Riverhead Parks & Recreation maintains several beaches, waterfront associations (W.F.A.), boat launches, and docking facilities for all to enjoy. We ask that all visitors to these locations be respectful to the facilities, the residents who live in the area, and the wildlife inhabiting each location. You can find information about our different beaches and W.F.A.'s below, docking facilities can be found here, and park information can be found here.  Hours, beach attendant, and lifeguard availability change seasonally so be sure to check back to get those updates.  We welcome anyone to give us feedback on our beaches through our Park Maintenance Form, the link to this form can be found below.

Beach Updates

 2026
  • 2026 Beach Permits have not yet arrived. Until they arrive your 2025 Beach parking permit will be considered valid.  
  • Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day there will be no lifeguards or beach attendants at the beaches. 
  • Beach parking is enforced year-round by the Riverhead Town Police. Follow the link below or visit us on the 2nd floor of Riverhead Town Hall to renew/purchase your sticker. Stickers should arrive early March. 
  • Scroll down to see the required documentation for each parking sticker we provide. 
How to renew

2026 Stickers & Permits

Parking permits are required at all town beach facilities from March 2026, to December 31, 2026. Permits are available at Riverhead Parks & Recreation Office located at Town Hall during their normal operating hours. You can also purchase these online for mail out here. Below you'll see our different beach stickers and permits. Presently, only Riverhead residents are allowed to purchase seasonal beach stickers.  
PARKING ONLY (Burgandy)
Residents - $30
Seniors (60+) - $10
**Extended Community Pass - $50
*Resident's Guest Pass - $225.00
Veterans/Fire/Ambulance/EMP - Free

Required documents: license, registration, proof of residency
* Resident guest pass is for residential households that pay taxes within Riverhead Town only. 1 per household, no replacements. 
** Extended Community pass is opens to zip codes 11901, 11792, 11933, 11948, 11949
4x4 & PARKING (White)
Residents - $110
Seniors (60+) - $90
​Veterans/Fire /Ambulance/EMP - Free
Required documents: license, registration, insurance
*Only available at the Recreation or Parks Office
BOAT TRAILER (No Parking)
(Boat Launch sticker for Trailer, must obtain a separate parking permit for vehicle)
Residents - $30
Seniors (60+) - $10
Non-Resident - $225
Commercial Vessels - $350
​Veterans/Fire /Ambulance/EMP - Free
Required documents: license, registration, trailer reg.
NIGHT FISHING PERMITS
Riverhead Residents only - $10
A night fishing permit is required to park in lots after 10 pm. Must possess an annual parking pass and a valid marine fishing registry through the NYS DEC. The registry is free and can be done online, at the Town Clerk's office, or at some sporting goods stores.

Proof of Residency 

You will need a valid vehicle registration with a Riverhead Town address to purchase a resident permit. If your vehicle registration is attached only to a post office box, or a physical address outside the town, you will need to provide the following:
Residents/Homeowners
Riverhead Town tax bill or utility bill with a residential service address. The name must match your car registration. No PO boxes.
Year-round Renters
Utility bill with a residential service address. Renter's name must be the same as car registration.
Seniors
Proof of age, proof of residency
Veterans
Copy of DD214 or vet status, proof of residency
4x4 (Residents only)
Current license, registration, vehicle insurance. Limited to beach access/operation on Sound beaches.

Town Beaches

South Jamesport Beach 
This town beach shares a site with our East Creek Docking Facility and is right around the corner from our East Creek Boat Launch. It has all sorts of amenities including new tennis/pickleball courts, a basketball court, a playground, a gazebo, and in the summer a refreshments stand.
​*This beach is equipped with a beach mat, ramp, and beach wheelchair (on request) for better accessibility. 
Iron Pier Beach 
Has some of the best sunsets according to our google reviewers and we have to agree. This is a north shore beach with great views on the Long Island Sound without the cliffs. Playground and picnic areas are available to make it a full-day experience if you choose. 
*This beach is equipped with a beach mat, ramp, and beach wheelchair (on request) for better accessibility.
Reeves Beach 
Beautiful beach area with a gazebo and picnic area, perfect for a quiet day at the beach. 4x4 access is also available when permitted. 
​​
Wading River Beach
Our furthest west town beach and a great place for a family outing with swimming, restrooms, and a playground.  This location also has 4x4 access at those allotted times and a boat ramp. 
​*This beach is equipped with a beach mat, ramp, and beach wheelchair (on request) for better accessibility.

Water Front Access points  &   Boat Ramps

Below is a simple list of Riverhead's boat ramps and waterfront associations
Wading River Boat Ramp - Located at the end of Creek Road Wading River, NY.  Access to the Long Island Sound. 
Hulse Landing Road WFA - Private beach. 4x4 access available at the designated time and with a proper permit. Access to the Long Island Sound.
Edward Avenue WFA- Private beach. 4x4 access available at the designated time and with a proper permit. Access to the Long Island Sound. 
Oakleigh Avenue WFA - Private beach overlooking the Long Island Sound. 
 ​Roanoke Ave WFA - Private beach. 4x4 access available at the designated time and with a proper permit. Access to the Long Island Sound.
Corwell Avenue WFA- Access to the Peconic River. Canoe and kayak launch available. 
Meeting House Creek Road WFA-  Access to the Peconic Bay.  Street parking with permit. 
Iron Pier Boat Launch - Boat launch and trailer parking available with the proper permit. Access to the Long Island Sound. 
Washington Street WFA - Access to the Peconic Bay. Street parking with permit only. 
East Creek Boat Ramp - Located around the corner from our South Jamesport Beach. Parking is available with the proper permits.