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The National Park Service is committed to providing you with a safe and enjoyable experience at Sandy Hook

Rules & Permits for the Sandy Hook Unit

Visitor Information and Regulations:
Uniformed National Park Service employees can answer your questions about regulations or other matters. Look for them - they are here to help you. In case of an accident, first aid needs, or other emergencies, notify a Park Ranger.

For the protection of Sandy Hook, and to ensure your enjoyment of the Park, the National Park Service enforces a strict carry-in carry-out policy.

1. Sandy Hook is a carry-in/carry-out park. Please take your trash home with you.
2. For your safety, glass containers are prohibited throughout Sandy Hook.
3. There are toilet facilities located at Beach Areas B, C, D, E, Gunnison and North Beach and at Fort Hancock. Toilet facilities at these sites are accessible.
4. Do not enter closed areas. Stay off gun batteries and sea walls.
5. Open fires are prohibited.
6. Metal detectors are prohibited. Do not handle suspected military ordnance and, if found, report it to a Park Ranger.
7. A Parking Fee is charged at Sandy Hook for beach parking from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 7 am to 4 pm. Pedestrians and bicyclists are free and there is no fee for visiting Fort Hancock.
8. Swim only at guarded beaches. Lifeguards are on duty daily at Beach Areas C, D, E, Gunnison and North Beach from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10 am to 6 pm.
9. Sections of beach are off-limits for the protection of nesting birds from March 15th through Labor Day. Some of these birds are on the endangered species list; please observe signs that mark their nesting area and stay away. Failure to stay out of nesting areas is a violation of the US Code of Federal Regulations. Violators are subject to a $500 fine, six months in prison, or both.
10. Sand dunes are easily destroyed - don't walk on them. Remember that dunes allow vegetation to grow behind the dune line by cutting the strength of sea winds and buffering the effect of ocean storms.
11. Pets must be leashed at all times and are prohibited on ocean beaches from March 15th through Labor Day to protect nesting shorebirds.
12. Vehicles are not permitted off roads and roadside parking is prohibited.
13. Speed limits are enforced by radar.
14. The Multi-Use Pathway extends five miles from the park entrance to the Fort Hancock ferry landing and can be used by non-motorized vehicles. Bicycles on the road are subject to motor vehicle laws.
15. Poison ivy is abundant throughout Sandy Hook. Avoid this three-leaf waxy plant. Avoid the cactus plants.
16. No fishing license is required for saltwater fishing, but you must observe state game and fish laws that apply to size and number of fish.
17. Fishing is allowed at any unguarded beach. Permits are required for night fishing. View or print the Fishing Parking Permit program for 2-wheel drive vehicles.
18. Ticks are common. Avoid exposure and do a tick check after your visit.
19. Report safety concerns or criminal activities to the Ranger Station, 732-872-5900, or to any Park Ranger.

Permits:
Permits are required for special activities. For more information concerning permits, please contact the visitor center at 732-872-5970.

 View, print or download the Sandy Hook special use permit
View, download or print the Sandy Hook student film or photography permit
View, download or print the Sandy Hook film or photography permitView, print or download the Sandy Hook wedding permit