About CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND
Overview This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years. It connects Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. Not far from the campground is an overlook area which features a vantage point to view the Statue of Liberty NM, the Manhattan Skyline and various forts and batteries in the New York Harbor region. Fortification tours are available on site. Connecting to the bike path, near the campground, is a NYC Parks and Recreation boardwalk where bike rentals and food concessions are available offsite. Recreation Surf fishing at the beach is available for campers with a fishing license (see DEC for details). In addition, campers can attend a ranger-led tour of the historic structures. In the summer months, campers may enjoy walking/sunbathing (no Lifeguard on duty) on the beach at Fort Wadsworth. Swimming where lifeguards are on duty, is available at Gateway NRA- Great Kills Beach or NYC Parks and Recreation beaches. Bird watching, kayaking, biking and playground areas are all located within the Staten Island Unit of Gateway (Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field and Great Kills Park sites). Facilities Campground accommodates tent camping only. There is no day use (overnight camping only) allowed and no electrical outlets at the campground. Seasonal bathrooms are available. To go to Manhattan, take the NYC Public Transportation bus to the St. George Ferry terminal, Staten Island (approx. 25 minute ride from Fort Wadsworth). Board the ferry to New York City, in Lower Manhattan (25 minute boat ride). From there, various types of public transportation are available (e.g. bike rentals, taxis, subways). Bus service running inside Fort Wadsworth stops at 7:00 p.m. daily, though there is service just outside of the park entrance. Check MTA for schedule and pricing https://bustime.mta.info/ Natural Features
How to Get There
Bus: S51 from Staten Island Ferry Terminal to the park entrance on Bay Street. Auto: Verrazano Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn: Take lower level of bridge if possible and stay to the far right. If lower level is closed, take upper level bridge and stay to your far right. After toll, take the Bay Street exit: bear right and proceed to the traffic light. At the light turn right onto Bay Street and follow to park entrance where the booth is located. Make a right into the parking lot at the Camp Gateway Ranger Station, building #220 and check in upon arrival. Auto: Outerbridge from New Jersey: After paying the toll, follow the West Shore Expressway all the way to the Staten Island Expressway and take the right ramp toward Brooklyn/Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Take the last exit before toll plaza which is Lily Pond Avenue Exit (Exit 15). At the Lily Pond traffic light make a left (Lily Pond automatically changes to School Road) . Make a right onto Bay Street. Proceed to the entrance of the park/NPS guard booth. Make a right into the parking lot at the Camp Gateway Ranger Station, building #220 and check in upon arrival. Auto: Goethal's Bridge from New Jersey: After paying toll, stay on the Staten Island Expressway, following the Brooklyn/Verrazano-Narrows Bridge signs. Take the last exit before toll which is Lily Pond Avenue Exit (Exit 15). At the Lily Pond traffic light make a left (Lily Pond automatically changes to School Road) . Make a right onto Bay Street. Proceed to the entrance
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND
Heading to CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND? 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND?
No central reservation system listed for CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234715) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND?
Bus: S51 from Staten Island Ferry Terminal to the park entrance on Bay Street. Auto: Verrazano Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn: Take lower level of bridge if possible and stay to the far right. If lower level is closed, take upper level bridge and stay to your far right. After toll, take the Bay Street exit: bear right and proceed to the traffic light. At the light turn right onto Bay Street and foll…
How do I contact CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND?
You can reach the park at phone: 718-354-4655.
References & Official Resources