and kids can sit on Santa’s lap and have their picture taken with him!
Camp Hero State Park
Camp Hero State Park is located to the south west of Montauk Point Lighthouse and Montauk Point State Park. The State Park was once an active United States Air Force Base from 1942-1981.
Besides the beautiful location on the southern edge of Montauk Point, Camp Hero has some really cool historical landmarks including a Cold War Era radar tower and artillery bunkers from WWII.
Camp Hero was established during World War II as a coastal defense station disguised as a fishing village that served to protect the eastern seaboard and more specifically New York from potential invasion by sea.
After WWII, Camp Hero played a role in the United State’s air defense system during the Cold War as a radar station for the U.S. Air Force. The base and radar was in place to monitor any Soviet aircraft and missile threats.
Camp Hero was decommissioned in 1981 and became a State Park in 1993. After years of restoration efforts the park opened to the public in 2002.
Things to do: Hiking, Bike Riding & Picnic
Take a nice walk through Camp Hero on a beautiful day in Montauk – you will not regret it! The loop I like to do is about 3 miles long and starts on the south west corner of the Camp Hero parking lot.
- Walk along the grassy road where there are two separate areas that you can go down to the beach and see the majestic bluffs. After checking out the beach keep walking along the road and make a right on Camp Hero State Parkway – you’ll get your first glimpse of the radar tower near the water station marked on the map. (there area a few points at which you can pick up a map in the park!)
The Radar Tower and surrounding buildings are all in ruin and fenced off for your safety. There are even signs in the park about undetonated ammunition.
Pro Tip: if you are disabled or do not want to walk far you can drive your car into the park by way of Coast Artillery Road. There is a parking lot next to the Radar Tower.
- Next, make a left on Camp Hero Road and a right on Daniel Road. On this loop you’ll spot old barracks buildings and a gym that was made to look like a church!
Did you know? There is still a local neighborhood called Camp Hero that was built in the 1940’s to make the military base look like a fishing village from the air!
- Continue on the loop back to Camp Hero Road where you’ll pass by a quick detour to see an artillery bunker and then pass by the Radar tower on your right. Keep along Camp Hero Road where you’ll see another artillery bunker. (To be honest the signage in the park needs serious updating! They are old and hard to read – and there is just such good information and history to read!)
- Last, make a right on Coastal Artillery Road which will lead you back to the main parking area on the bluffs. If you still wish to explore more – one of my favorite vantage points of the Montauk Lighthouse is along the bluff to the left towards the lighthouse.
In addition to a history lesson and a walk through Camp Hero State Park you can also ride your bike through the trails or surf cast off the shores within the park as well. There are also numerous picnic areas within Camp Hero some of which include charcoal grills.
Parking & Facilities
The parking lot to Camp Hero State Park is on the right side as you are entering the Lighthouse loop. There will be a big sign to mark the turn off. The parking lot is a dirt lot that sits right on the bluff with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean!
Pro Tip: this is really great spot for a photo op! I also like to walk along the bluff closer to the Montauk Lighthouse.
Parking at Camp Hero State Park is $8 per vehicle and valid at any State Park for that day the ticket is issued so don’t throw out your ticket if you plan on visiting the Montauk Lighthouse as well!
There are a few restrooms within the park and in the main parking area – but there are porta potty’s. So make sure to hang on to that parking ticket so you can use the nicer restrooms in the main parking lot of the Montauk Lighthouse when you are leaving!
Conclusion
Wether you’ve been to Montauk 100 times, 10 times, live there or it’s your first time visiting make sure to visit the Montauk Lighthouse and Camp Hero State Park. I would recommend walking around Camp Hero in the morning followed by a visit to the Montauk Lighthouse and Museum.
NEXT: Read my guides for spending the day in Montauk or my weekend itinerary
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