Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook Near Highlands, NJ

2 Park visitors walking on the beach at Horseshoe Cove while the sun is setting

Two park visitors seining while the sun is setting

About Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

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.

Available sites

18 total sites

Tent Sites 18 sites Check Availability

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Year-round

Hiking

Year-round

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall

Swimming

Summer

Year-round

Birding

Nearby

Hiking

Nearby

Spring

Kayaking

Nearby

Summer

Kayaking

Nearby

Swimming

Nearby

Fall

Kayaking

Nearby

Seasonal information

2026 Season availability

Current season

Upcoming seasons

Past seasons

Closed periods

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Water and Hygiene

Potable Water

Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

18 Sites Available

Hide unavailable

⛺ A01, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ A02, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire

⛺ A03, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ A04, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire

⛺ B06, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ B07, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ B08, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ B09, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ B10, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ C11, Loop: Cannonball Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ D13, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ D14, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire

⛺ D15, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ D16, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire

⛺ E17, Loop: Endicott Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ E19, Loop: Endicott Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ E20, Loop: Endicott Tent

Campfire

⛺ N21, Loop: Nike Tent

Campfire

0 more sites below

Site Details

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18 Sites Available

Hide unavailable

Site

Price

⛺ A01, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ A02, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire

⛺ A03, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ A04, Loop: Ajax Tent

Campfire

⛺ B06, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ B07, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ B08, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ B09, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ B10, Loop: Beach Plum Tent

Campfire

⛺ C11, Loop: Cannonball Tent

Campfire · Yes shade

⛺ D13, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ D14, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire

⛺ D15, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ D16, Loop: Dune Grass Tent

Campfire

⛺ E17, Loop: Endicott Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ E19, Loop: Endicott Tent

Campfire · Shade shade

⛺ E20, Loop: Endicott Tent

Campfire

⛺ N21, Loop: Nike Tent

Campfire

Reviews

271 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Camp Gateway at Sandy Hook offers a beautiful and well-maintained campground with various activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. Visitors appreciate the helpful rangers, clean facilities, and proximity to the beach and bay. While some noted minor inconveniences like limited parking and a lack of showers, the overall experience is positive, with many eager to return.

Based on guest feedback

4.3

Overall rating

Based on 271 reviews

Write a review

5 stars 61.6% (167)

4 stars 17.7% (48)

3 stars 11.1% (30)

2 stars 4.1% (11)

1 star 5.5% (15)

Showing 253 reviews

Verified Only

Oldest First

Newest First Oldest First

Karen R

Verified

June 23, 2023 Stayed at: E17, Loop: Endicott

When we first arrived there were at least 4 deer that greeted us on our way up to the ranger station. It is quite a walk from your car to the campsite, they provided 3 carts, this was not a problem for us on arrival but on departure when almost everyone leaves at the same time it becomes a problem. We were at one of the further campsites, I did manage to get a cart, but it only holds so much. Site 17 was big enough for us but the campsite shares a pavilion with the next site so you are on top of the other campground. The rangers were very helpful and friendly. Overall, we had a good time.

Helpful

Karen R

Verified

June 23, 2023 Stayed at: E17, Loop: Endicott

Helpful

Caroline K

Verified

June 25, 2023 Stayed at: E17, Loop: Endicott

Campsite was great. My son had a small bike accident and the rangers were quick and helpful. Will definitely return!

Helpful

Caroline K

Verified

June 25, 2023 Stayed at: E17, Loop: Endicott

Campsite was great. My son had a small bike accident and the rangers were quick and helpful. Will definitely return!

Helpful

Casey B

Verified

June 26, 2023 Stayed at: D15, Loop: Dune Grass

Great spot between the bay and the ocean - and very popular, so make your reservations as soon as you can. The campsites are close together, but still roomy enough to enjoy the evening around the firepit. It's an easy walk or bike to the Sandy Hook lighthouse and historic buildings. We were forewarned by a fellow camper that the raccoons are VERY aggressive here, and we made sure to keep every speck of food (even toothpaste!) in the storage locker. Take heed!

Helpful

Casey B

Verified

June 26, 2023 Stayed at: D15, Loop: Dune Grass

Helpful

Myrna S

Verified

June 27, 2023 Stayed at: A01, Loop: Ajax

Love camping here

Helpful

Myrna S

Verified

June 27, 2023 Stayed at: A01, Loop: Ajax

Love camping here

Helpful

Robert R

Verified

June 28, 2023 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball

Awsome

Helpful

Robert R

Verified

June 28, 2023 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball

Awsome

Helpful

Location & Directions for Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Camp Gateway Sandy Hook, Highlands, NJ 07732 United States

Elevation: 4 ft

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Getting There

From North Jersey and New York: South on the New Jersey Turnpike, Exit 11 onto the Garden State Parkway (South), Exit 117 (Keyport/Hazlet). After toll, bear left and follow Route 36 East 12 mi to park entrance (after crossing the Highlands Bridge...

Nearest town

Highlands, NJ - 5.1 mi

About 11 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

12PM

Check out time

10AM

For late arrivals, obtain your parking pass before 9:00 p.m. to avoid ticketing.
Visit the provided website for more information about the area.

Wildlife & food storage

Expect to see Tawny Field Cockroaches between July and October, but they are harmless.
Keep food and scented items stored in provided lockers to avoid raccoon encounters.

Pets

Alcohol, smoking, and pets are not allowed in the campground.

Site types & loops

Only tent camping is allowed; RVs and car camping are not permitted.

Amenities

Restrooms with flushable toilets and sinks are available, but no showers.

Cancellation policy

You must be at least 18 years old to reserve a campsite and have at least one adult per site.

Safety & rules

Overnight camping only; day-use is not allowed.
There are no electric hookups and generators are not allowed.

Vehicles & parking

One vehicle per campsite is allowed, with limited parking available.

Fires & fuel

Buy firewood at check-in; outside wood and collecting wood in the park are not allowed.

Fees & deposits

Parking fees apply from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day; fees are required in designated lots.

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Nearby destinations

Explore destination

Highlands

3 mi away

City

Explore destination

Atlantic Highlands

4 mi away

City

Explore destination

Rumson

5 mi away

City

Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Explore Highlands, NJ

Population: 4,518

Nearby city: Perth Amboy, NJ

Approx. 15 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 7 ft

Learn more about Highlands

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Managed by the National Park Service