State Beach Vehicle (4-Wheel Drive), Night/Sportfishing, Caumsett and Camp Hero permits for the 2016 season will be available at some locations as soon as New Years Day. Prices for the permits remain unchanged with the 4-Wheel Drive Permit at $65 (non-residents – $110), the Night/Sport Fishing Permit at $30 (non-residents – $55), and Caumsett and Camp Hero both at $40 (non-resident $75). All, except for Caumsett can be purchased up until April 30th and then again beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day. They are valid April 1st to December 31st.
Camp Hero permits will be available at Montauk Downs State Park (631-668-3781) beginning January 2nd. Caumsett permits are limited to 500 and will be available Saturday, January 2nd and Sunday January 3rd if there are any left after Saturday. They will remain available until the quota is met, but there is a real likelihood that they will be sold out within the first day or two. To check on their availability, you can call the park at 631-423-1770.
The increasingly popular Beach Vehicle/4-Wheel Drive permit is available at Montauk Downs, Robert Moses and Regional Headquarters at Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon. More than 15,000 of these permits were sold in 2015. They can be purchased at the Robert Moses Park office (631-669-0470) beginning New Years Day, Montauk Downs on January 2nd and Regional Headquarters on Monday, January 4th. Required equipment when you are on the beach includes a portable toilet, tow rope or chain, jack, jack board, shovel, spare tire and tire gauge. It is also a good idea to carry a flashlight and first aid kit in your vehicle. You must also have rods, reels and tackle for all persons age 12 and over. Night/Sport Fishing permits are available at Regional Headquarters, Robert Moses, Jones Beach, Hither Hills, Montauk Downs, Sunken Meadow, Wildwood and Heckscher. For more information, give the permit office at regional headquarters a call at 631-321-3515.
