Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
gab C.
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 VisitSeptember
  • 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