Tent Sites
Gerald D
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 Stayed at: B09, Loop: Beach Plum
The only thing I don't like is that the designated parking for the campsites are always taken by people not camping. Waiting for them to leave kind of sucks.
Helpful
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 sitesActivities & 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
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A01, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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A02, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire
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A03, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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A04, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire
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B06, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
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B07, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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B08, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
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B09, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
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B10, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
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C11, Loop: Cannonball
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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D13, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
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D14, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire
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D15, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
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D16, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire
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E17, Loop: Endicott
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
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E19, Loop: Endicott
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
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E20, Loop: Endicott
Tent
Campfire
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N21, Loop: Nike
Tent
Campfire
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
18 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
A01, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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A02, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire
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A03, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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A04, Loop: Ajax
Tent
Campfire
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B06, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
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B07, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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B08, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
⛺
B09, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
⛺
B10, Loop: Beach Plum
Tent
Campfire
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C11, Loop: Cannonball
Tent
Campfire · Yes shade
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D13, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
⛺
D14, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire
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D15, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
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D16, Loop: Dune Grass
Tent
Campfire
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E17, Loop: Endicott
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
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E19, Loop: Endicott
Tent
Campfire · Shade shade
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E20, Loop: Endicott
Tent
Campfire
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N21, Loop: Nike
Tent
Campfire
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
271 reviews
Summary
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
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 271 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
LUISA A
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 Stayed at: A02, Loop: Ajax
Great experience
Helpful
matthew c
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 Stayed at: A03, Loop: Ajax
Great!
Helpful
matthew c
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 Stayed at: B10, Loop: Beach Plum
All you interested campers - Please stay away!
I SO enjoyed my visit I hate to give away this gem of a camp ground - but I will. IF you promise to treat it with the respect it deserves.
Thank you rangers and our government for preserving the Gateway and Gunnison beach. Such an important resource and an opportunity for us all to enjoy Mother Nature in God’s creation. Amen
Yay!
Helpful
matthew c
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 Stayed at: A03, Loop: Ajax
Great!
Helpful
matthew c
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 Stayed at: B10, Loop: Beach Plum
All you interested campers - Please stay away!
I SO enjoyed my visit I hate to give away this gem of a camp ground - but I will. IF you promise to treat it with the respect it deserves.
Thank you rangers and our government for preserving the Gateway and Gunnison beach. Such an important resource and an opportunity for us all to enjoy Mother Nature in God’s creation. Amen
Yay!
Helpful
Iris V
January 16, 2020
There should be more bathrooms and more parking space
Helpful
RICHARD C
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball
Pleasant time.
Helpful
Ross R
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 Stayed at: B08, Loop: Beach Plum
Camping at Sandy Hook is an amazing experience. The campground rangers are extremely welcoming and helpful. I have camped at Sandy Hook at least at least a dozen times over the last five years and have never had a bad experience. There is always plenty to do and you can reach it all on foot or by bicycle right from the campground. The fishing beach nearly always provides for those that put in effort. While the beach parking lots can get crowded, if you are willing to leave your car at the campground and walk, the beaches have plenty of room. Sunrises at Gunnison and morning surfers at Beach A are not to be missed. The lighthouse is worth an hour (as is Twin Lights in Highlands) and the bayside directly across from the campground offers great opportunities for beachcombing and shelling. Finally, children will enjoy the ranger-led bonfires and concert series.
Helpful
Svitlana S
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 Stayed at: D15, Loop: Dune Grass
Great campground but would greatly benefit from some improvements.
Parking lot "only for campers" policy should be enforced.
Showers are needed. Please. Even coin paid will do.
Campsites marking, division and spacing could be improved to avoid confusion.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook
Camp Gateway Sandy Hook, Highlands, NJ 07732 United States
Elevation: 4 ft
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...
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). Stay right to enter the park.
From South Jersey: North on Garden State Parkway, Exit 105 (Eatontown), bear left for Route 36 East. Continue on Route 36 East, pass Monmouth Mall and across Route 35 through Eatontown and Long Branch (Route 36 is called Joline Avenue here). Continue on Route 36, which turns left and follows north along ocean (Route 36 is called Ocean Blvd. here). North for six miles through the towns of Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright to park.
From Philadelphia & Camden, New Jersey: New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 7A (Shore Points) onto I-195, East on I-195 to Garden State Parkway north, GSP north to Exit 105 (Eatontown). Then follow "From South Jersey" directions above.
For directions by bus or ferry please go to www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/directions.htm .
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: October 23, 2026
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Population: 4,518
Nearby city: Perth Amboy, NJ
Approx. 15 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 7 ft
Highlands, NJ
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