Camp Gateway - Staten Island

Closed

Closed for the 2025 season. No opening date has been announced.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Special Weather Statement issued May 2 at 1:45PM EDT by NWS Upton NY

1:45 PM — May 3rd, 8:00 PM

The combination of drying fine fuels, northwest wind gusts between 25 and 30 mph, and relative humidity values between 25 and 35 percent will contribute to an elevated risk of fire spread Sunday afternoon for the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. This forecast considers meteorological, fuel, and land conditions and has been developed in coordination with state fire and land management officials. As a reminder, the annual statewide burn ban remains in effect until May 14. No burn permits are issued. Use extra caution if handling any potential ignition sources such as machinery or matches and ensure to properly extinguish or dispose of cigarette butts. Please refer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website for more information on burn restrictions.

About

Camp Gateway occupies a historic morainal hilltop at Fort Wadsworth, created by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Located at the Narrows in New York Harbor, the campground provides views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States, as well as the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. The campground is tent-only with no electrical hookups and accommodates overnight camping exclusively. The Staten Island Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area features diverse topography including hills, maritime forest, dunes, and beaches. Campers can participate in ranger-led fortification tours of the historic military structures at Fort Wadsworth. Recreational opportunities include surf fishing with a valid New York State fishing license, bird watching, kayaking, and biking along connecting paths that lead to NYC Parks boardwalk areas with bike rentals and food concessions. Each campsite has a fire pit with grill top. Seasonal bathrooms are available during operating months. The campground is accessible via public transportation, with the S51 bus connecting to the Staten Island Ferry terminal for easy access to Lower Manhattan. Nearby attractions include the Alice Austen House, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Zoo, and Staten Island Museum.

Directions

By auto from Brooklyn via Verrazano-Narrows Bridge: Take lower level if possible and stay far right. After toll, take Bay Street exit, bear right to traffic light, turn right onto Bay Street to park entrance. Turn right into parking lot at Camp Gateway Ranger Station, building 220. From New Jersey via Outerbridge or Goethals Bridge: Follow Staten Island Expressway toward Brooklyn/Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, take Exit 15 (Lily Pond Avenue) before toll plaza. Turn left at Lily Pond (becomes School Road), then right onto Bay Street to park entrance. By bus: Take S51 from Staten Island Ferry Terminal to park entrance on Bay Street.