Stay on marked trails so as avoid poison ivy and ticks. Deer ticks can be carriers of Lyme Disease. To protect yourself, wear insect repellent, dress in light colored clothing, and check carefully for ticks after exposure.
Watch out for mosquitos at dusk. Either leave before dusk or make sure to use some powerful insect repellent. Mosquitos on Fire Island probably won't give you an illness, but it's never fun to get bitten up.
communities
Kismet - The westernmost village, a haven for singles and partiers that is now becoming more family oriented.
Saltaire - A family oriented village featuring Clam Cove harbor. The village has many youth sport programs.
Fair Harbor - Another family oriented community that appeals to creative artists as well.
Dunewood - A totally planned and residential community. Group houses have been banned in order to preserve the family oriented atmosphere.
Lonelyville - No longer a lonely place, but with some solitude.
Atlantique - A very small village with no commercial services.
Robbins Rest - Another small and relatively isolated place.
Corneille Estates - A small place to the west of Ocean Beach that hosts the island's school.
Ocean Beach Village - The main tourist destination and cultural center. Formerly known as "the Land of No" because of many rules to discourage tourism. However, in recent years the local rules have become more visitor friendly, designed to keep the Village as a Quality of Life Destination. The most important rules to obey are No Littering or Eating on the beach.
Seaview - A beautiful residential area with the tallest trees and great walks. Also known as the suburb of Ocean Beach.
Ocean Bay Park - One of the livelier villages thanks to Flynn's.
Point O'Woods - Residents must have children, and have 99 year leases rather than ownership. Visitors not permitted.
Cherry Grove - Once the gay "capital" of Fire Island, now a haven for lesbians, older gay men and those with an artistic flair.
Fire Island Pines - For urbane gay men. A retreat from the real world, with "rolling boardwalks" and natural beauty and late night discos.
Water Island - Small, quiet community on the narrowest part of the island.
Davis Park - The most remote, most self sufficient, birthplace of the "sixish". Tourism is allowed, there is a Town of Brookhaven beach in the middle of the community
Watch Hill - The largest National Seashore complex with 3 mi 4.8 km of boardwalks and a campsite. Tourists welcome.