Camp Gateway - Staten Island

Gateway National Recreation Area

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.

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/

Notifications and Alerts

Camp Gateway - Staten Island will not be open for the 2025 season.

Need to Know

- No Showers available for the 2021 Season
- No Walk-in's permitted, reservations at Recreation.gov only
- Overnight camping available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights only- due to reduced capacity
- NO ALCOHOL (United States Park Police will be notified of any violators)
- Transfer or resale of campsite reservation is prohibited. Person reserving campsite must be present.
- Any camper arriving before or after hours must call office in advance to discuss check in procedures and camp bathroom access combinations. Campground Staff are available from 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily call (718) 354-4655.
- Upon arrival and re-entry, Photo ID is required to confirm reservation and gain access to campsite area (confirmation letter.)
No pets.
No day-use within the campground - for overnight camping only.
Tent camping only. Camping is prohibited in the parking area.
Picnic tables should not be moved out of the designated campsite.
No electric outlets available at campground
Only one vehicle per campsite. Campers must obtain and display a 'designated campsite parking pass' to avoid a ticket. An additional vehicle pass may be obtained upon request, however the second vehicle cannot be parked at the designated parking lot. Upon arrival, contact camp staff for special instructions (Second vehicle must be parked at the lower lot with additional Camp Parking Pass displayed on dashboard).
No outside wood is permitted.
Bring personal care protection for mosquitoes, ticks, bee stings and poison ivy.
Quiet hours 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. (No barbecuing during these hours)

Emergency contact: U.S. Park Police : 718 354-4700
All National Park Pass Holders must present the pass upon check in at the camp office in order to receive discount.
- Check - in / Check - out at Camp Office.
- Open daily: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Camp Office Address: 220 New York Avenue, SI, NY 10305 -Office is located at Bay Street and New York Avenue entrance, parking lot next to guard booth at Fort Wadsworth.
Radio playing within designated campsite only, at low volume (not during quiet hours), and not permitted in common area.
Rangers will call / email all campers to obtain estimated time of arrival.
No glass containers; No balloons;. All quadcopters, drones, helicopters, or similar devices are prohibited.
Keep all personal property and tents within your campsite.
In case of emergency - Campers must be prepared and have alternate accommodations in case of hurricanes, tornadoes, or sudden emergency park closures.
No ball playing at campground
Each campsite has a fire pit ring with a grill top; we suggest you bring aluminum foil for grill use.
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

Alice Austin House, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Zoo, and Staten Island Museum are all within a 10 mile or less radius.

Recreation

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).

Changes & Cancellations

Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy:

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Contact Information

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220 NEW YORK AVENUE- CAMP OFFICE FORT WADSWORTH Staten Island NY 10305

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 718-354-4655

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

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.

Available Campsites

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