Gateway National Recreation Area

Overview

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.

Recreation

Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in.

Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting.

For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer.

Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas.

Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock.

Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited.

Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer.

Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock.

The Visitor Center is located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse. Free Lighthouse tours with a ranger are offered seasonally. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. Visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information on ranger led programs and hours of operation.

Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

Facilities

• This campground accommodates tent camping only.

•  Be prepared to walk your gear up to .25 miles into the sites from the parking area.

• No pets allowed in the campground

•  No cars are permitted in the campground or campsites. 

• All campsites come equipped with a fire-ring, charcoal grill, picnic table, and food storage container. 

• Please bring your license plate information with you for check-in.  

• Flush toilets and running water are available. 

• There are no showers and no electric outlets within the campground.

• Firewood is available for purchase at the camping check-in office. Credit card preferred. 

• There is no public Wifi. 

• There is no day-use permitted in the campground; all guests must be camping overnight.  

• All Beach Centers have restrooms and outdoor rinse showers. 

Natural Features

Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests.

Contact Info

Between 05/23/2025 and 07/13/2025 this location is staffed. Please call (347) 630-1124 to speak with local staff. From 09/01/2024 to 05/23/2025 this location is unstaffed. Please call (732) 266-3352 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the "Twin Lights of Highlands" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.

Charges & Cancellations

Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy: 

Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees

• Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
• You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 

Late Cancellations

• Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.
• Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. 

Refunds

• Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure.
• Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card.
• Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy.
• Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. 

No-Shows

• Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date.
• If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

Overview

This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years. It connects Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island.

Not far from the campground is an overlook area which features a vantage point to view the Statue of Liberty NM, the Manhattan Skyline and various forts and batteries in the New York Harbor region. Fortification tours are available on site. Connecting to the bike path, near the campground, is a NYC Parks and Recreation boardwalk where bike rentals and food concessions are available offsite.

Recreation

Surf fishing at the beach is available for campers with a fishing license (see DEC for details). In addition, campers can attend a ranger-led tour of the historic structures. In the summer months, campers may enjoy walking/sunbathing (no Lifeguard on duty) on the beach at Fort Wadsworth. Swimming where lifeguards are on duty, is available at Gateway NRA- Great Kills Beach or NYC Parks and Recreation beaches. Bird watching, kayaking, biking and playground areas are all located within the Staten Island Unit of Gateway (Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field and Great Kills Park sites).

Facilities

Campground accommodates tent camping only. There is no day use (overnight camping only) allowed and no electrical outlets at the campground. 

Seasonal bathrooms are available. To go to Manhattan, take the NYC Public Transportation bus to the St. George Ferry terminal, Staten Island (approx. 25 minute ride from Fort Wadsworth). Board the ferry to New York City, in Lower Manhattan (25 minute boat ride). From there, various types of public transportation are available (e.g. bike rentals, taxis, subways). Bus service running inside Fort Wadsworth stops at 7:00 p.m. daily, though there is service just outside of the park entrance. Check MTA for schedule and pricing https://bustime.mta.info/  

Natural Features

Thousands of years ago, glacial activity created a morainal hilltop, that is Fort Wadsworth Overlook. Located at the Narrows in New York Harbor, visitors can look out at the hills of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn and eastern Staten Island. Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Staten Island Unit, has various topographic features, such as hills, fields, maritime forest and dunes, as well as beaches.

Nearby Attractions

Alice Austin House, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Zoo, and Staten Island Museum are all within a 10 mile or less radius.

Charges & Cancellations

Changes & Cancellations 

Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy: 

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies 

Overview

There's no other campground in the world where a family can sleep under the stars, tour the Statue of Liberty, watch a Broadway musical and kayak in one of the world's premier bird migration sanctuaries-all in one trip. Camp Gateway provides a tranquil outdoor experience right outside the nation's most lively and iconic metropolis- New York City.

Located in Floyd Bennet Field in Brooklyn, New York, the campground offers an outdoor escape for hiking, biking, birding and historic tours of airports and forts.Ranger-led programs are available all summer.

Recreation

History buffs can visit Civil War-era forts, restored historic aircraft or Nike missile sites. Nature lovers can stroll wooded paths, watch for birds and horseshoe crabs or simply relax. Horseback riding, kayaking and archery are also options.

Facilities

Public bus transportation takes campers to a subway station for easy access around the New York City metro area. Camp Gateway is open April - October and offers tent and RV camping. Generators are permitted during limited hours at RV sites only. Dump Station is available.

Natural Features

Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests. Camp Gateway is in the woodland habitat of Floyd Bennet Field.

Nearby Attractions

Biking trails weave through Fort Tilden, with a military history that dates back to the War of 1812.

Birders should try the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with 300 species of migratory birds, with willets and green herons in spring and summer, or osprey and black crowned night herons year-round.

If the big city beckons, head to Riis Landing for seasonal ferry rides to Manhattan. Call for information.

Overview

Fort Tilden picnic site is located on the Rockaway Peninsula in the heart of New York City. Fort Tilden is a former military site that overlooks the approach to New York City and today includes athletic fields, hiking trails, an arts center, a theater, and an observatory deck on a historic battery offering spectacular views of Jamaica Bay, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline. Dunes, a maritime forest, freshwater ponds; and coastal defense resources including Battery Harris. A perfect location for your next family gathering, it’s a short walk to Riis beach.

Fort Tilden’s picnic pavilion is located in historic Fort Tilden. The picnic area is sheltered and accessible. Just across the road is an accessible restroom.

Recreation

Picnicking is not the only reason for visiting Fort Tilden: fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and just enjoying a quiet day at the park are also popular activities.

Facilities

Fort Tilden’s picnic pavilion is located in historic Fort Tilden. The picnic area is sheltered and accessible. Just across the road is an accessible restroom.

Picnic Reservations are accepted beginning March 1st, online only at rec.gov only. All vehicles parked in Fort Tilden picnic pavilion need a parking pass. Having a picnic pavilion reservation does not exempt you from the parking pass requirement. Once your reservation is confirmed, contact the park to get the required parking passes for your vehicles 718-758-3659.

· The Picnic Pavilion is only available on certain Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season; June 20 through September 27, 2026. This is a day use area and reservations are valid between 10:00AM - 6:00PM.

75 person maximum per reservation.

· Dispose of garbage promptly in garbage cans.

· Potable water is available at restrooms but not at the pavilion.

· Alcohol is allowed at designated picnic areas.

Glass containers prohibited.

· There are BBQ grills for charcoal fires. Wood fires are not allowed.

· Balloons are prohibited. Decorations are allowed, provided they do not damage the structure (i.e. no staples) and are cleaned up on departure. Directional signs are permitted but must be removed upon departure.

· Amplified sound is prohibited.

Mechanical rides and inflatable bouncy houses are prohibited.

· Keep your re.gov reservation confirmation notice with you in the event of a conflict with a non-reservation party or to show park staff.

· Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. · For additional park information call 718-758-3659 or visit www.nps.gate

· This is a day-use area.

Natural Features

Gateway National Recreation exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, yet the park includes woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests. Each of these eco-systems is a home to a surprising variety of animals, plants amphibians, insects, and other creatures.

Gateway has over 325 species of birds, most of them visiting as they migrate along the Atlantic Flyway. They find food, shelter, and protection within the borders of this national park. Great birding spots include the back fort of Fort Tilden and the nearby Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Floyd Bennett Field’s North Forty.

The park has hundreds of wild plants species, you can find various types of mushrooms and cacti to just name a few. Look and you will find many examples of nature’s beauty.

Nearby Attractions

Jacob Riis Park is located adjacent to Fort Tilden and offers ocean swimming and food concessions (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Rockaway Artists Alliance - www.rockawayartistsalliance.org

Rockaway Theater – www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org

Charges & Cancellations

All cancelations and refund requests MUST be made through rec.gov.

Cancellations MUST be made, by noon, at least 3 day prior to the reservation date.

Refunds will not be considered for cancellations received after noon, within 3 days of the reservation date.