2026 permits

 

Permits 2026

Sale of Fishing, Off Road Vehicle, Boat Ramp and Archery Passes starts March 2, 10 am, at Recreation.gov

General Instructions for Recreation.gov:

Create an account on Recreation.gov.

Enter “Gateway National Recreation Area” in the search option.

Select the permit you wish to purchase.

Review the permit information and requirements in the Need to Know section.

Purchase the permit.

Bring the printed or digital receipt of purchase to receive the Vehicle Decal at the designated locations, dates, and times listed on recreation.gov.

Payment will not be accepted in person. You must pick up your permit in the unit you purchased it for.

Last Pickup Date is April 12, 2026.

 

Fishing Access Passes

When is the Fishing Access Pass available for purchase?
Available for purchase ONLINE ONLY through Recreation.gov.
Sale period: March 2 – March 31.

How do I receive the Fishing Access Vehicle Decal?
Vehicle decals must be picked up in person at the following locations, dates, and times.

Jamaica Bay Unit
Ryan Visitor Center, Floyd Bennett Field:
Saturdays and Sundays only
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22
Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center:
Saturdays and Sundays only
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5
Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12

Staten Island Unit
Miller Field Ranger Station:
Saturdays and Sundays only
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8
Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15

Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center:
Saturdays and Sundays only
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22
Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29
Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5
Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12

Sandy Hook Unit
Light House Visitor Center:
Saturdays and Sundays only
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8
Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22
Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29
Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5
Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12

In order to receive a valid Fishing Access Vehicle Decal, you must bring confirmation of your Fishing Access Permit purchase to the locations designated time periods. There may be limited internet access at the pick-up locations, so please bring a printed copy of the QR code or take a picture of the QR code on your phone.

What is the Fishing Access Pass?

• The Fishing Access Pass provides after-hours and parking access for Fishing at designated locations in the Jamaica Bay Unit, Sandy Hook Unit, and Staten Island Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.

• Fishing Access Passes are not beach parking passes and are not valid for beach lot parking during fee collection hours and/or when Lifeguards are on duty.  

• Fishing Access Passes and Vehicle Decals are non-transferrable, and are void if altered or reproduced. 

• The Fishing Access Pass purchase is non-refundable.

• Replacements of Fishing Access Pass/Vehicle Decals are made on a case by case basis and require proof of original pass purchase and documentation of vehicle sale or vehicle accident.

• The Fishing Access Pass does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is prohibited and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed.

• You must be actively fishing at all times when using the Fishing Access Pass.

There will be ONLY one sale period.

The Fishing Access Pass is valid from time of issue through 3/31/27.

All Fishing Access Pass/Vehicle Decals MUST be picked up by April 12, 2026.

In order to receive your Fishing Access Pass/Vehicle Decal, bring a printed copy of your Recreation.gov purchase to the Pick-up locations, dates, and times listed in the Need to Know Section. Pick-up locations may have limited internet connection and we ask that you bring a printed copy or take a photo of the QR code with your phone.

The Fishing Access Pass/ Vehicle Decal must be affixed to the BUMPER on the vehicle associated with the Fishing Access Pass that was purchased.

The Fishing Access Pass does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is prohibited and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed.

You must be actively fishing while using the Fishing Access Pass. These passes are not valid for beach parking or for other recreational uses.

Pass/Vehicle Decal pick-up schedules will also be posted at https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/fishing.htm

If you primarily fish in the Sandy Hook Unit, the decal MUST be affixed to the front bumper. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.
If you primarily fish in the Staten Island Unit or Jamaica Bay Unit, the decal MUST be affixed to the rear bumper. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.

Where and when is the Fishing Access Pass required?

Sandy Hook Unit Fishing Access Pass - Locations for Parking and After-hours Access:

Required 9pm to 6am, Year-round:

Parking lots: B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, K, M, and Bayside lots B, C, and L, and Guardian Park lot

Staten Island Unit Fishing Access Pass - Locations for Parking and After-hours Access:

Required all times:

Crooke's Point; Harbor Rd, Great Kills Park

Required 9pm to 6am, Year-round:

• Hangar 38 gravel parking lot, Miller Field
• Hudson Rd and N. Carolina Rd, Fort Wadsworth
• Beach Center Parking lot, Great Kills Park

Jamaica Bay Unit Fishing Access Pass - Locations for Parking and After-hours Access:

Required all times:

• 222nd Street Fishing Parking Lot, Breezy Point
• 193rd Street Fishing Parking Lot, Fort Tilden
• Rockaway Point Yacht Club Road
• Riis Landing Parking Lot, Fort Tilden
• Aviation Road Parking Lot, Floyd Bennett Field

Required 9pm to 6am, Year-round:

• Raptor Point; Hangar B Apron, Floyd Bennett Field
• Bay 3 East Parking lot, Jacob Riis Park (May 15-Sept 15: No Fishing Access parking 6am-9pm)

Required 9pm to 6am, Year-round and No Parking 6am-9pm 3/15-9/15:

• 169th and Davis Rd parking area, Fort Tilden
• Required 9pm to 6am, 9/16-3/14:
• Shore Rd East, Fort Tilden (closed to all vehicular access from 3/15-9/15)

What do I need to know about fishing in Gateway NRA?

• Fishing Access Pass holders are required to adhere to NYSDEC/NJSDEC Marine Recreation Fishing Laws and Regulations.
• Anyone fishing within Gateway National Recreation Area must be in accordance with the regulations found in 36CFR 2.3, which adopts non-conflicting State of NY/NJ fishing regulations as part of these regulations. US Park Police, DEC Officers, United States Park Ranger-Law Enforcement, and NJ DEP Officers enforce fishing regulations within the park, which include size and take limitations on all regulated and protected species.
• Only Saltwater fishing is allowed within Gateway National Recreation Area. Fishing is prohibited in non-tidal waters to include all fresh waters in the park. Fishing is prohibited within 150 feet of posted shorebird nesting areas. The collection of shellfish within all park waters is prohibited.
• The following locations are closed to fishing and access:
• Jamaica Bay Unit: Dead Horse Bay- Floyd Bennett Field, Ranger Road- Floyd Bennett Field, Areas east of Marine Corps Reserve Center. Sandy Hook Unit: NJ Spermaceti Cove and The Holly Forest shoreline.
• Fishing and access is prohibited in all Interior fresh water ponds, such as Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East and West fresh water Pond.
• Entering areas that are not under ownership of the NPS for any purpose, including fishing, is prohibited.

AREAS CLOSED FOR FISHING: Dead Horse Bay- Floyd Bennett Field, Ranger Road- Floyd Bennett Field, Areas east of Marine Corps Reserve Center. At Sandy Hook, NJ Spermaceti Cove, and The Holly Forest shoreline. All Interior fresh water ponds, such as Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East and West fresh water Pond.

Questions about the Fishing Access Pass?

Gateway National Recreation Area Public Affairs: 718-815-3650

Sandy Hook Unit: 732-872-5970

Staten Island Unit: 718-351-6970

Jamaica Bay Unit: 718-758-3675

 

Off Road Vehicle Passes (4x4)

On March 2 2026, the Off-Road Vehicle Pass goes on-sale ONLINE ONLY through Recreation.gov.
Please note: Recreation.gov will not accept applications prior to March 2.

Step 1: Purchase Pass and Schedule Vehicle Inspection Appointment on Recreation.gov
-Starting March 2, purchase the Off-Road Vehicle pass and schedule your vehicle inspection appointment ONLINE ONLY through Recreation.gov.

Step 2: On-site Vehicle Inspection Appointments
Vehicle Inspection Appointments are by appointment only and must be made only through Recreation.gov.
Park staff will be available to inspect your vehicle and issue your pass within your scheduled appointment time.
After your vehicle passes the inspection, the Off-Road Vehicle decal will be provided.

Vehicle Inspection Location, Dates, and Times:
Ryan Visitor Center, Floyd Bennett Field (parking lot east of building), Jamaica Bay Unit
Appointment times will be available on Recreation.gov at the time of purchase.

What is required for the vehicle inspection:
The following items are required to be in your vehicle during the inspection: 7-foot (minimum) fishing pole; reel and tackle; shovel; tow chain or rope; jack; jack support board; tire pressure gauge; appropriate spare tire; trash container; portable toilet.

Off-Road Vehicle pass requirements:
-Payment must be made on-line through Recreation.gov when you purchase the Off-Road Vehicle Pass.
-On-site Vehicle Inspection will occur at the Ryan Visitor Center parking lot by appointment only at the dates and times listed. Appointments are made only through Recreation.gov.
-The vehicle that you will be using to access the sand road, sand lot, and beach, must be the same vehicle that you drive to your inspection appointment and you must have a valid registration for that vehicle available at the time of inspection.
-Bring the required items in the trunk of your vehicle to pass the inspection.
-Off-Road Vehicle Passes are for Fishing Access Only.
-During Piping Plover Season from March 15 through September 15, there is no vehicle access to Breezy Point Tip. All vehicles must park at the Sand Lot from March 15 through September 15.

Questions about the Off-Road Vehicle Pass, Breezy Point?
Gateway National Recreation Area Public Affairs: 718-354-3650
Jamaica Bay Unit: 718-758-3675

 

Floyd Bennett Field Archery Passes

When is the Archery Field Parking Pass available for purchase?
Available for purchase ONLINE ONLY Recreation.gov. March 2 – March 31 .  

What is the FBF Archery Pass?

The pass provides access to the Archery Range at Floyd Bennett Field, Jamaica Bay Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area. The Archery Range at Floyd Bennett Field features 10 lanes with targets, a shade structure with bow racks, a secure perimeter, and a north orientation. 

How do I receive the Archery Range Pass/Identification Tag?

To receive your Archery Range Pass/Identification tag, bring a printed copy or digital version of your Recreation.gov purchase to the location, dates, and times listed.

Archery Range Pass/Identification Tag pickup times:

 Jamaica Bay Unit
Ryan Visitor Center, Floyd Bennett Field:
Saturdays and Sundays only
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22
Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center:
Saturdays and Sundays only
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5
Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12

Archery Range Pass/Identification tags are only available for pickup during the above listed times.

Need to Know Information

• You must be 18 years of age or older to obtain an Archery Pass/Identification Tag.

• The Archery Pass/Identification Tag is non-transferrable, not replaceable for any reason, and is void if altered or reproduced. The Archery Pass purchase is non-refundable.

• In order to receive your Archery Identification Tag, bring a printed version of your Recreation.gov pruchase to the locations, dates and times listed in your confirmation email and this pass. Due to limited internet connection, we ask that you bring a printed copy or take a phone of the QR code with your phone.

• The Floyd Bennett Field Archery range is open from 6am to dusk daily, on a first-come, first-served basis. This range is for target practice only. Shooting at wildlife or objects other than the practice target are prohibited. 

• Only compound and traditional bows with target field tip arrows are permitted on the range. Crossbows, Judo Points and Hunting tips are prohibited. 

• Loaded bows are permitted at the shoot line only and pointed down range at all times. No shooting accross lanes. 

• An annual pass is required to use the archery range, Identification tags must be visible at all times while using the range.

• Parking is located adjacent to the Archery Range. Parking is permitted on paved surfaces only. Parking on grass is strictly prohibited. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all times. Balloons are prohibited in the park

 

Great Kills Boat Launch Passes

When is the Boat Launch Parking Pass available for purchase?
Available for purchase ONLINE ONLY through Recreation.gov. between March 2 – March 31.

How do I purchase the Boat Launch Parking Pass?
The Boat Launch Parking Pass are available for purchase ONLINE ONLY through Recreation.gov.

How do I receive the Boat Launch Parking Pass Vehicle Decal?
Bring your printed Recreation.gov receipt to the following location at the dates and times listed on Recreation.gov at the time of purchase.

When is the Boat Launch Parking Pass valid?
The Boat Launch opens on 4/1/26 and closes on 11/30/26.

What does the Boat Launch Parking Pass provide?
The Boat Launch Parking Pass is required to park in the designated Boat Launch Parking Lot at Great Kills Park, Staten Island Unit.

Boat Launch Parking Lot Regulations:

• A boat trailer must be attached to your vehicle within the Boat Launch Parking Lot.  

• Boat Launch parking is limited to 24 hours per visit.  

• Commercial activity is prohibited.  

• Personal watercraft, such as jet-skis, kayaks, canoes, or any other personal watercraft are prohibited at the Boat Launch Parking Lot at Great Kills Park.