Gateway National Recreation Area offers multiple overnight camping possibilities within proximity to urban areas. Established camping areas provide amenities like electrical hookups, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, though amenities vary by location. Weather conditions fluctuate seasonally with humid summers and cold winters affecting camping experiences. The 26,000-acre recreation area spans parts of New Jersey and New York with several distinct units offering different camping environments.
What to do
Beach activities: Sandy Hook provides direct access to ocean beaches with lifeguarded swimming areas during summer months. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people," notes one Sandy Hook visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations throughout Gateway offer fishing access, particularly at Sandy Hook and Staten Island units. "Sandy Hook has all the necessities you need, bathroom, shower, and the occasional food truck. There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride," reports a camper.
Military history exploration: Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island and Sandy Hook both contain historic military installations open for exploration. "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into," explains a camper about Sandy Hook.
Urban exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides direct access to Manhattan via ferry and transit options. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," notes one RVer who stayed at the Jersey City location.
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Many Gateway camping sites offer direct water views or beach access. "Tent camping near the water - great for Jersey Shore adventures. Make sure to check out the lighthouses nearby!!" advises a Sandy Hook camper.
Urban convenience: Gateway campsites offer unique proximity to major metropolitan areas while still providing outdoor experiences. "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be here, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC," notes a Liberty Harbor visitor.
Transportation options: Several Gateway camping locations offer multiple transportation modes to reach nearby attractions. "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless. Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll," reports an RVer at Liberty Harbor.
Historical features: Gateway campsites often contain or provide access to significant historic sites. "The ability to view our military history was fabulous and, too, was our appreciation to those veterans for their past service. Then, there were pictures of the pilot, Amelia Erhart, on the wall of this base as she'd taken off from this base on her infamous flight," describes a Sandy Hook camper.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many Gateway campgrounds offer basic amenities compared to larger campgrounds. "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite," explains a Sandy Hook reviewer about the limitations.
Raccoon presence: Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, require proper food storage. "Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," warns one camper about Sandy Hook.
Tent-only restrictions: Several Gateway camping areas limit accommodations to tent camping only with no RVs permitted. "If you like sandy camping and want something 1 hr or so outside NYC, this is a great spot. Some of the campsites are very large, some have coverings over the picnic table," notes a camper.
Limited staffing: Some Gateway camping areas operate with minimal staff presence. "The federally operated campground is only occasionally staffed and only after you call," explains a visitor regarding administrative availability.
Tips for camping with families
Beach equipment: Pack beach toys, chairs, and umbrellas for shore areas, especially at Sandy Hook. "Our crew was quite at home here. The land loves us and we love the land. #leavenotrace," notes a Nickerson Beach Park Campground visitor about family camping.
Entertainment options: Consider day trips to nearby attractions including urban areas or historic sites. "Nickerson Beach allows dogs, however, the beach does not. They have a small dog run on the other side of the large beach parking lot. Very clean, friendly employees," notes a visitor.
Swimming access: Not all Gateway locations permit swimming, check for lifeguarded beaches during summer. "If you're looking for a spot to camp so you can surf, this is perfect! It's basically a parking lot, but it's steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast," reports a Nickerson Beach visitor.
Walking distances: Many Gateway campsites require gear to be carried from parking areas. "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!" advises one camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV sites: Very few Gateway camping areas accommodate RVs, with Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City being the primary option. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City," notes an RVer.
Size restrictions: Navigation to Gateway RV sites can be challenging for larger rigs. "Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table. On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station," advises a Liberty Harbor visitor.
Toll considerations: RV routes to Gateway areas often involve expensive tolls. "The area itself was under a ton of construction when we drove in, which meant for difficult to navigate roads and we barely squeezed by larger trucks who were also in the roadways," reports an RVer about accessing Liberty Harbor.
Water and electrical hookups: Liberty Harbor offers basic hookups but limited amenities compared to typical RV parks. "It's basically a gravel parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room," suggests one camper.
