Camp Gateway Staten Island

Show on map718-354-4655
220 NEW YORK AVENUE- CAMP OFFICE, FORT WADSWORTH
Staten Island, NY 10305

Overview

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.

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).

Facilities

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/  

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.

Charges & Cancellations

Changes & Cancellations 

Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy: 

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

Camp site features

Across 7 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: 5 of 7 sites
  • Picnic table: 2 of 7 sites
  • ADA accessible: 1 of 7 sites
  • Largest party: 4 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 10 AM.

Reviews

14 reviews
5 stars
9
4 stars
3
3 stars
2
Lethia O
Loop:Hudson
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
It was a great experience, loved the area and Ranger Larry was helpful and informative
JIA D
Loop:Hudson
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
It was an amazing experience, far exceeded our expectations. Our camp host Larry was wonderful. He showed us around, briefed us on the history of the place, and told us about the Fort tour next day. Our only wish is knowing about this hidden gem sooner. Our night was beautiful and serene, looking up at the bridge, NY in the distant across the water. We took a leisure stroll on the board walk. The beach was wonderful to swim in. Oh and there was wood left for us to burn in the pit on our site. And when we did our tour the next day, it felt like we were in Europe.
Karl D
Loop:Hudson
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
Absolutely stunning location under Verrazano Bridge
Tamar O
Loop:Hudson
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
Well-planned site. Each site has plot for text, bench with table, fire pit with grill, bathrooms are very close to site. The park rangers are very friendly and helpful. No electric outlets at site so make sure all devices are charged. Beach is a short walk away. Great place to get away from it all while still being in city!
Ruth W
Loop:Hudson
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
Very clean and the staff is always helpful.
Janika D
Loop:Hudson
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
We love staying at Fort Wadsworth/Gateway Campground on Staten Island. The only downside this time was that the showers weren't available. Hopefully, they'll be back next year!
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