Tent Sites
harold t
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: A04, Loop: Ajax
Great location with lots to do.
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
⛺
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
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
0 more sites below
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
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
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
Robert M
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: B07, Loop: Beach Plum
Very nice
Helpful
Jim S
VerifiedJanuary 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
jennifer d
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball
Love camping and all the history on the island is awesome. We are going back this year and every year after. Best vacation ever!
Helpful
jennifer d
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 Stayed at: C11, Loop: Cannonball
Love camping and all the history on the island is awesome. We are going back this year and every year after. Best vacation ever!
Helpful
Chris F
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2020 Stayed at: D16, Loop: Dune Grass
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.
Helpful
Chris F
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2020 Stayed at: D16, Loop: Dune Grass
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.
Helpful
Nicholas M
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2020 Stayed at: B08, Loop: Beach Plum
The rangers were very friendly and helpful and the campsite was clean and well-kept. Great trip
Helpful
Nicholas M
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2020 Stayed at: B08, Loop: Beach Plum
The rangers were very friendly and helpful and the campsite was clean and well-kept. Great trip
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
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Highlands, NJ
Population: 4,518
Nearby city: Perth Amboy, NJ
Approx. 15 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 7 ft
Highlands, NJ
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the National Park Service