Gateway National Recreation Area

Address:	26 Hudson Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA
Phone:	+1 732-872-5910
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.6
Working:	5AM–8PM 5AM–8PM 5AM–8PM 5AM–8PM 5AM–8PM 5AM–8PM 5AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Melinda Morency

Review of Camp Gateway, Floyd Bennett Field, Gateway National Recreation Area My mom, husband, two kids, and I camped at Camp Gateway in our RV from June 29 thru July 7, 2017. Our experience here was very good. I was a bit apprehensive about driving from New Jersey to get here, but the directions provided on the NPS website were spot on. We only had two hiccups in getting to Floyd Bennett Field and Camp Gateway. The first was the toll to go over the Verranzano bridge, $42! They only accept cash or can mail you a ticket. The other hiccup was the low bridge clearance near Avenue U. The bridge height was marked as 11’ 10”. Our Super C RV measures 12’ 6”. We did manage to squeeze under with no issues, much to the astonishment of some New Yorkers watching us drive. Once we reached Floyd Bennett Field, it was quite easy to check in at the Ranger Station and find our campsite. All RVs park on the tarmac next to an aircraft hanger. Glamorous, no; practical, yes. The sites are level, with plenty of space between sites. Yes, you are under the flight path for both JFK airport (arriving planes) and the NYC police heliport, but the noise didnt bother the five of us. I had read previous reviews about the lack of services at the campground. True, there are no electric, sewer, or fresh water hookups at individual sites. There is a dump station next to the Ranger Station. It is locked at all times, but during certain hours (see the sign posted on the fence) of the day, if you ask for the key in exchange for your drivers license, you will be allowed to dump your tanks. Also, when asked, the friendly rangers will direct you where to drive to hook up to a spigot to fill your fresh water tank. Do not try to hook up to the spigots the tent campers use, you will get fined! Please check with the Ranger for current generator hours. Right next door to the Ranger Station is a lovely shower trailer. Each side has four stalls. We found the showers to be clean and had unlimited hot water. They are free to use for all registered campers and are open 24/7. Getting from Camp Gateway to NYC was pretty hassle-free. If you dont already have a metro card, get one before you visit! If you dont get one ahead of time, they can be purchased at all subway stations and can be used on both subways and most bus lines. All buses only take exact change (no paper money), and the fare is $2.75 each ride (for most buses). You can walk, bike, or drive your rig the 1.5 miles from the campground to the Ryan visitor center. Registered RVs are allowed to park in their side lot during the day while they are out exploring the city. In front of the visitor center is the stop for the Q35 bus into town. Once you arrive at the end of the route at Flatbush and Brooklyn College (and everyone has to get off), it is a very short walk to the subway station where you can catch either the green 5 or red 2 subway to other places. Coming back to the campground is pretty easy too by catching the Q35 back to the visitor center. When in doubt, MTA trip planner and Google maps work very well. The Ryan visitor center is currently being renovated, but is open every day. The hanger at Camp Gateway is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In here, you will find several airplanes and helicopters in various stages of renovation. We didnt get a chance to visit the wildlife refuge or any other parts if the Recreation Area during our visit. Overall, our family gives Camp Gateway 4 out of 5 stars. For the price of $30/night ($15/night if you have a senior pass), you get a great, safe place to camp and park your rig when you are away exploring all the wonders of NYC. Just dont forget the insect repellent, the mosquitoes and no-see-ums are vicious around sunrise and sunset!

Tim

My wife and I went to gunnison beach for the first time saturday april 29th. We are 28 and 30 years old. My wife is somewhat timid and shy and very conservative, but we were close for a wedding the night before and decided to stop by. it was free to get in and park but $15 after memorial day. There was a moderate walk from parking lot to beach. We were suprised to see so many people there for the time of year. Its funny b/c my wife was so worried but she said, she felt awkward with clothes on while walking to set up our spot , because everyone else wasnt wearing any, so we were the odd ones out. We ditched all our clothes right away and she felt so comfortable. The crowd was mostly couples 25y/o to 45y/o with some definetly older. There was alot of single or groups of just girls under 30. Of course there were alot of middleage or older single men too but they all mixed in well. There were younger very attractivee girls and guys all the way to senior women and men. ALL body types. everyone we talked to in passing was nice and no one was misbehaved. It was so much fun strutting ourselves around in the nude. What a blast we both said well be back. A few tips, there were no food trucks or provisions when we went and the bathroom only had one stall open due to not being in season yet. Pack food and beer/ liquor but take your trash home and no glass bottles. So much fun, wish more places were like this and less yuppyish

Tyler Lund

The history of the Gateway National Are alone makes it worth a stop and visit on the way down the shore. Admission is a bit steep at $15 a car, but the barracks, old forts, middle installation, and lighthouse are cool to visitz even if you dont use any of the beaches. The beaches are fine if you dont want to make the extra drive further down the shore and dont mind the cargo ship traffic between NJ and Brooklyn. The view across to NYC is great from here.

Gary Dillon

Long, long walk to the ocean :-) !! I wish the showers were inside the clothing optional perimeters. Lunch trucks at the showers along the road have replaced the storm destroyed concession stands that were ON the beach. One food, one cold treats. Great place :-) !! Looks like many people walk to the beach from the New York City ferry therefore the parking lot is not as crowded, because of that? More clothed people, but thats OK :-)

Darchangel

Sandy Hook is my favorite nj beach for its wide variety of landscape, wildlife, history, and today a very much more cleaner beach!! I love to travel to only Gunnison were the natural human form is free to be unleashed by the grips of the limitations and falsified ideas that society has instilled into every individual!!! Be prepare to walk though, the home from the parking lot to finally sitting is very treacherous!

Elaine Brundage

Just spent 5 days at the beach. LOVED it. I made friends easily and had a great time in the town across the bridge. I was very comfortable and only wish that people would leave their phones and cameras home. Also, if you come to the beach, disrobe, or go to a different beach. Basic manners. I will continue to go back and only wish there were more beaches like Gunnison.

Glenn Hill

Dear Gunnison, were coming back! Took a day trip, and planning a 3 Day trip again in August. The camera/cell phones are getting out-of-hand, and the complaint to the lifeguards went as figured ("its a public beach, so people can take pictures if they want to"). Some public shaming sent the culprits on their way. Otherwise, an awesome day with awesome weather!