Parks / Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · NY,NJ
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!
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (7)
History House at Sandy Hook Closed to the Public
The History House at Sandy Hook will be closed for maintenance from Monday August 17 through Friday August 21, 2026.
Ryan Visitor Center Phone Line Out of Service
The Floyd Bennett Field Ryan Visitor Center phone line (718-338-3799) is out of service. For information on ranger programs in the Jamaica Bay Unit, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340. For questions about permits, events, or other park information, call the general park information line at 718-354-4606. For emergencies, call U.S. Park Police's 24-hour dispatch at 718-354-4700.
Jacob Riis Park Access Restrictions
Due to extremely hazardous conditions Gateway National Recreation Area has restricted access to sections of Jacob Riis Park. Erosion has created unsafe conditions from Bays 1-5, and portions of the eastern beach are closed.
North Beach Tip at Sandy Hook closed
North Beach Tip at Sandy Hook is closed to access until further notice due to nesting bird activity.
Dead Horse Bay (Brooklyn) Remains Closed to the Public
The entire southern area of Dead Horse Bay, including Glass Bottle Beach, is closed to the public. Dead Horse Bay is located in Brooklyn, NYC.
Spring Creek (Queens) Closed to the Public
Spring Creek is closed to the public at this time. The NPS is conducting field investigations as part of a Remedial Investigation at the site. Spring Creek is located in Queens, NYC.
Dogs Not allowed on ocean beaches in Jamaica Bay and Sandy Hook March 15- Sept. 15
Dogs are not allowed on ocean beaches at Sandy Hook between March 15 through September 15. Dogs are not allowed on the ocean beaches at Jacob Riis Park, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point Tip and at the bayside of Breezy Point between March 15 through September 15
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (2)
Fort Wadsworth Campsite
The Fort Wadsworth Campground is currently closed.
Sandy Hook Camp Ground
20 tent campsites are available at Sandy Hook for seasonal camping. 2025 season opens May 9, 2025. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Details →Upcoming Events
Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life-Saving Service Station
Aug 31, 2026 · Spermaceti Cove Life Saving Station
Sandy Hook History House
Aug 31, 2026 · Sandy Hook History House, Building 1
Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours
Aug 31, 2026 · Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Hendrix Creek Paddle
Sep 2, 2026 · Canarsie Pier
Canarsie Pol Excursion
Sep 2, 2026 · Canarsie Pier
Learn to Paddle at Canarsie Pier
Sep 2, 2026 · Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn
Fresh Creek Paddle
Sep 3, 2026 · Canarsie Pier
Paerdegat Basin Paddle
Sep 3, 2026 · Canarsie Pier
Ocean Bliss Crown Jewel Beach Cleanup
Sep 4, 2026 · Fort Wadsworth Beach
Jamaica Bay Sunset Walk
Sep 4, 2026 · Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Norton Basin Paddle
Sep 4, 2026 · Beach 36th Street and Beach Channel Drive, Queens
Sandy Hook Junior Ranger: Mystery in the History House
Sep 4, 2026 · Sandy Hook History House, Building 1
Ruffle Bar Excursion
Sep 4, 2026 · Floyd Bennett Field Seaplane Ramp
Yoga on the Beach at Sandy Hook
Sep 5, 2026 · Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life-Saving Service Station
Fort Tompkins Tour
Sep 5, 2026 · Meet at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center
Fort Hancock Museum
Sep 5, 2026 · Building 28, Sandy Hook
Battery Weed Open House
Sep 5, 2026 · Battery Weed
Kayaking for Beginners at Floyd Bennett Field
Sep 5, 2026 · Floyd Bennett Field Seaplane Ramp
Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life-Saving Service Station
Sep 5, 2026 · Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life Saving Service Station
Kayaking for Beginners at Canarsie Pier
Sep 5, 2026 · Canarsie Pier
Things to Do
Birdwatching at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is well known as a great place to bird watch, for both the beginner and experienced birdwatchers.
Cross Country Skiing at Floyd Bennett Field
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.
Fishing at Gateway
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
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.
Visitor Centers
- Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
- Ryan Visitor Center
- Sandy Hook Visitors Center- Lighthouse Keepers Quarters
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.