Camp Gateway - Staten Island

4.31

111 reviews

220 NEW YORK AVENUE - CAMP OFFICE, FORT WADSWORTH, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA

Quick Facts

82 ft

Price

$3 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Friday, Saturda...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens Gateway National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

82 ft

Price

$3 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Friday, Saturda...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens Gateway National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

$3.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservation fees include $8 if booked online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in person. Late cancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee and...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

718-354-4655

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 111 reviews

106 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocationstaff

Some mention

noise

"Overall, users appreciated the unique location near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the blend of urban and natural experiences. While most reviews are positive, a few complaints focused on the lack of electricity and seasonal closures of facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

220 NEW YORK AVENUE - CAMP OFFICE, FORT WADSWORTH, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

220 NEW YORK AVENUE - CAMP OFFICE, FORT WADSWORTH, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA

Driving directionsFrom Brooklyn via Verrazano Narrows Bridge: Take the lower level if possible, staying to the far right. After the toll, take the Bay Street exit, bear right and proceed to the traffic light. Turn right onto Bay Street and follow to the park entrance. From New Jersey via Outerbridge: After paying the toll, follow the West Shore Expressway to the Staten Island Expressway heading toward Brooklyn/Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Take Lily Pond Avenue Exit (Exit 15). At the traffic light, turn left onto Lily Pond/School Road, then right onto Bay Street and proceed to the park entrance. From New Jersey via Goethals Bridge: After the toll, stay on the Staten Island Expressway toward Brooklyn/Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Take Lily Pond Avenue Exit (Exit 15). Turn left at the traffic light (School Road), then right onto Bay Street and proceed to the park entrance.

The campground is accessible via major roadways including Verrazano Narrows Bridge, Outerbridge, and Goethals Bridge. Road conditions require caution at toll plazas and specific exits. Seasonal bus service within Fort Wadsworth ends at 7:00 p.m.

Nearby places

Nearby population centers include Staten Island (local), Brooklyn (~5 miles), Manhattan (~10 miles via ferry), and New Jersey (~20 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in central Staten Island within a 10-mile radius. Visitors can also find food concessions and bike rentals near the NYC Parks and Recreation boardwalk.

Best Time to Camp at Camp Gateway - Staten Island

Spring awakens Camp Gateway with gentle breezes and crystal-clear skies, perfect for those first camping trips of the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for beach exploration and evening campfires under the bridge's impressive span. While autumn paints the maritime forest in brilliant colors, winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful retreat—though bundling up is essential as temperatures drop and occasional snow dustings create a magical urban wilderness. The sweet spot for camping runs from late spring through early fall, when moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation create perfect conditions for your outdoor adventure.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: swimming, ranger tours and beach use make summer most popular.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant weather, accessible trails and good harbor views.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 20% in NY

Spring brings gentle breezes and clear skies; good for early-season camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Limited openings (Fri–Sun nights) and seasonal closures of showers/facilities in off-season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is during warm months, but specific dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights only due to reduced capacity. No day-use allowed.
Current Alerts: As of 2021, some facilities like showers were unavailable. COVID-19 closures were reported during 2020.

About Camp Gateway - Staten Island

Imagine pitching your tent in the shadow of the iconic Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, where the urban pulse of New York City meets the tranquility of nature. Camp Gateway on Staten Island delivers an extraordinary camping adventure just minutes from Manhattan, offering tent-only sites that serve as your basecamp for exploring pristine beaches, centuries-old Fort Wadsworth, and the vibrant energy of America's most famous city. This isn't your typical wilderness escape—it's where city lights dance with starlight, creating an unforgettable outdoor experience unlike anywhere else in the nation.

The campground is exclusively for tent camping, providing a rustic and natural experience with limited amenities.

Historical SignificanceStep back through centuries of American history at Fort Wadsworth, where Revolutionary War patriots once stood guard over New York Harbor. As one of the nation's oldest continuously-operated military installations, this remarkable fortress has witnessed pivotal moments from the birth of our nation through both World Wars. Today, fascinating guided tours bring these stone walls to life with tales of soldiers, battles, and the strategic importance of this commanding position. Your camping experience becomes a journey through time, where each sunset viewed from these historic grounds connects you to generations of Americans who've watched over this vital harbor.

Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens Camp Gateway with gentle breezes and crystal-clear skies, perfect for those first camping trips of the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for beach exploration and evening campfires under the bridge's impressive span. While autumn paints the maritime forest in brilliant colors, winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful retreat—though bundling up is essential as temperatures drop and occasional snow dustings create a magical urban wilderness. The sweet spot for camping runs from late spring through early fall, when moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation create perfect conditions for your outdoor adventure.

ElevationPerched atop a dramatic glacial moraine, Camp Gateway commands one of the most spectacular vantage points in New York City. This natural hilltop, sculpted by ancient ice sheets thousands of years ago, rises above the surrounding landscape to offer campers breathtaking panoramic views of New York Harbor. From your elevated campsite, watch massive cargo ships navigate beneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge while the Manhattan skyline sparkles in the distance—a front-row seat to one of the world's busiest waterways.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a landscape where maritime forests whisper ocean tales, windswept dunes shift with coastal breezes, and rolling hills frame spectacular harbor vistas. Camp Gateway's diverse terrain showcases nature's resilience in an urban setting, with native trees providing shade and shelter while beach grasses dance in the salt air. From strategically placed overlooks, the Statue of Liberty stands sentinel in the harbor, Manhattan's legendary skyline pierces the horizon, and historic fortifications dot the coastline—creating a visual symphony that transforms throughout the day as light plays across water, stone, and steel.

Geological RegionCamp Gateway rests on ancient ground, a testament to the raw power of ice age glaciers that carved and shaped this corner of Staten Island. This morainal hilltop, part of Gateway National Recreation Area's Staten Island Unit, tells a geological story written over millennia. Maritime forests have taken root in soil deposited by retreating glaciers, while coastal dunes continue their eternal dance with wind and tide. Rolling fields blend into this diverse ecosystem, creating a surprising natural oasis where geological history meets modern adventure, offering campers a chance to sleep on land sculpted by forces far older than the gleaming city visible across the harbor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Check-out

Guests must vacate by 10:00 a.m.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights per visit, with a 30-day rolling limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tent camping only with limited capacity per campsite.

Groups

No details about group camping sites are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features tent-only sites organized in loops. Hudson Loop is noted for its proximity to amenities and scenic views.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made exclusively on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-ins are permitted; reservations must be made in advance via Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee for date modifications. Late cancellations before check-in incur an additional fee equal to the first night's recreation fee.

AccessibilityAccessible amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, parking, and trails. Several reviewers praised the staff's helpfulness in accommodating needs.

Site SizeCampsites are described as 'small' and 'rustic,' offering enough space for tents but limited vehicle capacity. 'The pitches are large, flat, and well-grassed' (Liam Hogan, 2019).

PrivacyCampsites offer a serene setting but are not heavily secluded due to the location near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. 'A quiet retreat for the night after exploring the busy city' (Mario N, 2020).

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in Hudson Loop offer proximity to bathrooms and scenic overlooks. Choose H3 for views of the Verrazano Bridge.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Camp Gateway - Staten Island offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and bird watching. The proximity to the beach and NYC makes it a unique blend of urban and natural experiences.

HikingThe campground connects to trails and boardwalks, providing scenic views of New York Harbor and access to nearby beaches. 'Hiking and riding the bike to the beach or around the historical Fort Wadsworth' (Mario N, 2020).

FishingSurf fishing is available at the beach for campers with a valid fishing license.

SwimmingSwimming is available at designated beaches such as Great Kills Beach, with lifeguards on duty. At Fort Wadsworth, campers can sunbathe or walk on the beach, but no lifeguards are present.

BikingBiking opportunities include access to NYC Parks boardwalk and trails around Fort Wadsworth.

BoatingKayaking opportunities are available within the Staten Island Unit, but no specific boating facilities at the campground are mentioned.

Wildlife viewingBird watching is a noted activity, with various species in the maritime forest and beach areas.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers are advised to be prepared for mosquitoes, ticks, poison ivy, and bee stings. Firewood must be obtained locally to prevent the spread of tree pests.

Active AlertsAs of 2021, some facilities like showers were unavailable. COVID-19 closures were reported during 2020.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are available to secure food items from wildlife. Specific dimensions are not provided.

Fire PolicyCampfires are only allowed within provided fire pits. Firewood must be obtained locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are strictly observed from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency contact: U.S. Park Police at 718-354-4700. Nearest hospitals and emergency services are in Staten Island, accessible within a 10-mile radius.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the data.

Water FeaturesLocated near the New York Harbor and beaches within Gateway NRA-Staten Island Unit.

Camp HostRangers like Kathy and Larry are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge. Hosts often assist with campfire wood and provide historical insights.

Weather at Camp Gateway - Staten Island

Reviews

4.3

111 reviews

Recommended

Camp Gateway - Staten Island is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users appreciated the unique location near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the blend of urban and natural experiences. While most reviews are positive, a few complaints focused on the lack of electricity and seasonal closures of facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the cleanliness, the helpfulness of the staff (especially Ranger Kathy), and the unique location with views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. 'It is an amazing place, it does not even...

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of electrical outlets and seasonal closures of showers were common concerns. 'Would have been great to have a plug in the washroom to plug in our dryer after we got soaked in Manhattan'...

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring personal care protection for mosquitoes and ticks. Charge devices beforehand due to the lack of electrical outlets. 'Make sure all devices are charged' (TAMAR O, 2021).

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with activities like swimming and ranger-led tours available. Some seasonal amenities, like showers, may not be operational during off-seasons.

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campsite itself is very clean with nice bathrooms and showers' (Brenna McKinnon, 2019). 2. 'Great location to camp. Unfortunately due to Covid 19 it is closed until further notice' (Jeff...

Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site H3 in the Hudson Loop is noted for its stunning location under the Verrazzano Bridge (KARL D, 2021).

Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviewers appreciated accessible features and the staff's helpfulness in accommodating needs. 'Ranger Kathy goes above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need' (Brenna McKinnon, 2019).

Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at this campground.

Based on 111 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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