Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Address:	26 Hudson Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA
Phone:	+1 347-630-1124
Site:	recreation.gov
Rating:	3.9

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

James Wade

This is a unique, well-maintained campsite. The rangers were nice and the bathroom was clean. It has some inherent difficulties that make it difficult for a family with small children. The paucity of shade is tough for little ones as they need to go to sleep before the tent has had time to cool off. The shaded picnic tables help a lot, but Im not sure if every campsite has one. The biggest problem with this campsite is the parking, both in availability and location. Toting a family-worth of equipment was pretty draining at arrival and departure. Its a big problem having a small parking lot that non-campers can park in. We were lucky that someone happened to be leaving about 10 minutes after we got there. That was not the case later in the day, when I had to leave the kids with my wife while I walked back from some other parking lot a few minutes down the road. I then had to walk back to the car in the dark in order to bring it back to the campsite parking lot after all the daytrippers were gone. Also, expect some airplane noise. One of the regional airports was using an approach that went right over Sandy Hook while we were there. Thats not going to happen all the time, but its pretty loud when it does and obviously outside the control of the campground. This is a good campsite that would be great for some people. I dont think well be back to camp until our youngest is a bit older.

Galactica Battlestar

We went to Sandy Hook a couple times. The cons are that its close to the beach, clean and some sites with a built canopy, which make them a good shelter from rain. The best part is that the camping site is within walking distance to some wild beach with lots of fun for kids. The biking trail is good, pretty much flat, and separated from the car lanes, so very safe, even for small kids. Staff are nice and generally helpful. However, there are some drawbacks. First is the parking is really limited. Its not a drive-in camping site. You have to park outside, and take your stuff to the site. Its not far, only within a minute or two of walking, but if you have a lot of stuff, it might not be the best idea. Secondly the parking is very limited, only 16 parking spots for 20 tent sites, plus a lot visitors park there for the day. The overflow parking is about 5 minutes walk down to the south. The major problem is coming up recently. There are some bars across the bay, playing super loud music well into the mid-night. On one night, it played all the way to 4AM from 10PM from the previous night. The base can be heard throughout the site. Several people even called the police, and clearly didnt help much. A lot of people complaining about it, but it seems nobody can pinpoint where its from. So if youre a light sleeper, dont expect a quiet night especially on weekends.

Leah Silecchia

I loved staying here! It was so quaint and quiet and there was plenty of space at our site. I also loved that it wasnt a tourist-y area. Its a perfect place for a couples getaway. The only thing I didnt like was that there were not showers and we had to take quite a few trips to bring our stuff into the site as it was close to a quarter mile away from the parking lot. There were wagons available, which was nice, however some were locked up in the morning when we needed them to pack up and check out. If you pick a spot closer to the parking lot, this obviously isnt an issue. We didnt mind too much because the place is just so nice! There is a water spigot and there are showers at the beach, just not on the site. We couldnt stop talking about how much we liked it here and we will definitely be coming back soon!

Alexander Moy

Campsites have nice amenities and restrooms are clean. Would be nice to have showers other than at the beaches. Also, trips to the car can be cumbersome from some of the further in campsites since there is no parking allowed at the sites. Lastly, for safety they should remove poison ivy and prickly pear cactus from the sites themselves. I realize both are invasive species, but with small children its just another thing to worry about.

Christina Xenitelis

The beach and concert was a fun family experience. The campsite was nice and open and the shelter was a nice addition. HOWEVER when we got back from the beach we found that our food that was not in our cooler got eaten by raccoons. They are non rabid but made frequent visits throughout the night and will try to get into your tent.

Bernard Ray

Huge area beach with several different beach locations to choose from. Really nice paved bike path, lots of historical spots to investigate and there is a lighthouse where u can walk up to the top.

Eric -

Other than some racoons trying to bother you, i liked this camp site. You have the beach right across the way. Has public restrooms as well. Park rangers check on you to make sure everything is ok.

Matthew Breau

The rangers were all so friendly! Clean and adorable campsites, and I found the bathrooms to be remarkably clean as well. Definitely watch out for the racoons though!

Jacob Phaneuf

You need to walk your things to your site which can be a hassle. We stayed at E20 and it was HUGE and PRIVATE with table, fire pit and also grill area.

Katrina Karlsen

Very nice for primitive campsite. Very nice rangers. Would recommend someone stop by abt 8 am to unchain the wheelbarrow as need to be out by 10am.

Jason

Love how peaceful it is here and how you can just explore around nature or go hang out by the beach

H Dove

Love this place! Cheap , allows you to stay on sandy hook over night!

A Private User

Its hard to get in contact with anyone

Sara Medlicott

Sand fleas.

Colleen Hunter

Expensive