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 253 reviews

ann P

Verified

July 27, 2026 Stayed at: A04, Loop: Ajax

water system in camping site was shut, bit uncomfortable. otherwise it was okay

Helpful

Theresa S

Verified

July 20, 2026 Stayed at: A02, Loop: Ajax

The welcome email mentions cockroaches but said nothing about the tick infestation.

Helpful

Daniel K

Verified

July 16, 2026 Stayed at: B07, Loop: Beach Plum

Rangers were great and checked us in quickly. Secret gem. I’m glad it’s not overcrowded.

Helpful

Gregory F

Verified

July 9, 2026 Stayed at: N21, Loop: Nike

Helpful

Philip S

Verified

July 8, 2026 Stayed at: B06, Loop: Beach Plum

Our experience at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook was amazing and the National Park employees were very knowledgable and kind.

Helpful

William W

Verified

July 8, 2026 Stayed at: A01, Loop: Ajax

Always a great experience at Camp Gateway on Sandy Hook. We are returning for our 4th year. The Park Rangers are always hospitable and on top of every detail. Park Ranger Matt was especially helpful in securing my son and I an extra two nights through some last minute cancellations.
Sandy Hook is such a gem. Thank you!!!

Helpful

David B

Verified

July 6, 2026 Stayed at: E20, Loop: Endicott

Wonderful campgrounds with great facilities and staff. Can’t recommend enough -

Helpful

david e

Verified

July 5, 2026 Stayed at: D15, Loop: Dune Grass

heaven-esque experience under the moon and stars, above sand and sea, families huddled around campfires in adoration of the lost art of warmth via togetherness, string lights draped like luminous curtains, kids dance their song of flashlight tag and curious terror of the beyond blacklit wilderness, the golden pathway they learn to trod pushed by gracious hands of loving parents.

Helpful

John K

Verified

July 1, 2026 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball

Great place to camp. Ranger Gage was super helpful and friendly. My family and I plan on camping here for many years to come.

Helpful

Betul D

Verified

June 29, 2026 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball

We were excited to camp here, but unfortunately our experience was very disappointing. We found ticks around our campsite, and even worse, we found two ticks inside our tent. We didn't feel safe staying overnight, so we packed up and went home the same evening.

Another inconvenience was that cars are not allowed into the camping area, so we had to carry all of our camping gear , which was very difficult.

The location may be nice, but the tick problem and the inconvenience of transporting all of our equipment made this a frustrating experience. I hope the park takes better measures to control ticks and improve access for campers.

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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