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.

Available sites

18 total sites

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

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

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 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 271 reviews

Charles G

Verified

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

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

Helpful

Iris V

January 16, 2020

There should be more bathrooms and more parking space

Helpful

Ross R

Verified

January 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

Verified

January 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

Charles G

Verified

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

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

Helpful

harold t

Verified

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

Great location with lots to do.

Helpful

Todd W

January 17, 2020

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.

Helpful

Jim S

Verified

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

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.

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...

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


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

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