National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area is a National Recreation Area in New York, New Jersey. The NPS currently lists 5 active alerts (3 closures), 2 campgrounds and 4 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.
New YorkNew Jersey National Recreation Area No entrance fee America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
5
Closures
3
Campgrounds
2
Visitor centers
4
5 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 3 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 2 information.
Closure
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.
Posted or updated May 27, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Closure
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.
Posted or updated Mar 23, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Closure
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.
Posted or updated Sep 7, 2023 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
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.
Posted or updated Jun 15, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
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
Posted or updated Mar 15, 2023 ·Details on nps.gov
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.Parking or transportation fees may apply.
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is well known as a great place to bird watch, for both the beginner and experienced birdwatchers.
1-3 Hours Year-round
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.
2-4 Hours Winter Pets allowed
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.
1-8 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
See all 4 things to do in Gateway →
Activities the NPS lists for Gateway.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingGuided ToursPaddlingKayakingSwimmingSaltwater Swimming
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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…
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Thursday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Friday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Saturday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Sunday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
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.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 718-354-4530 ext. 253 | Yes |
| 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 | 7183184340 | Yes |
| Ryan Visitor Center | Daily: Closed | 7183183799 | Yes |
| 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 | 7328725970 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wadsworth Campsite | 7 | 7 | 0 | No | $30 | Recreation.gov |
| Sandy Hook Camp Ground | 20 | 20 | 0 | No | $30 | Recreation.gov |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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