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

Jim S

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: A03, Loop: Ajax

5

Superbly run operation, the park rangers could not have been more helpful and friendly. We had a great day fishing for Porgies on the Bay side, farther up the road from the park. The beaches are really nice and Giglio’s tackle shop will provide the right rigs and bait.

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

Jim S

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: A03, Loop: Ajax

5

Superbly run operation, the park rangers could not have been more helpful and friendly. We had a great day fishing for Porgies on the Bay side, farther up the road from the park. The beaches are really nice and Giglio’s tackle shop will provide the right rigs and bait.

Iris V

January 16, 2020

2

There should be more bathrooms and more parking space

RICHARD C

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball

4

Pleasant time.

Ross R

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: B08, Loop: Beach Plum

5

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.

Svitlana S

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: D15, Loop: Dune Grass

4

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.

Charles G

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: D13, Loop: Dune Grass

3

Enjoyed the campsite but two things could be addressed.
Ease of checking in.
Have a dedicated parking spot for each campsite.
It was a nice addition being able to get ice on location

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

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