Sandy Hook — [Gateway National Recreation Area](https://thedyrt.com/camping/new-jersey/near/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.

## Overview

 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.
## Recreation

 Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and \"M\" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse. Free Lighthouse tours with a ranger are offered seasonally. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. Visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information on ranger led programs and hours of operation. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above. 
## Facilities

 This campground accommodates tent camping only. \_\_Be prepared to walk your gear up to .25 miles into the sites from the parking area. No pets allowed in the campground \_\_No cars are permitted in the campground or campsites. All campsites come equipped with a fire-ring, charcaol grill, picnic table, and food storage container. Please bring your license plate information with you for check-in. Flush toilets and running water are available. There are no showers and no electric outlets in the campsite or in the bathrooms. Firewood is available for purchase at the camping check-in office. Credit card preferred. There is no public Wifi. There is no day-use permitted in the campground; all guests must be camping overnight. All Beach Centers have restrooms and outdoor rinse showers. A variety of Food trucks are available throughout the summer at various beach plazas. Presence is not guaranteed daily. 
## Natural Features

 Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests. 
## Contact Info

 Between 05/23/2025 and 07/13/2025 this location is staffed. Please call (347) 630-1124 to speak with local staff. From 09/01/2024 to 05/23/2025 this location is unstaffed. Please call (732) 266-3352 for general information. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the \"Twin Lights of Highlands\" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.
## Charges & Cancellations

 Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy: Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under \"Late Cancellations\" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Atlantic Highlands, NJ is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Atlantic Highlands is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Atlantic Highlands, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Atlantic Highlands

The Best Camping Near Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey

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. 





Sand EVERYWHERE! 

Our crew was quite at home here.

It rained on every campsite except ours.

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

G22 Represent

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!

Brooklyn Camping!

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.

Cotopaxi Night Camp

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 &amp; 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!!

Quiet, practical location to launch an exploration into NY City

Fresh water ample tent area fishing areas nearby

Great tent areas

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

Beautiful tent camping

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. 

Hometown Beach

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.

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

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. Boat from New York City.

Sandy Hook is a plesant campground with great rangers working there

Camping

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.

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

 This campsite has everything, several beaches,  historic building and history,  amazing sunsets ,shade trees and  very long bike trails.

Beaches, historic buildings, amazing sunsets, shade trees and bike trails 

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! 

A three day weekend must. 

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.

Great spot in the area!

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.

Great site but, roach problem

We had a breezy afternoon check-in with the fantastic &amp; 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 &amp; swimming and a little ice cream at the carvel truck. Biked back and bought a few bundles of firewood to cook &amp; 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.

awesome beaches, birding, historical sites & trail for biking, but 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.

Photos of Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers