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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

Gateway National Recreation Area

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Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year. Gateway offers green spaces and beaches alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. Every day, Gateway is open for you to explore, envision, and enjoy!

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Gateway is located in two states; NJ and NY, and has three units: Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island. You can access most of our park by car and public transportation. Please visit our website for specific directions to all of our units

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Breezy Point ORV Inspection Appointment Tickets Timed Entry

Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Unit issues permits for off-road vehicle access to help protect the park’s treasured resources. The Breezy Point Tip Off Road Vehicle (ORV) Permit for Fishing is a specialized permit necessary to access the sand road, sand lot and Breezy Point shoreline for the purpose of fishing. These are available in limited numbers. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is required. All-wheel drive vehicles are not recommended. Vehicles with 4-wheel drive and high clearance are best suited for off road driving due to the soft and sandy conditions. The ORV permit is also valid in other areas of the park where the fishing/parking permit is honored (paved lots only). This ticketed reservation schedules an appointment for park staff to inspect your vehicle and equipment. If you pass the inspection, park staff will issue your 2021 Breezy Point Tip ORV Permit for Fishing during the same appointment. As a condition of obtaining this permit, the following items must be presented at the time of pickup and carried in the vehicle at all times when accessing the sand road: Tire pressure gauge, shovel, spare tire, jack and jack support board, tow rope or chain, trash bag and portable toilet. The ORV permit for fishing must be picked up in person after a vehicle inspection. You must bring the vehicle you wish to affix the permit to. Please assemble the necessary equipment in the back of the vehicle in such a way that all equipment is visible to the inspecting park staff member. You will remain in your vehicle. After the equipment is verified the staff member will issue your permit.


CAMP GATEWAY- BROOKLYN NY Campground
List of Campsites

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.


CAMP GATEWAY - SANDY HOOK Campground
List of Campsites

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 now located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The lighthouse tours with a ranger occur every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. For seasonal programs both ranger-led and partner-led, visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information. 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, charcaol 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 in the campsite or in the bathrooms.
  • 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. 
  • A variety of Food trucks are available throughout the summer at various beach plazas. Presence is not guaranteed daily.

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.

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.


CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND Campground
List of Campsites

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 


Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise Ticket Facility

Overview:

Gateway National Recreation Area's Sandy Hook is a barrier beach at the northern end of the New Jersey Shore. Its location at the entrance to New York Harbor assured Sandy Hook's importance for coastal and harbor defense. For more than 200 years most of the peninsula has been a federal reserve. The military presence both shaped Sandy Hook's history and assured its preservation as open space. During the summer, visitors enjoy swimming and strolling along the Sandy Hook beaches. Throughout the year there are opportunities for birding, fishing, hiking, camping or discovering the park's natural resources and historic sites, including America's oldest lighthouse and historic coastal batteries.

During the Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise, experienced park rangers will outfit visitors for an early morning canoe tour on the bay. Along the route to Skeleton Hill Island, paddlers will experience breathtaking views of Sandy Hook mainland and Sandy Hook Bay. Visitors will likely observe shore birds, fish, and possibly Diamondback terrapins while paddling. Once the group reaches Skeleton Hill Island, visitors will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the area. Shore birds, turtles, fish, hermit crabs, snails and horseshoe crabs are observed regularly during the canoe tours.



Summary of Fees

Tour Name Adult (18 and over) Junior (14 and over) Reservation fee
(per ticket)
Changes*
Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise Free Free $1.50
(non-refundable)
$0.00
*Customers may request changes until 4:00 PM Eastern the day before the tour


Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Facility

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is the gateway to this 900-acre preserve, home to salt marshes, uplands, open bay and beach areas, and two man-made ponds, all supporting hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. The one story, flat-roofed building contains a ranger desk, colorful exhibits on the eco-system of the surrounding area, a classroom, a bookstore, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, water fountains, and tactile, hands-on nature exhibits.


Ryan Visitor Center Facility

The Visitors Center, once New York City's first airport terminal, now houses a ranger desk, a bookstore, bathrooms, and many exhibits on the history of aviation, particularly here at Floyd Bennett Field, as well as exhibits about the ecosystems and flora and fauna of the New York Harbor area.


Sandy Hook Visitors Centers- Lighthouse Keepers Quarters Facility

Discover information about the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse Keepers Quarters


Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Facility

Learn about one of the oldest military installations in the nation on the northeastern shore of Staten Island.


Gateway NRA-Jamaica Bay Unit Archery Permit Activity Pass


Gateway NRA-Fishing Access Permit Activity Pass


Sandy Hook Season Beach Parking Activity Pass


Gateway NRA-Staten Isl Boat Launch Parking Activity Pass


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