Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area is a vast coastal park located in the New York metropolitan area. It encompasses 26,607 acres of unique landscapes and historical sites, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park is divided into three main units: Staten Island, Jamaica Bay, and Sandy Hook.

The Staten Island unit of Gateway National Recreation Area covers over 9,000 acres and offers visitors a variety of recreational activities. It is home to the Great Kills Park, a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Additionally, visitors can explore the Fort Wadsworth area, which was a crucial defense post during the American Revolution and later became a military base.

Situated on the shores of Jamaica Bay, the Jamaica Bay unit of the park spans approximately 9,155 acres. It is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 330 bird species residing or passing through the bay throughout the year. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking, kayaking, and fishing in this picturesque setting. Furthermore, the park preserves historic landmarks such as Floyd Bennett Field, the first municipal airport in New York City.

Sandy Hook, located at the northern tip of the New Jersey peninsula, is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area as well. This unit is a popular destination for beachgoers, who can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the ocean, or trek along the scenic trails. Sandy Hook also boasts numerous historic attractions, including the Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the country.

The proximity of Gateway National Recreation Area to New York City makes it easily accessible, drawing crowds of visitors every year. Aside from the park’s natural and historical attractions, the surrounding area offers numerous other points of interest. Just across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, visitors can explore the vibrant neighborhoods and cultural landmarks of Brooklyn. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Monmouth County offers visitors a chance to explore picturesque coastal towns, wineries, and state parks.

With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and convenient location, Gateway National Recreation Area offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, immerse themselves in history, and explore the surrounding area's attractions—all within close proximity to the bustling urban environment of New York City.

Gateway National Recreation Area is located in the northeastern region of the United States, situated within the states of New York and New Jersey. Its unique position along the coastal areas of these states makes it an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Spanning over 26,000 acres, this stunning recreational area is framed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the New York Bay to the north, creating a picturesque environment with breathtaking seascapes. The varied landscapes within the park offer visitors the opportunity to explore sandy beaches, lush forests, and even historic landmarks, all within easy reach of bustling metropolitan areas like New York City.

Address & Contact

210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
Driving Directions
Phone: 7183544606
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Gateway National Recreation Area is in September. During this month, the average maximum temperature is 77°F, and the average minimum temperature is 60°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, September experiences relatively low precipitation with an average monthly rainfall of 4 inches. This time of year also allows you to avoid large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Gateway National Recreation Area are: Guided Tours Biking Camping Boating Fishing Paddling Kayaking Swimming Saltwater Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Gateway National Recreation Area: Animals Fish Military Watersheds Natural Sounds Scenic Views Wetlands Forts Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Marshes Dunes Urban America Maritime US Coast Guard

Visitor Centers

Sandy Hook Visitors Centers- Lighthouse Keepers Quarters

Discover information about the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse Keepers Quarters

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Sandy Hook Visitors Centers- Lighthouse Keepers Quarters.

Campsites within or near Gateway National Recreation Area

Fort Wadsworth Campsite

The Fort Wadsworth Campground is currently closed.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Fort Wadsworth Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Sandy Hook Camp Ground

20 tent campsites are available at Sandy Hook for seasonal camping. The season typically runs from mid April through late October.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Sandy Hook Camping Fee), 15.00 (Sandy Hook Camping Fee with Access or Senior Pass)
Total Campsites: 20
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Gateway National Recreation Area

The Hub Middletown Red Bank, BW Signature Collection

In the heart of Middletown, The Hub Middletown Red Bank, BW Signature Collection is within a 5-minute drive of Two River Theater and Count Basie Theater. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Middletown? This hotel has 900 square feet (84 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 750 State Route 35 South, Middletown, New Jersey 07748
Web: Link

Sonesta Select Tinton Falls

Located in Tinton Falls, Sonesta Select Tinton Falls is in the business district, within a 15-minute drive of Jersey Shore Premium Outlets and Monmouth Park. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Tinton Falls? This hotel has facilities measuring 513 square feet (48 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 600 Hope Rd, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724
Web: Link

Extended Stay America Suites Red Bank Middletown

Located in Red Bank, Extended Stay America Suites Red Bank Middletown is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Parker Family Health Center and Riverview Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk.
Address: 329 Newman Springs Rd, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites West Long Branch, an IHG Hote

Located in West Long Branch, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites West Long Branch, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of Monmouth Park and Monmouth Mall. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 294 Highway 36 East, West Long Branch, New Jersey 07764
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham West Long Branch

Located in West Long Branch, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham West Long Branch is in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of Monmouth Park and Monmouth Mall. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 109 Route 36, West Long Branch, New Jersey 07764
Web: Link

Sleep Inn Coney Island

A stay at Sleep Inn Coney Island places you in the heart of Brooklyn, a 1-minute drive from New York Aquarium and 6 minutes from New York Harbor. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2586 Stillwell Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11223
Web: Link

Holly Hill Motel

Located in Keansburg, Holly Hill Motel is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Belvedero Beach and Runaway Rapids Waterpark. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 270 State Highway No. 36, Keansburg, New Jersey 07734
Web: Link

Rainbow Guesthouse

With a stay at Rainbow Guesthouse in Brooklyn (Midwood), you'll be a 5-minute drive from Prospect Park and 6 minutes from New York Aquarium.
Address: 1507 ave O, Brooklyn, New York 11230
Web: Link

Brooklyn WEST

With a stay at this vacation home, you'll be centrally located in Brooklyn, within a 10-minute drive of New York Aquarium and Sunset Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 129 Bay 17th St, Brooklyn, New York 11214
Web: Link

Best Western Brooklyn-Coney Island Inn

With a stay at Best Western Brooklyn-Coney Island Inn in Brooklyn (Gravesend), you'll be a 2-minute drive from New York Aquarium and 6 minutes from New York Harbor. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2632 W 13th St, Brooklyn, New York 11223
Web: Link