Camp Gateway - Staten Island

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, and remained so 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, the Manhattan skyline and various forts and batteries in the New York Harbor region. The campground accommodates tent camping only. There is no day use — overnight camping only — and no electrical outlets at the campground. Seasonal bathrooms are available. Surf fishing at the beach is available for campers with a fishing license, and campers can attend a ranger-led tour of the historic structures; fortification tours are available on site. In the summer months campers may enjoy walking and sunbathing on the beach at Fort Wadsworth, where no lifeguard is on duty. Swimming where lifeguards are on duty is available at Gateway NRA's Great Kills Beach or at 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. Connecting to the bike path near the campground is a NYC Parks and Recreation boardwalk where bike rentals and food concessions are available offsite. 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. The Staten Island Unit has various topographic features, such as hills, fields, maritime forest and dunes, as well as beaches. To go to Manhattan, take the NYC public transportation bus to the St. George Ferry terminal, approximately a 25-minute ride from Fort Wadsworth, then board the ferry to Lower Manhattan, another 25-minute boat ride. Bus service running inside Fort Wadsworth stops at 7:00 p.m. daily, though there is service just outside of the park entrance. Alice Austin House, Snug Harbor, the Staten Island Zoo and the Staten Island Museum are all within a 10 mile or less radius.