Campsite Sniper
New Jersey · Recreation.gov

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

40.4492° N / 73.9964° W · Data Sep 18 2026, checked hourly
Next open date Sep 19Next open weekend Sep 1931 detected openings this week18 monitored sites

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Every site at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, colored by availability across the tracked window. Tap a site for its calendar.
Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

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Booking reality
Campsite Sniper detected 31 site openings here in the last 7 days
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01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-234714

When Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook reopens

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 7 days
31
Openings · last 30 days
59
Openings · last 90 days
59

Weekday pattern

Detected openings by day of week · 90d
048121620699183311MONTUEWEDTHUFRISATSUNOPENINGS RECORDED · LAST 90 DAYS · N = 59

Thursday accounted for the largest share of the openings Campsite Sniper detected. 18 of 59 openings detected in the last 90 days occurred on a Thursday (30.5%), with Sunday (11) and Tuesday (9) next in line.

Hour-of-day pattern

First detected by hour · local time · last 90 days
048121177119000408121620HOUR OF DAY (24H) · ET · LAST 90 DAYS

The largest concentrations of detected openings were first detected during the 05:00 and 11:00 local-time hours. Those hours contained 22 of 59 detected openings (37.3%). Hours show when Campsite Sniper first detected each opening, in Eastern Time, not when the change was made upstream.

Lead-time profile

Days before stay date · percentiles
P25 · 3DMEDIAN · 7 DAYS OUTP75 · 14D0306090120150180DAYS BEFORE STAY DATE

Half of the openings Campsite Sniper detected appeared at least 7 days before the stay date; the middle 50% land 3–14 days out. Set an alert if you want Campsite Sniper to monitor future openings.

Highest-churn sites

Most openings · 90d
SiteOpeningsShare of all openings
B09  915.3%
D16  915.3%
C11  915.3%
B10  813.6%
E20  610.2%

Site B09 had the most detected openings in the last 90 days: 9. One free watch covers every site here.

02 · Availability Outlook · Sep 18 – Sep 27, 2026 · of 18 monitored sites

Of the 180 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Sep 27, 2026): 69 open for online reservation · 111 reserved.

Where the open windows are

61.7% of tracked site-nights are not currently open for online reservation. 69 of 180 remain open; here is where they are.

Load status

Sep 18 – Sep 27, 2026
Not open online61.7%
Open site-nights69 / 180
Reserved (of online inventory)111 / 180
Weekday openings47
Weekend openings22

Of the open site-nights on mapped sites, 47 fall on weekdays and 22 on weekends (Fri–Sun).

Open dates by month

Sep 2026 – Sep 2026
05010015020069SEPSOLID = OPEN SITE-NIGHTS · DASHED OUTLINE = TOTAL BOOKABLE

September holds the most room. 69 of 180 site-nights are still open there.

Holiday windows

Sites open per night · of 18 sites
WindowNightSites openStatus
Labor DaySAT Sep 50None open
SUN Sep 60None open
MON Sep 70None open

Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked night.

Best-availability sites

Most open site-nights · tracked window
SiteOpen site-nights
E19  8
C11  6
D16  6
B09  5
D13  5

The 5 sites with the most open site-nights in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.

Next windows

As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshot
Next open dateSat · Sep 19
Next open weekendSat · Sep 19

The next bookable night is Sep 19; the first open weekend starts Sep 19. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.

Stays and site detail

69 open site-nights across 17 sites at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.

Multi-night stays. 13 2-night, 11 3-night, 1 7-night openings where a single site is free for every night, per Campsite Sniper's current snapshot — soonest Sep 19 at site A04.

All 17 sites with current availability
SiteMax RVHookupsOpen site-nightsLongest runDates
E19Not recordedNone88 nightsSep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27
C11Not recordedNone65 nightsSep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27
D16Not recordedNone65 nightsSep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 27
B09Not recordedNone54 nightsSep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27
D13Not recordedNone55 nightsSep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24
E17Not recordedNone54 nightsSep 19, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24
E20Not recordedNone54 nightsSep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27
A02Not recordedNone42 nightsSep 21, Sep 22, Sep 24, Sep 27
B08Not recordedNone44 nightsSep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24
B10Not recordedNone44 nightsSep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25
D15Not recordedNone42 nightsSep 20, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27
N21Not recordedNone43 nightsSep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27
A04Not recordedNone33 nightsSep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21
B06Not recordedNone21 nightSep 24, Sep 27
B07Not recordedNone21 nightSep 24, Sep 27
A03Not recordedNone11 nightSep 23
D14Not recordedNone11 nightSep 20

About Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Overview

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.

Recreation

Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in.

Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting.

For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer.

Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas.

Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock.

Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited.

Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer.

Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock.

The Visitor Center is located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse. Free Lighthouse tours with a ranger are offered seasonally. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. Visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information on ranger led programs and hours of operation.

Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

Facilities

This campground accommodates tent camping only.

Be prepared to walk your gear up to .25 miles into the sites from the parking area.

No pets allowed in the campground

No cars are permitted in the campground or campsites.

All campsites come equipped with a fire-ring, charcoal grill, picnic table, and food storage container.

Please bring your license plate information with you for check-in.

Flush toilets and running water are available.

There are no showers and no electric outlets within the campground.

Firewood is available for purchase at the camping check-in office. Credit card preferred.

There is no public Wifi.

There is no day-use permitted in the campground; all guests must be camping overnight.

All Beach Centers have restrooms and outdoor rinse showers.

Natural Features

Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests.

Nearby Attractions

Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the "Twin Lights of Highlands" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.

18 monitored sitesNo hookups8 shadedFire pitsMax party 30

Getting there

From North Jersey and New York: South on the New Jersey Turnpike, Exit 11 onto the Garden State Parkway (South), Exit 117 (Keyport/Hazlet). After toll, bear left and follow Route 36 East 12 miles to park entrance (after crossing the Highlands Bridge). Stay right to enter the park. From South Jersey: North on Garden State Parkway, Exit 105 (Eatontown), bear left for Route 36 East. Continue on Route 36 East, pass Monmouth Mall and across Route 35 through Eatontown and Long Branch (Route 36 is called Joline Avenue here). Continue on Route 36, which turns left and follows north along ocean (Route 36 is called Ocean Blvd. here). North for six miles through the towns of Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright to park. From Philadelphia & Camden, New Jersey: New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 7A (Shore Points) onto I-195, East on I-195 to Garden State Parkway north, GSP north to Exit 105 (Eatontown). Then follow "From South Jersey" directions above. For directions by bus or ferry please go to www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/directions.htm .

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook, Highlands, NJ 07732(347) 630-1124 OR (732) 872-5918
BikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingCultural ActivitiesEnvironmental EducationEvening ProgramsFishingGuided Interpretive WalksHikingHistoric & Cultural SiteInformation SiteInterpretive ProgramsKayakingNon-Motorized BoatingObservation SitePaddlingPhotographyPicnickingRanger StationRecreation ProgramsScenic DriveStar GazingSwimmingVisitor CenterWater ActivitiesWindsurfing

View on Recreation.gov ↗   Get directions ↗

FAQ

How do I get a reservation at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Reservations for Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook are made through Recreation.gov. 69 of 180 tracked site-nights are currently open (38.3%). Campsite Sniper has also detected 59 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.

Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?

No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.

How current is this availability data?

Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 15:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.

How often do new openings appear at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Campsite Sniper detected 31 site-date openings at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook in the last 7 days, 59 over 30 days and 59 over the last 90.

Which day of the week had the most detected openings at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Thursday accounted for the largest share of the openings Campsite Sniper detected in the last 90 days: 18 of 59 (30.5%). Days reflect when Campsite Sniper first detected each opening, not when the change occurred upstream.

Can I get a multi-night stay at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

11 three-night openings are showing, counting only runs where the SAME site is free for all three nights. The soonest starts Sep 19 at site A04. Confirm and book on Recreation.gov.

Which month has the most availability at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

September 2026, with 69 open site-nights in the current snapshot of 180.

How far ahead of a stay do openings appear at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

Half of the openings Campsite Sniper detected appeared at least 7 days before the stay date; the middle 50% landed 3-14 days out. Campsite Sniper can monitor future changes for dates you select.

When is the next open date at Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook?

As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Sat, Sep 19 and the next open weekend starts Sat, Sep 19. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.

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