FAQs

Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Sayville. From there, take the shuttle to the ferry.

When the train arrives at the Sayville station, shuttle buses will be outside waiting. Rest assured, if this is your first time, you won't be alone — you'll be able to follow the gaggle.

The shuttle costs about $5 and is cash only. As for the ferry, you can purchase tickets with cash or credit card ahead of boarding at the terminal. They don't accept payment directly at boarding, so give yourself a few extra minutes.

There's an ATM there if you forget, but she's seen better days — think CRT monitor, dial-up modem, and a fee structure that will make your butt clench… and not in the good way. Bring cash if you can.

The ferry ride itself takes about 20 minutes. Once you're on board, the hard part is over.

Yes. Ferries run throughout the day from Sayville to the Pines, with more frequent service on weekends and during peak summer.

Schedules can shift slightly depending on the season, so it's always smart to check the latest times before you leave the city.

If you miss one, another is usually not far behind — but arriving calm and on schedule makes the whole day easier.

No — there are no cars in the Pines.

You'll park in Sayville and take the ferry over. That's just how the island works, and honestly, it's part of the charm.

There are parking lots near the ferry terminal, but they can fill up quickly on summer weekends. If you plan to drive, give yourself plenty of time.

Our honest advice: skip the car if you can. The train and shuttle are reliable, and the process of getting there is something of a rite of passage.

You have three easy options: walk the beach, walk the Meat Rack, or take a water taxi. Choose your adventure.

It's about 20–25 minutes on the beach, and about the same through the Meat Rack — though that depends on how many "scenic" stops you make. Just know, the sand is heavy, so if you're wearing the wrong shoes, you'll regret it instantly.

Also, ticks. What kind of camp counselors would we be if we didn't warn you about ticks.

Water taxis run every day and frequently throughout the season. When you arrive at the harbor, you'll see signs with their phone number — send a quick text and they'll reply with an estimated pickup time. It's simple, reliable, and part of everyday life out there.

Pack lighter than you think you'll need.

You'll be walking on boardwalks and sand, sometimes in the heat, and everything you bring has to make that journey with you. Rolling luggage works well, and backpacks are always a good idea.

Many visitors bring a small cooler with essentials for the weekend. Leave bulky beach gear at home. There's a service for that now… ahem.

Yes — there are parking lots near the ferry terminal.

They're convenient, but they can fill up quickly on summer weekends and holiday mornings. If you plan to drive, arriving earlier than you think you need to is a very smart move.

That said, the train and shuttle are incredibly reliable and take the stress out of parking altogether. For many regulars, taking the train is simply part of getting into character for the weekend.

Fire Island Pines is a small beachfront community known for its beautiful homes, vibrant social scene, and deep LGBTQ+ roots.

It's a place where people come to relax, reconnect, and spend time with friends — whether that means pool days, Tea, dinner, or a long weekend away from the city.

At its core, the Pines is about community.

Yes — the Pines has long been one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ communities in the country.

It welcomes visitors of all identities, but its history and culture are deeply connected to queer life, chosen family, and self-expression.

People come here to be themselves, and that spirit is part of what makes the place special.

They're neighboring communities with different personalities.

Cherry Grove is historic, artistic, and wonderfully eclectic. The Pines is more design-forward and social, with a strong focus on architecture, gatherings, and weekend life.

Most visitors spend time in both — and moving between them is easy.

The season typically runs from late May through early September.

June and September offer beautiful weather with slightly smaller crowds. July and August are the busiest months, with the most events and energy.

There's no wrong time to visit — it just depends on the kind of weekend you're looking for.

Yes — it can be.

Housing, dining, and groceries tend to cost more than on the mainland, largely because everything has to be transported to the island.

That said, many people visit as day-trippers or share houses with friends to make the experience more manageable. Planning ahead makes a big difference.

A few weekends shape the season, and it helps to know them ahead of time.

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer. The weather can be hit or miss, but the energy is strong and people are excited to be back.

July 4th Weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year and includes The Invasion, a long-standing tradition where visitors from Cherry Grove arrive by boat in full costume. It started decades ago as a protest and has since become one of the most joyful celebrations of the community.

The Pines Party is one of the most special weekends of the season — an overnight beach dance that raises funds for LGBTQ+ health services. Every year has a different theme, and people plan their outfits months in advance. If you're coming for this one, plan early. Temu deliveries take time.

Labor Day Weekend closes out the summer with one last big push before fall.

You'll also see strong turnouts during Bear Week and Halloween, which has quietly become one of the most fun weekends of the year — cooler weather, great costumes, and a crowd that shows up ready.

Tea is the late-afternoon gathering at the harbor where everyone comes together.

It usually starts mid-to-late afternoon and carries into the evening — music, drinks, catching up with friends, and seeing who made it out that day.

The rhythm is pretty consistent: pool, shower, Tea, dinner, repeat.

If it's your first time, don't overthink it. Show up, grab a drink, and settle in.

Bring your pool and beach outfit(s), something for Tea, and something for dinner — but also know that people aren't getting dressed to the nines in the Pines. Think gay summer camp, but slightly cuter.

Pack lighter than you think you'll need. You'll be walking more than expected, usually in the heat, and everything you bring has to make that journey with you.

As your camp counselors, we'd like to recommend closed-toe shoes to protect those little piggies in a crowd — but we know most of you won't listen, so at the very least, choose something sturdy.

Bring a hoodie. It can get chilly at night, especially on the walk home. And if you end up buying one from TOLA because the temperature dropped after Tea, you won't be the first.

Leave bulky beach gear at home. There's a service for that now… ahem.

Yes — but options are limited, so planning ahead helps.

The Pines Pantry is the only grocery store on the island, and it's a staple we all rely on. It has essentials, snacks, and the basics — emphasis on basics — and prices reflect the convenience of being the only store in town.

You can arrange grocery delivery from the mainland or bring key items with you for the weekend. A small cooler goes a long way.

Come as you are and be nothing less. That's the magic of this place.

Say hello to people. Move to the right when you hear a cart coming on the boardwalk. Tip your drag queens. Leave the beach cleaner than you found it.

Don't judge. We have enough of that on the mainland.

Leave expectations behind you, settle into the weekend, and let the place do what it does best.

Most places accept credit cards and tap-to-pay, so you won't need much cash day-to-day.

That said, it's smart to bring about $100 to $160 in cash for things like ferry tickets, the shuttle bus, water taxis, cover charges, and drag queen tips.

After that, plan to use your card for most purchases. Especially drinks. You'll want those on a card so you don't realize how much you're spending.

You'll see people doing their own thing, and comfort is very much part of the culture.

As long as you're not drawing attention to yourself or making others uncomfortable, you'll be fine. The beach is a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the day — not to perform.

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, there are areas of the island where that's more common. You'll hear about them quickly.

Technically speaking, alcohol isn't allowed on the beach.

In practice, people do bring drinks — but the expectation is to be smart about it. Keep it in a cooler or travel cup, avoid glass containers, and keep things low-key.

Most importantly, clean up after yourself. Nothing will get you side-eyed faster than leaving trash behind.

We all share the same stretch of sand.

You don't need to be anything other than yourself here.

The Pines has always been a place where people show up openly — whether that means holding hands, wearing what makes you feel good, or simply relaxing without worrying about how you're being perceived.

Be kind, be respectful, and say hello to people. Conversations happen easily out here, and before long, the place starts to feel familiar.

That's usually when people realize they'll be back next summer.

In the Pines, dining is simple and social.

Pines Bistro is the main sit-down restaurant where you'll want to plan ahead, especially on busy weekends. Stop by when they're open and speak with Mario — he'll help you find a time that works.

The Blue Whale also offers dinner service. Many people think of it as a spot for drag brunch or Tea, but dinner there is worth trying. Reservations aren't always necessary, but it's smart to check.

If you're looking for more variety, Cherry Grove has several restaurants that tend to book up quickly. Doing a little research and calling ahead goes a long way.

The beach is social but easygoing.

People arrive throughout the day, settle in with friends, and stay for a few hours or the full afternoon. Music plays softly, conversations drift between groups, and the day moves at its own pace.

You'll see everything from solo readers to full friend groups posted up under umbrellas. Everyone finds their lane.

And if you decide to make a beach day out of it, it's still one of the best ways to spend a sunny afternoon out here.

Yes — and Pines Camp Counsel has become a welcome addition for people who want to spend more time enjoying the beach and less time hauling gear across the island.

Turnkey setups, coordinated shade, and on-call support make it easier to show up and settle in without the usual logistics. It keeps the beach looking tidy and the day feeling relaxed — which is exactly the point.

If you've ever carried chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler through soft sand in August, you already understand the appeal.

Plenty — though the pace is intentionally relaxed.

Pool gatherings, Tea, sunset walks along the boardwalk, drag shows, themed parties, and the occasional lazy afternoon that turns into dinner plans without much effort.

Some weekends are lively. Others are quiet and restorative. Both are part of the rhythm.

You don't need a packed schedule here. The best moments usually happen when you leave a little room for them.

Pines Camp Counsel is Fire Island Pines' first and only premium beach concierge service.

We deliver curated, turnkey beach setups — premium chairs, coordinated shade, stocked coolers, luxe sunscreen, and on-call support — so you can arrive at the beach unbothered and leave the logistics to us.

It's the difference between carrying a chair and arriving to one.

We serve Fire Island Pines homeowners, vacation renters, and daytrippers who believe a great beach day should be effortless and look good doing it.

If you have zero tolerance for ugly chairs, you've found your people.

Yes — proudly queer-owned and operated, and deeply rooted in the Fire Island Pines community.

This place has given us a lot over the years. This is our way of giving something back.

We offer three tiers designed to match your mood, your group size, and how much you'd like to carry — which ideally is nothing.

Camp Lite — The chicest starter pack. Premium chair and shade for one. Perfect for the solo beach day done right.

Camp Classic — The not-so-basic setup. Seating for two with shared shade, a stocked cooler with soft drinks, and premium sunscreen.

Camp Couture — The full-service fantasy. Seating for four with a private cabana tent, unlimited soft drinks, luxe sunscreen, a Bluetooth speaker, and an on-call Camp Counselor throughout your day. Capacity is intentionally limited here — for good reason.

We're not a rental company — we're a concierge service.

Your setup is curated, styled, and ready when you arrive. We handle delivery, coordination, and cleanup. At the Couture level, your Camp Counselor stays on-call throughout the day to handle the details.

It's the difference between hauling gear across the island and walking onto the beach like you meant to be there.

Bottoms don't carry coolers. And frankly, nobody should have to.

Thursday through Sunday during the summer season, beginning May 2026.

We start intentionally small so every setup gets the attention it deserves — and so the beach stays calm, clean, and easy to enjoy.

Yes — sustainability is built into how we operate.

All of our equipment is reusable and resort-grade. We follow Leave No Trace principles, conduct daily beach sweeps, and actively support beach restoration efforts.

We glam it up. Then we clean it up.

Our limited early-access membership for the Summer 2026 season.

Founding Members receive 20% off all bookings for the entire summer, surprise upgrades when available, first access to new offerings, and invitations to private preview days before the season begins.

Membership is intentionally limited. When they're gone, they're gone.

Reserve online at pinescampcounsel.com.

Choose your date, select your tier — Camp Lite, Camp Classic, or Camp Couture — and complete your booking. Once payment is processed, your reservation is confirmed.

From there, all you have to do is show up.

As early as you can.

Our daily capacity is intentionally limited to keep service smooth and the beach uncluttered. Popular summer weekends and major event dates tend to fill quickly.

If you already know your dates, it's worth locking them in.

You'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation details.

About 48 hours before your beach day, we'll send an email asking you to select your pick-up zone and arrival time — or you can do it anytime at pinescampcounsel.com/manage. Once that's set, your gear will be staged and ready.

No guesswork. No scrambling.

Since there are no vehicles on Fire Island, we coordinate simple pick-up locations near the beach access points.

You'll choose your preferred zone and arrival time via email about 48 hours before your reservation — or anytime before your beach day at pinescampcounsel.com/manage. You can also view the zone map here.

Think of it as a meeting point — close to the sand, easy to find, and designed to keep things moving smoothly.

For Camp Lite and Camp Classic, setup assistance is available if you'd like a hand.

For Camp Couture, full setup and breakdown are included. Your Camp Counselor handles everything.

You handle enjoying the day.

Yes — extra chairs and additional shade can be added during the booking process.

It's an easy way to scale your setup if friends decide to join or plans expand. Happens all the time.

Absolutely.

Whether it's a birthday, a bachelorette, or a "we're celebrating something but not telling anyone what," we're happy to help coordinate.

Just reach out to counselors@pinescampcounsel.com and we'll take it from there.

Not always.

Camp Couture is tightly capacity-controlled so the on-call service stays personal and reliable. Once those daily slots are filled, they're filled.

If Couture is your plan, booking early is the safest move.

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your reservation receive a full refund.

Cancellations within 24 hours forfeit 50% of the total booking fee.

Modifications aren't permitted — if plans change, simply cancel and rebook.

We monitor beach conditions closely.

If conditions are unsafe, we'll cancel your reservation and issue a full refund. High winds may result in umbrellas being withheld for safety, even if the day continues.

Safety decisions are final — and always made with your well-being in mind.

Unless you've booked Camp Couture, you're responsible for returning all equipment to your designated pick-up zone at the end of your reservation window.

We'll make the process clear and straightforward — no scavenger hunts required.

A $75 Left a Trace fee applies if equipment isn't returned to the designated zone by the end of your reservation window.

We love the Pines too much to leave things behind — and we know you do too.

If equipment is lost, replacement fees apply:

Camp Chair — $200
Camp Umbrella — $350
Cooler — $100
Bluetooth Speaker — $250

These fees are charged to the payment method on file.

Normal wear and tear is expected — this is the beach, after all.

Damage caused by misuse or negligence may be assessed and charged up to full replacement cost.

If you notice any damage when you pick up your equipment, just flag it to your counselor right away. We're reasonable people, and we ask the same in return.

No — we don't require a security deposit.

Your payment method stays on file to cover any applicable cancellation, loss, or damage fees if needed.

Most guests never think about this again after booking — and that's exactly how we like it.