Camp Hero State Park sits at the easternmost tip of Long Island in Montauk, spanning 754 acres of coastline, maritime forest, and military history. Established as a state park in 2002, the property served as a U.S. Army base during World War II and through the Cold War era. The massive AN/FPS-35 radar tower still stands on the bluffs — a striking landmark visible for miles and a magnet for photographers.

The park’s oceanfront trails wind along dramatic bluffs overlooking the Atlantic, offering some of the best surf-casting fishing on the East Coast. Striped bass and bluefish draw anglers to the rocky shoreline from spring through fall. Hikers and mountain bikers share a network of trails through pitch pine and oak woodland, with several routes leading to panoramic ocean overlooks. Birders come for the fall raptor migration and shorebird habitat along the coastal edge.

Beyond the natural landscape, the abandoned military bunkers, batteries, and radar installations give Camp Hero an atmosphere unlike any other New York state park. Self-guided exploration of these Cold War relics adds an unexpected layer to any visit. The park has also gained a cult following as the rumored inspiration for the Montauk Project and the TV series Stranger Things.

Camping availability should be confirmed directly with New York State Parks before planning an overnight trip. The best months to visit are May through October, when trails are fully accessible and the fishing is prime. Arrive early on summer weekends — parking fills fast at this Montauk favorite.

Explore Nearby

• Montauk Point Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Race Rock Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Gold Mine Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Comstock’s Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Connecticut State Route 169 — Scenic Byway in Connecticut