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This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years. It connects Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island.
Not far from the campground is an overlook area which features a vantage point to view the Statue of Liberty NM, the Manhattan Skyline and various forts and batteries in the New York Harbor region. Fortification tours are available on site. Connecting to the bike path, near the campground, is a NYC Parks and Recreation boardwalk where bike rentals and food concessions are available offsite.
Surf fishing at the beach is available for campers with a fishing license (see DEC for details). In addition, campers can attend a ranger-led tour of the historic structures. In the summer months, campers may enjoy walking/sunbathing (no Lifeguard on duty) on the beach at Fort Wadsworth. Swimming where lifeguards are on duty, is available at Gateway NRA- Great Kills Beach or NYC Parks and Recreation beaches. Bird watching, kayaking, biking and playground areas are all located within the Staten Island Unit of Gateway (Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field and Great Kills Park sites).
Campground accommodates tent camping only. There is no day use (overnight camping only) allowed and no electrical outlets at the campground.
Seasonal bathrooms are available. To go to Manhattan, take the NYC Public Transportation bus to the St. George Ferry terminal, Staten Island (approx. 25 minute ride from Fort Wadsworth). Board the ferry to New York City, in Lower Manhattan (25 minute boat ride). From there, various types of public transportation are available (e.g. bike rentals, taxis, subways). **Bus service running inside Fort Wadsworth stops at 7:00 p.m. daily, though there is service just outside of the park entrance. Check MTA for schedule and pricing**[ **https://bustime.mta.info/**](https://bustime.mta.info/)
Thousands of years ago, glacial activity created a morainal hilltop, that is Fort Wadsworth Overlook. Located at the Narrows in New York Harbor, visitors can look out at the hills of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn and eastern Staten Island. Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Staten Island Unit, has various topographic features, such as hills, fields, maritime forest and dunes, as well as beaches.
Alice Austin House, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Zoo, and Staten Island Museum are all within a 10 mile or less radius.
Changes & Cancellations
Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy:
**Bus:** S51 from Staten Island Ferry Terminal to the park entrance on Bay Street.
**Auto: Verrazano Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn:** Take lower level of bridge if possible and stay to the far right. If lower level is closed, take upper level bridge and stay to your far right. After toll, take the Bay Street exit: bear right and proceed to the traffic light. At the light turn right onto Bay Street and follow to park entrance where the booth is located. Make a right into the parking lot at the Camp Gateway Ranger Station, building #220 and check in upon arrival.
**Auto: Outerbridge from New Jersey:** After paying the toll, follow the West Shore Expressway all the way to the Staten Island Expressway and take the right ramp toward Brooklyn/Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Take the last exit before toll plaza which is Lily Pond Avenue Exit (Exit 15). At the Lily Pond traffic light make a left (Lily Pond automatically changes to School Road) . Make a right onto Bay Street. Proceed to the entrance of the park/NPS guard booth. Make a right into the parking lot at the Camp Gateway Ranger Station, building #220 and check in upon arrival.
**Auto: Goethal's Bridge from New Jersey:** After paying toll, stay on the Staten Island Expressway, following the Brooklyn/Verrazano-Narrows Bridge signs. Take the last exit before toll which is Lily Pond Avenue Exit (Exit 15). At the Lily Pond traffic light make a left (Lily Pond automatically changes to School Road) . Make a right onto Bay Street. Proceed to the entrance of the park/NPS guard booth. Make a right into the parking lot at the Camp Gateway Ranger Station, building #220 and check in upon arrival.
It's hard to believe this oasis is available so close to the metropolitan mecca of NYC. In fact you have an amazing view of Manhattan, Brooklyn , Staton Is. And Coney Is. So much to do and see. Deer everywhere, shore birds, shell collecting, swimming, fishing, you name it and it's there. Never feels overcrowded either. Walk for miles in the surf and sand. Such a beautiful place in New Jersey.
Visiting D Beach at Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook was one of the best beach experiences I've had in NJ in a long time. The beach offers clean and peaceful surroundings, and a glimpse of New York City's skyline to the North is a fun treasure hunt for the kids. The facilities were in excellent condition, and we felt very safe with our children there, thanks to the impressively vigilant lifeguards, who not only look out from their towers but also spotted them walking the beach between towers occasionally. A must-see spot for families or anyone looking to enjoy nature and a day at the beach. Beware of the friendly birds though; they might just be a little too friendly! Feed them at your peril; they have a way of calling in reinforcements and leaving behind 'gifts.' Enjoy!
Really cool 1940s military homes barracks. Great for biking, birding, wildlife viewing. At dusk there are countless deer. We even saw a fox. Visit history house. Of course it's great for the beach too.
Very cold and windy... looking for seals. Spring, summer, and fall are wonderful. Views of NYC, lighthouse, and old historical buildings. There are plenty of beaches, as well.
