Shinnecock East is a county park in Hampton Bays that behaves like wilderness. Suffolk County calls it a rugged, undeveloped barrier beach flanking the eastern border of Shinnecock Inlet where it meets the Atlantic, with both ocean and bay recreation areas, and a favorite for striped bass fishing. The amenities list is short: beaches, camping, fishing, drone flying, metal detecting and off-road outer-beach access.
Off-road vehicles may use the outer beach, and 100 campsites on the outer beach are open to self-contained campers with a valid Suffolk County permit. That makes this the Hamptons beach that most resembles Cape Cod’s undeveloped stretches. There are no lifeguards and no restrooms, so plan for that.
If you came to swim with lifeguards and a snack bar, Ponquogue Beach is just across the inlet. If you came to fish, walk or sleep near the sound of the surf, the surf fishing guide will help you choose.
The park is on Meadow Lane in Southampton, and the county’s directions route drivers south on Halsey Neck Lane to Dune Road. Permits and parking are on Hamptons Beach Pass. See Hampton Bays for the surrounding beaches.
