1. Protect Yourself and Others
Consistent with CDC guidance, visitors to Gateway National Recreation Area, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels, are required to wear a mask indoors, on all forms of public transportation, and in crowded outdoor spaces.
2. Know When To Go
Hours of Operation
Sandy Hook: 6 am to 8 pm
Canarsie Pier and Jacob Riis Park: 6 am to 10 pm
All Other Jamaica Bay Sites: 6 am to 9 pm
Staten Island Unit: 6 am to 9 pm
3. Current Conditions
All visitor centers and ranger stations remain temporarily closed. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Hanger B also remain temporarily closed.
Lifeguards have ended for the season, swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty.
4. How do I get there?
Some parts of Gateway area accessible by public transportation, both bus and subway, others are accessible by ferry (at least in the summer).
Please visit the following pages to for specific directions to each unit of Gateway.
Jamaica Bay
Sandy Hook
Staten Island
5. How can I get a fishing permit?
Parking/After Hours Access for Fishing/2 Wheel Drive (SAHO, JABA, STIS)
Gateway will resume the sale and issuance of Fishing Access Permits on Saturday, September 18. Permits will be sold September 18-19, 25-26, and Oct. 2-3 at all three units.
The permits are valid for the remainder of the season through February 28, 2022.
Fishing Access Permits provide after hours and parking access for fishing at designated locations throughout Gateway.
The permit fee is $50. Cash payments are not accepted at this time.
Payment can be made only by credit card, check, or money order at the Sandy Hook Unit and Staten Island Unit. Payment can only be made by check or money order at the Jamaica Bay Unit.
Permits will be available for sale and issuance in person at the following times and locations. For further information, please call the number listed below by park location.
Jamaica Bay Unit:
Location: Ryan Visitor Center, Floyd Bennet Field, rear deck
Saturday, September 18, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, September 19, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Saturday, September 25, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, September 26, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Saturday, October 2, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, October 3, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Phone: (347) 979-6443
Sandy Hook Unit:
Location: Front gate
Saturday, September 18, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, September 19, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Saturday, September 25, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, September 26, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Saturday, October 2, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, October 3, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Phone: (732) 872-5862
Staten Island Unit:
Location: Ranger Station-Building 26, Miller Field, outside in front of Ranger Station
Saturday, September 18, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, September 19, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Saturday, September 25, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, September 26, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Saturday, October 2, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Sunday, October 3, 12:00pm -4:00pm
Phone: (718) 351-6970
Gateway National Recreation Area has suspended the on-line sale of the Two-Wheel Drive Fishing Access Permits due to the high volume of permit applications the park has received. The sale and issuance of the permits will resume in mid-September, in time for the fall fishing season.
The permit allows for fishing access after-hours and to park in designated areas during regular hours of operation. The activity of fishing is not dependent on the permit. Visitors can continue to park and to fish in other designated locations throughout the park.
Find out more about fishing at Gateway here: Fishing
6. What about other permits?
Permits are required for a variety of activities at the park. 2021 Archery permits (at Floyd Bennett Field, Jamaica Bay Unit) and 2021 Boat Ramp Permits (at Great Kills Park, Staten Island unit) are sold out for the season. Find out more about which activities require permits and how to obtain them below. The process for filming has changed in the NPS. Please visit the NPS Permits and Reservation Page to find out more.
Jamaica Bay Unit Permits
Sandy Hook Unit Permits
Staten Island Unit Permits
7. Can I bring my pet?
Pets are allowed in some areas of the park, but always must be on a leash.
Pets are not allowed Gateway's three campgrounds or the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge at any time of the year.
Pets are not allowed at Sandy Hook's ocean-side beaches, Jacob Riis Park, Fort Tilden or Breezy Point Tip from March 15 through September 15.
Pets are also not allowed at Gateway's swimming beaches between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.
8. What is there to do?
Gateway offers green spaces and beaches alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. There are miles to run, walk, and bike. Gateway is also a great place for bird watching. Find out more on our Things To Do page. Limited ranger programs have resumed. Visit our event calendar to find out more and make reservations.
9. How much does it cost?
We do not have an entrance fee, but we charge a beach parking fee between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day at Jacob Riis Beach (Queens, NY) and Sandy Hook (NJ).
Jacob Riis Park, Queens: For most vehicles, beach parking is $20 per day or $100 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), charge is $50 per day or $200 per season. Hours of collection are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sandy Hook, N.J.: For most vehicles, beach parking is $20 per day or $100 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), charge is $50 per day or $200 per season. Hours of collection are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
10. Respect wildlife
Please don't feed, approach, or provoke any wild animals in the park.
