Gateway National Recreation Area is open. UPDATED May 24, 2024. Hours of Operation
Jacob Riis Park Beach InformationDue to extremely hazardous conditions Gateway National Recreation Area has restricted access to sections of Jacob Riis Park. Significant erosion has occurred recently along the eastern shoreline of the beach at Jacob Riis Park. This erosion has created unsafe conditions from Bay 1 through Bay 5, exposing deteriorating wooden groins, rockwork, and other structures. Areas of Jacob Riis Park Beach are likely to remain closed throughout the 2024 Summer season for the protection of visitors. Visitor CentersJamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: Open 10-4 Friday-Monday CampingThe Sandy Hook campsite has closed for the season. The campground will reopen Spring 2024. Reservations are available ONLINE ONLY through Recreation.gov. Both the Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth campsites remain closed at this time. Lifeguards and Beaches:LIfeguards will start Memorial Day Weekend. Swimming is prohibited at all beach areas when lifeguards are not on duty. Beach Parking:Beach parking fees are collected at Jacob Riis Park and Sandy Hook between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Parking is $20 per vehicle per day, or $100 per vehicle per season. Hours of collection are 8 am to 6 pm. Credit and debit cards or contactless payments will be accepted at both sites. Permit Updates:The permit sale for Boat Ramp Parking (Great Kills Park) and Archery (Floyd Bennett Field ended on April 30, 2024. The spring permit sales for fishing also ended on April 30, 2024. PetsDogs are prohibited on Jamaica Bay and Sandy Hook ocean beaches from from March 15 -September 15. Service dogs with proper identification are permitted. Dogs are prohibited at all times at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Dogs must be on leashes at all times. More information can be found on our pets page. Mask-Wearing:As directed by the DOI Workforce Safety Plan, National Park Service masking guidance is based on the CDC's COVID-19 County Check tool for hospital admission levels. Masks are optional in all federal buildings throughout Gateway National Recreation Area. PicnickingPicnicking is allowed first come-first serve at Jacob Riis Park and Canarsie Pier. Barbecuing and open flames are only allowed in the designated picnic areas. Sports League Permits (Fort Tilden, Frank Charles Park, Miller Field)Sports leagues permits for low and medium impact sports are now available. Permits are only available through phone call, e-mail, or appointment. Please contact the Jamaica Bay Unit, Permit Office (718) 758-3675 or the Staten Island Permit Office (718) 351-6970 for updated information for sports league permits. |
Last updated: May 24, 2024