How much does camping cost at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Camping fees at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook range from $30-$150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook first-come first-served or reservation?

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook before I book?

Yes! Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook is open May 01 to September 27. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Cell phone service at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook have?

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook has 66 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Pets are not allowed at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Q: Can I have a campfire at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Fire policies at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook: Firewood is available for purchase at the camp office. Please purchase firewood upon check-in. No outside wood is permitted. Collecting firewood in the park is not permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.93

213 reviews

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, 26 Hudson Road, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

Top 6% in NJSpring

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

30 ft

Price

$30 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

66 campsites

Season

Open from May 9 to J...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

30 ft

Price

$30 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

66 campsites

Season

Open from May 9 to J...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

$30.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

10 person sites: $50.00; Nike Group Campsite: $150.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(347) 630-1124 OR (732) 872-5918Gage_Bongiovi@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

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Campground Map

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, 26 Hudson Road, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, 26 Hudson Road, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

Nearby places

Highlands (3 miles, 10 minutes), Atlantic Highlands (7 miles, 15 minutes), Long Branch (6 miles, 12 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom 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. Continue on Route 36, which turns left and follows north along ocean. North for six miles through 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 directions from South Jersey.

Weather at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Current alerts(13)

Alcohol, smoking, and pets are prohibited within the campground.
Bathroom facilities containing flushable toilets and sinks are available. There are no showers within the campground.
Campers are allowed 1 vehicle per campsite to be parked in the designated campground parking lot. Parking is very limited within the campground lot, but additional parking may be available in 'L' Lot.
Camping Parking Passes are not valid for beach parking . Campers must obtain a separate Parking Pass. The parking pass can be purchased on rec.gov or at the park Entrance Station. Parking Passes are $20/car.

Best Time to Camp at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, beach-friendly weather (daytime highs typically in the 70s–80s°F / 21–29°C) and long daylight for swimming, paddling, surfcasting, and biking the peninsula. Camp Gateway’s car-free set-up and proximity to the ocean make June and early July ideal for full-service camping when the campground is operating on its peak schedule and ranger programs are most active. Expect higher weekend crowds—especially around Memorial Day and early July—but also the fullest range of water-based & Peak months: June, May, July, September

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in NJ

Spring migration on the Atlantic Flyway makes it prime for birding and mild weather camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 9 to July 13 during peak season. Non-reservable periods may apply before and after these dates.

About Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Camp Gateway sits on the Sandy Hook peninsula in Gateway National Recreation Area, a barrier spit jutting into the Atlantic between New York Harbor and the Jersey Shore. The National Park Service runs this car-free campground where campers park in a central lot and walk gear to tent sites scattered among maritime forest and dune scrub. Visitors bike the paved multi-use path to historic Fort Hancock, surf-cast from ocean beaches, and paddle the calmer bay side.

The campground is dedicated to tent-only camping, with no provisions for RVs, car camping, or permanent lodging. It accommodates small groups and emphasizes simplicity and self-sufficiency in its offerings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, beach-friendly weather (daytime highs typically in the 70s–80s°F / 21–29°C) and long daylight for swimming, paddling, surfcasting, and biking the peninsula. Camp Gateway’s car-free set-up and proximity to the ocean make June and early July ideal for full-service camping when the campground is operating on its peak schedule and ranger programs are most active. Expect higher weekend crowds—especially around Memorial Day and early July—but also the fullest range of water-based & Peak months: June, May, July, September

Elevation30 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits inland from seven miles of Atlantic beach, surrounded by the mosaic ecosystems of a barrier island. Maritime forest gives way to salt marsh on one side, open dunes on the other. The peninsula functions as a stopover on the Atlantic Flyway, so expect migrating warblers in spring and fall. Herons and egrets work the marshes year-round. Horseshoe crabs cluster on the beaches during spawning season. Freshwater ponds dot the interior. The elevation barely tops 30 feet, which means you're essentially camping on a sandbar that storms reshape every few years. City skylines are visible across the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground exclusively allows tent camping and does not offer hotel-style accommodations or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesSeasonal ranger-led programs and lighthouse tours provide historical and cultural insights. The lighthouse tours require participants to be at least 48 inches tall.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 consecutive nights between April 1 and October 15.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The maximum number of guests per site is not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible features include flush toilets, picnic tables, grills, and parking areas. No specific details about ADA compliance or additional accommodations are provided.

Site SizeCampsites are described as standard-sized, with enough space for tents and basic camping equipment.

PrivacyCampsites are relatively close together, lacking a high degree of privacy, which is noted in some user reviews.

Total Campsites66 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the Bay for scenic views, such as A01 and B09. Sites in loops like Endicott (e.g., E17) offer larger spaces but may share amenities like pavilions.

Best CampsitesReviews mention A01, B10, D15, and E17 as standout sites, typically for their proximity to water or shade. The campground divides into five loops: Beach Plum, Dune Grass, Endicott, Cannonball, and Ajax. Arrive early to claim a cart for hauling gear from the parking lot.

Need help booking Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook is a tent-only campsite designed for those seeking a rustic camping experience. Key amenities include fire rings, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and food storage containers. Flush toilets and running water are available, but showers and electric outlets are absent. Firewood can be purchased at the camping check-in office, and credit cards are preferred. Although Wi-Fi is not available, cell phone service is present. Visitors should note that there is no day-use permitted—all guests must camp overnight. Accessibility features include flush toilets, picnic tables, and parking, but open outdoor rinse showers are only available at nearby beach centers, not in the campground itself.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

A plethora of recreational activities are available, including hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and cultural programs. Visitors can also engage in windsurfing, kiteboarding, and historical exploration at Sandy Hook's historic landmarks like the lighthouse and Fort Hancock.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each campsite to protect food from raccoons and other wildlife. Lockers are raccoon-proof and robustly constructed.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFirewood is available for purchase at the camp office. Please purchase firewood upon check-in. No outside wood is permitted. Collecting firewood in the park is not permitted.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling details or pickup schedules are not specified.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, though specific details about signal strength or coverage for major carriers are not mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

213 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook's reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative sentiments. The campground offers a unique blend of history and proximity to nature, but recurring issues like roach infestations and limited amenities (e.g., lack of showers) are raised frequently. Despite these challenges, many users praise its scenic location and the helpfulness of rangers.

Review Summaries

Based on 213 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 213 reviews.

site D13Loved
Users also highlighted site D13 for its shady lean-to feature and abundant wildlife encounters.
Site E20Mentioned
Site E20 is frequently mentioned for its larger size but close proximity to other sites.
site E19Mentioned
Negative comments focused on site E19 due to roach infestations.

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic atmosphere, clean facilities, proximity to beaches and historical landmarks, and friendly ranger staff. Activities such as birding, biking, and kayaking contribute to...

Based on 213 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include cockroach infestations, raccoon overpopulation, insufficient privacy, and the absence of showers. Some users reported difficulties with parking and campsite accessibility,...

Based on 213 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing bicycles for convenient transportation, using raccoon-proof storage lockers, and arriving early to secure carts for transporting camping gear. One camper advises, 'Be aware...

Based on 213 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular camping season but also brings challenges such as high bug activity and lack of shade at certain sites. Winter reviews focus on the quieter atmosphere and historical...

Based on 213 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sunsets are amazing. If you can, bring bikes as Sandy Hook is extremely bike friendly.' (July 18, 2023) 2. 'Camping at Sandy Hook at least a dozen times over the last five years... There is...

Based on 213 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews note that accessible campsites are available, though some users raise concerns about the accuracy of reservation systems showing availability. One camper stated, 'Reservations showed as...

Based on 213 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, as stated in official descriptions.

Based on 213 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want ocean and bay proximity without driving into your site, and you're comfortable hauling gear from a parking lot.

Skip if

You need vehicle access at your site, want shower facilities, or can't tolerate woodroaches in a maritime forest setting.

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Campgrounds

Gateway National Recreation Area

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

About Gateway National Recreation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year. Gateway offers green spaces and beaches alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. Every day, Gateway is open for you to explore, envision, and enjoy!

Directions

Gateway is located in two states; NJ and NY, and has three units: Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island. You can access most of our park by car and public transportation. Please visit our website for specific directions to all of our units