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 lan
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursIncludes 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 Creek.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 7183544606 · daphne_yun@nps.gov
Gateway is located in two states; NJ and NY, and has three units: Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island. You can access most of our park by car and public transportation. Please visit our website for specific directions to all of our units
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Gateway National Recreation Area — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Gateway National Recreation Area?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at Gateway National Recreation Area?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Gateway National Recreation Area. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you swim here?
Yes — swimming is available at Gateway National Recreation Area. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.
Yes Can you camp at Gateway National Recreation Area?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Gateway National Recreation Area. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Nearby sites
NPS photo National Park Service National Parks of New York Harbor
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS photo / Michael B. Shaver National Park Service Governors Island National Monument
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
