New Jersey / Monmouth County / Middletown Township / Gateway National Recreation Area

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late May through mid-October. Reservations open March 1 via Recreation.gov.

About

Camp Gateway sits within Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, a 7-mile barrier peninsula where coastal dunes, maritime forests, and salt marshes meet the Atlantic Ocean and Sandy Hook Bay. The campground accommodates tent camping only at 18 walk-in sites spread across four loops, with gear hauled up to 0.25 miles from parking. Each site includes a fire ring, charcoal grill, picnic table, and bear-proof food storage container. No vehicles are permitted in the campground. Sandy Hook offers ocean swimming at five lifeguarded beaches during summer, surf fishing, birding at hotspots like Plum Island and Spermaceti Cove, and a seven-mile multi-use path circling Fort Hancock. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the nation's oldest operating lighthouse, offers seasonal ranger-led tours. Historic Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark provide cultural exploration. Non-motorized boats launch from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove, and surfing is permitted at beaches B and C.

Directions

From North Jersey and New York: Take New Jersey Turnpike south to Exit 11, then Garden State Parkway south to Exit 117 (Keyport/Hazlet). After toll bear left and follow Route 36 East for 12 miles to park entrance after crossing the Highlands Bridge. Stay right to enter the park. From South Jersey: Take Garden State Parkway north to Exit 105 (Eatontown), bear left for Route 36 East through Eatontown and Long Branch, continuing north along the ocean for six miles through Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright to the park.

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