Montauk beach permits and parking
Montauk's Town beaches run on Town of East Hampton permits, but visitors have options: Kirk Park sells an 8-hour session for $35, and the state parks charge a gate fee instead.
- Controls the sand
- Town of East Hampton; New York State Parks at Hither Hills and Montauk Point
- Day visitors
- Kirk Park $35 for 8 hours; South Edison $25 for 4 or $35 for 8
- Residents only
- Ditch Plains and Indian Wells lots
- State parks
- Vehicle use fee at the gate; $80 Empire Pass
Montauk is the best place on the South Fork for a visitor without a permit, because the Town sells paid parking at two beaches and State Parks runs two more with a gate fee. Ditch Plains is the exception: the Town lists its lot for Town residents only. If you rent here, the East Hampton renter guide shows how to match your lease to your best option.
Beaches in Montauk
| Beach | Run by | Day parking |
|---|---|---|
| Ditch Plains Beach | Town of East Hampton | Residents only |
| Kirk Park Beach | Town of East Hampton | $35, 8 hours, daily |
| South Edison Beach | Town of East Hampton | $25 or $35, paid session |
| East Lake Beach (Gin Beach) | Town of East Hampton | No |
| Hither Hills State Park | New York State Parks | State fee |
| Montauk Point State Park | New York State Parks | State fee |
Day parking compared
| Place | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kirk Park | $35 | 8 hours; every day |
| South Edison | $25 or $35 | 4 or 8 hours; QR code or text to pay |
| Ditch Plains | Not offered | Town residents only |
| Hither Hills | State fee | Empire Pass covers it |
| Montauk Point | State fee | Scheduled times |
The Town page lists resident and non-resident permits. Suffolk County also runs a lake beach at Montauk County Park.
Plan the rest of the trip
Hamptons Beach Day helps you choose a beach once you know you can park. Hamptons Commute covers getting to Montauk by Jitney, train or car. Eat Hamptons lists restaurants in Montauk, and Hamptons Year Round covers living there outside summer.
Common questions
Who issues beach permits in Montauk?
Town of East Hampton at (631) 324-4142; New York State Parks. Buy only from the issuing office.
Can a day visitor park at a beach in Montauk?
Yes, but only at some beaches: Kirk Park Beach ($35, 8 hours, daily); South Edison Beach ($25 or $35, paid session); Hither Hills State Park (State fee); Montauk Point State Park (State fee). See the daily parking guide for the rules on each.
Sources
Checked October 2026; page updated . Rules and prices on this page describe the 2026 season unless a line says otherwise.