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Established Camping

Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, near Highlands, New Jersey, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beachy twist. This campground offers a unique blend of sandy shores and historical sites, making it a popular choice for campers who want to soak up some sun and explore.

The sites here are walk-in, so be prepared to haul your gear a bit, but don’t worry—there are carts available to make the trek easier. Visitors rave about the nearby beaches and the well-kept biking trails, perfect for a leisurely ride or a quick trip to grab some ice cream. As one camper noted, “You can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked.”

Amenities include picnic tables and fire pits at each site, allowing for cozy evenings under the stars. While the campground is rustic—no showers or electric hookups—many appreciate the simplicity and the chance to truly disconnect. Just keep an eye on your food; raccoons are known to be quite bold around here.

For those who enjoy birdwatching or fishing, the area is rich with wildlife and offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a longer stay, Sandy Hook provides a memorable camping experience with a beautiful backdrop.

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Location

Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area is located in New Jersey

Detail location of campground

Directions

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 miles 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 .

Address

CAMP GATEWAY - SANDY HOOK 26 HUDSON ROAD
Highlands, NJ 07732

Coordinates

40.450082 N
73.995096 W

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  • Drive-In
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  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

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Reviews

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18 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2023

Beautiful beaches , terrible roaches

We are local and have spent most of our beach days at Sandy hook. It’s one of our all time favorite places in the world. So naturally we wanted to spend an entire night down there. The campsites sell out early in the season, but we realized people cancel pretty frequently and we found availability on the night the blue moon was up. We set up camp and went to the beach across the street for sunset. When we got back I noticed the bear boxes were infested with roaches, but we didn’t think too much of it. Fast forward to the morning and we wake up to our tent and everything left out of the tent covered in roaches. We spent 1.5 hours shaking everything out after we went to watch the sunrise, although I ended up having to throw out my tent because it had hundreds of bugs on it and I couldn’t risk infesting my home. I thought I had gotten them all but they were crawling around my car as I was driving home and when I got home, the outside of my car still had a bunch on it. $30/night was a misleading price as I’ll have to replace my tent and get our cars detailed. I had never seen a roach at Sandy hook beaches, and we’ll continue to go back for day trips, but that was a one and done camping excursion. Really sad because it was a nice set up and it would have been fun to camp by the beach.

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2023

awesome beaches, birding, historical sites & trail for biking, but ROACHES!

We had a breezy afternoon check-in with the fantastic & knowledgeable forest service ranger. Parking close to the campsites, but helps to use the provided wheelbarrows to get everything to your personal site. The power is currently out for a major reconstruction. our campsite had 10-15 holes in the ground with what appeared to be sand wasps flying in and around the holes. they have never caused me any trouble, they are just large and surprising. We knew they’d be sleeping at night. after camp set up, we used the bikes we brought to ride the well-kept trail about 2 miles to Beach D, spent a great afternoon sanding & swimming and a little ice cream at the carvel truck. Biked back and bought a few bundles of firewood to cook & get ready for the evening.

our campsite backed right up to a communal water source. when I went over to get some additional water once dark, roaches scurried when I turned on a light at the faucet tap. not totally surprised (people were washing food off pots there) but then when I walked back to my picnic table, I was ACTUALLY surprised to find HUNDREDS of roaches everywhere ….all over our equipment on the table, on our bikes, even on the marshmallow stick resting on the lit fire pit  … I mean everywhere. It’s like once it was dark they all came out, in numbers I have never seen anywhere. Am planning on giving feedback to the rangers as well in case the were not aware of the extent of the problem. We weren’t able to stay overnight in that environment unfortunately because everything else was truly super pleasant.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by gab C., August 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by gab C., August 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by gab C., August 24, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2023

Great site but, roach problem

Great site E20 but this year they seem to have a huge roach problem, not a lot of fun when you need to check ALL of your things ALL THE TIME.

SiteE20
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Mike G., August 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Mike G., August 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Mike G., August 1, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2022

Great spot in the area!

This is a know before you go spot. Yes you must lug your gear in, but when I went there were large carts for that purpose. Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted), and the place is intermittently staffed; bring everything you need. Try for a spot with the cover, it was hot when we were there and it helped. We were warned of rampant ticks but had no issues. If it’s summer - beware of weekends. This is a large peninsula and there are several public beaches, a light house, old army barracks and military facilities to explore, etc. - and there is traffic to contend with. Arriving midweek is a big plus to avoid it.

Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground. There are flat biking trails up and down the Hook and all the way thru neighboring town of Sea Bright if you are so inclined, access to the oceanside beaches with a short drive or a longer walk (we didn’t). Having a camp pass does NOT cover you for beach parking, so check when you come in or go back to the ranger station if you want to park in the beach lots.

SiteD13
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by stacy W., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by stacy W., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by stacy W., July 21, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 22, 2021

A three day weekend must.

Finally after the closure during covid the campgrounds open memorial day. 7 miles of ocean and bay side beaches, historic buildings, and walking trials. Carry in carry out rules apply, don't be that person!

  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Dan W., May 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Dan W., May 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Dan W., May 22, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2019

Walk-in tent sites amidst a beautiful large recreation area near beach

There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops. There is NO beach access. Some sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving. All sites have a fire pit and picnic table. Sites are walk-in (only about¼ mile) and carts are available to haul gear. Two water spigots and bathrooms with flush toilets are also on-premise. No electric, hook-ups, or showers. The nearby beaches have outdoor shower facilities though. The racoons are fierce. They will eat through your tent. Use the bear lockers provided to store anything scented. 

Activities abound: hit the beaches for (non-motorized) water sports or sunbathing (Gunnison is the nude beach), learn about the military history of the area on an NPS tour, visit the oldest working lighthouse in the US, walk or bike the multi-use trails, go birding, and more! Nearby Hartshorne Woods Park (Monmouth County Park System) has great hiking and mountain bike trails too.

SiteD16
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Trip Over Life , September 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Trip Over Life , September 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Trip Over Life , September 17, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

Rustic, with no electricity and no showers. Staffed only periodically.

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. Some of the sites do have a wooden pavilion covering the picnic table. Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons. Grills and fire rings are at all sites. The federally operated campground is only occasionally staffed and only after you call.

SiteA03
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Craig M., August 7, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

Hometown Beach

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. There is a cost to enter the park (unless you bike In) but it’s free after 5:00.

  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Maggie A., July 13, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Beautiful tent camping

Tent camping near the water - great for Jersey Shore adventures. Make sure to check out the lighthouses nearby!!

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 13, 2018

Quiet, practical location to launch an exploration into NY City

Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base. With views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring and, the sunset was a real treat!!

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.

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...more history and appreciation for this National Park treasure!!

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2017

Cotopaxi Night Camp

Great time at Floyd Bennett!! So amazing to be able to find a camp site so close to NYC. Quick break before we get into the rush of things.

SiteG20
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2017

Brooklyn Camping!

Great visit to this Brooklyn Campsite! The site was clean and accommodating. Great way to escape the city for a night if you can't make it upstate!

SiteWe stayed at campsite 14.
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2017

G22 Represent

Our crew was quite at home here.

It rained on every campsite except ours.

The land loves us and we love the land. #leavenotrace

SiteG22
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2015

Sand EVERYWHERE!

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. There are some quirks to this campgrounds:

  • No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!

  • No outside wood is permitted - but you can buy some in the store (cash only).

  • There are no showers, only toilets.

  • Review photo of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area by Christy K., July 15, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area?

Camping at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area can cost between $30.00 and $150.00 depending on the site.

Does Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area has water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, some coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area?

There are 21 campsites at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts