NEWS RELEASES
Former Military Base In Montauk Under Consideration For A New Campground
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through Montauk 27 East's website.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation currently is considering approval on a new campground being built at Camp Hero State Park in Montauk. Such camping options would include tents, recreational vehicles, “glamping,” portable camping units including “tiny houses,” or possibly traditional cabins or cottages. The park is the site of a former military base just west of the Montauk Lighthouse. The state has invited proposals from private investors and companies to develop a plan for adding campsites to one portion of the 415-acre park.
An already established, busy state park in the area is Hither Hills State Park. George Gorman, deputy regional director of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said the Hither Hills State Park campground, at the western edge of Montauk, is the most popular in the state. “Hither Hills fills to capacity, and we end up turning away families,” Mr. Gorman said on Friday. So in response to a solution to give people more room to camp, Gorman states: “This would be a logical proposal to resolve that problem.” Elizabeth Vespe of The Southampton Press relays in her article: "Hither Hills State Park, created in 1924, is a 189-site campground, which offers visitors a 1,755-acre expanse on the ocean, with picnic areas, fire pits, playing fields, a food concession and a playground at 164 Old Montauk Highway in Montauk." Good news for those who seek to maintain the natural beauty on the coast is the restriction of bulky buildings such as hotels. “We will not consider proposals to develop a resort, hotel, motel, inn or similar multiple guest room lodging facility,” said Dan Keefe, deputy public information officer for State Parks. “Due to environmental considerations, proposals must be limited to specific designated areas.”
For more information on the location and proposed campground in Montauk, New York, click here.