CAMP GATEWAY - SANDY HOOK

About CAMP GATEWAY - SANDY HOOK

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. Th

How to Get There

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 .

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to CAMP GATEWAY - SANDY HOOK

Heading to CAMP GATEWAY - SANDY HOOK? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)