OutReserve

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

2 Park visitors walking on the beach at Horseshoe Cove while the sun is setting
Bird watching on the bay
Two park visitors seining while the sun is setting
Osprey perched on a tree branch
Windsurfers at bayside beaches

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.

Number of accommodations: 18

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Birding

Hiking

Kayaking

Swimming

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 open - May 1 to Sep 27

Campground Amenities

Water and Hygiene

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

Site
Price
A01, Loop: Ajax
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
A02, Loop: Ajax
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
A03, Loop: Ajax
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
A04, Loop: Ajax
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
B06, Loop: Beach Plum
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
B07, Loop: Beach Plum
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
B08, Loop: Beach Plum
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
B09, Loop: Beach Plum
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
B10, Loop: Beach Plum
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
C11, Loop: Cannonball
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available
D13, Loop: Dune Grass
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
D14, Loop: Dune Grass
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
D15, Loop: Dune Grass
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
D16, Loop: Dune Grass
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
E17, Loop: Endicott
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available
E19, Loop: Endicott
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available
E20, Loop: Endicott
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
N21, Loop: Nike
30 guests · Campfire
Price not available

Reviews (221)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.3
221 reviews
5
62.0%
137
4
18.1%
40
3
10.9%
24
2
4.5%
10
1
4.5%
10

Darlene R

Verified

June 19, 2021 Stayed at: B07, Loop: Beach Plum

3

The raccoons kept us up all night and were way too close for comfort. The food box was filled with ant mounds so we opted to store our food in the car and even with that the raccoons kept coming close to us and the family at the reserved campsite next to us. The Park ranger at check in Megan, was very sweet and the person who answered the phone to answer our questions about purchasing firewood were very professional and friendly!

Nicholas M

Verified

January 26, 2020 Stayed at: B08, Loop: Beach Plum

5

The rangers were very friendly and helpful and the campsite was clean and well-kept. Great trip

Nicholas M

Verified

January 26, 2020 Stayed at: B08, Loop: Beach Plum

5

The rangers were very friendly and helpful and the campsite was clean and well-kept. Great trip

Chris F

Verified

January 21, 2020 Stayed at: D16, Loop: Dune Grass

5

Unique camping experience. So close to NYC and the action along the shore, but so private and quiet. You would never know. Nice campsites with food storage box, fireplace and picnic table for each site. Deer around the campsites. Raccoons try to get your stuff so make sure you use the storage container. Plenty of trails and things to check out inside the park. I would recommend this place.

Chris F

Verified

January 21, 2020 Stayed at: D16, Loop: Dune Grass

5

Unique camping experience. So close to NYC and the action along the shore, but so private and quiet. You would never know. Nice campsites with food storage box, fireplace and picnic table for each site. Deer around the campsites. Raccoons try to get your stuff so make sure you use the storage container. Plenty of trails and things to check out inside the park. I would recommend this place.

jennifer d

Verified

January 18, 2020 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball

5

Love camping and all the history on the island is awesome. We are going back this year and every year after. Best vacation ever!

jennifer d

Verified

January 18, 2020 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball

5

Love camping and all the history on the island is awesome. We are going back this year and every year after. Best vacation ever!

harold t

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: A04, Loop: Ajax

5

Great location with lots to do.

Todd W

January 17, 2020

5

My son and I had an awesome time. It was his first camping trip and everything went great. The park ranger was so nice and helpful too.

Robert M

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: B07, Loop: Beach Plum

4

Very nice

Location Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Address:
Camp Gateway Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ, 07732
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 40.4501 / -73.9951

Elevation: 4 feet

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

National Park Service Logo
Managed by National Park Service