Gateway National Recreation Area is a national recreation area run by the National Park Service in New York and New Jersey.
In the park service’s words
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!
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- Fishing at Gateway (1 to 8 Hours): Visitors are able to fish at many sites throughout Gateway. A fishing/parking permit is required after hours throughout the park. There are also some sites that require permits at all time. Visit our fishing page to learn where you need a parking permit and how to purchase the permit.
- Sandy Hook Multi Use Path (1 to 2 Hours): See the breathtaking natural scenery and historic military buildings of Sandy Hook's peninsula by bike. Sandy Hook's multi use path is open year-round. The park is open from 5 am to 9 pm from April 1 to October 31 and from 5 am to 8 pm from November 1 to March 31.
- Cross Country Skiing at Floyd Bennett Field (2 to 4 Hours): After a snow fall visitors can cross country ski in Floyd Bennett Field's North Forty Natural Area. Park rangers will cut a trail through the snow for visitors to follow.
- Birdwatching at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (1 to 3 Hours): The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is well known as a great place to bird watch, for both the beginner and experienced birdwatchers.
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee. Parking: There are no entrance fees for Gateway National Recreation Area. However, there is a charge for beach parking from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day at Jacob Riis Park in Queens, N.Y. and at Sandy Hook, N.J.
Hours: Daily, 6:00AM - 9:00PM. Includes Bergen Beach, Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Tilden, Frank Charles Park, Hamilton Beach, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Canarsie Pier, Jacob Riis Park, North Channel Bridge, Plumb Beach and Spring Creek.
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Booking | From | RVs | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Hook Camp Ground | 20 | Reservable | $30 | No | water, cell signal |
| [Fort Wadsworth Campsite]() | 7 | Reservable | $30 | No | showers, water, cell signal |
Getting there
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
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) | New York, NY | No road route | 9 | Large hub |
| LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | New York, NY | No road route | 15 | Large hub |
| Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) | Newark, NJ | No road route | 16 | Large hub |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
- [Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center](): Mon Closes at 4:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu Closed; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM. Gateway's Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
- [Ryan Visitor Center](): Closed. The Ryan's Visitor Center is currently closed.
- [Sandy Hook Visitors Center- Lighthouse Keepers Quarters](): Mon 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu Closed; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM. Gateway's Sandy Hook Visitor Center is open Friday-Monday 10 am - 4 pm.
- [Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center](): Mon 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu Closed; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM. Open Friday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weather
Gateway National Recreation Area includes several separate land areas spread throughout the New York metropolitan area. The New York area experiences four distinct seasons. Temperatures are moderate in the spring and fall, but range from the high 90's during the summer to snow and sleet in winter.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 275 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Gateway National Recreation Area?
No entrance fee.
Where is Gateway National Recreation Area?
In New York, New Jersey. The closest airport with scheduled flights is John F. Kennedy International Airport, about 9 miles away.
Can you camp at Gateway National Recreation Area?
Yes, at 2 campgrounds the park service lists.
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