Rules and Regulations
What are the things I need to do to go fishing at Gateway?
Permits for parking/fishing are required in some parts of Gateway. Some areas, such as Crooke's Point in Staten Island, require these parking permits at all times. Other areas, such as Sandy Hook, only require these parking permits after-hours.
These parking/fishing permits are $50 per year. The spring period of sale for 2023 permits has ended. There will be a fall period of sale for Sandy Hook and Staten Island parking/fishing permits. More information can be found here.
I am interested in using your archery field. What do I need? Do you provide lessons or bows and arrows?
Archery permits are for use at the Floyd Bennett Field Archery Range. Annual permits are $75. The archery range is open daily from February 1 through November 30, and closed December 1 through January 31. 2023 permits are sold out for the year.
We do not provide lessons or equipment for the archery field.
Are there any discounts for the fishing/parking permit or the archery permit?
No
I want to host a special event. Do I need a permit?
Yes. Special events in the park require a permit. You can find out more information about permits and how to apply here.
I want to have a picnic. Where can I have a picnic? Do I need a permit?
There are picnic areas in all units of the park. Permits are required for picnics at Miller Field (Staten Island) and Fort Tilden (Jamaica Bay). Permits are not required for picnics at Canarsie Pier, Jacob Riis Park, or Sandy Hook.The picnic areas at Fort Tilden, Miller Field, and Sandy Hook are currently closed for the season.
I want to film at Gateway. What do I need to do?
The process for filming has changed in the NPS. Please visit the NPS Permits and Reservation Page to find out more.
I am a photographer, do I need a permit?
Commercial photography requires a permit at Gateway. Please visit our Permits & Reservations Page to find out how to obtain a permit for each unit.
Is alcohol allowed at the park?
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Sandy Hook (This restriction does not affect visitors having weddings at the Sandy Hook Chapel or other permit holders), the Great Kills Park swimming beach, the Jacob Riis Park swimming beach, Fort Tilden, and the campgrounds.
Is smoking allowed in the park?
Smoking is prohibited on the beaches at Sandy Hook, N.J., Jacob Riis Beach and Fort Tilden in Queens, and Great Kills Park in Staten Island. Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas in all parking lots.
Gateway National Recreation Area would like to provide clarification regarding the use and/or possession of marijuana on Federal lands and waters. The New York State and New Jersey State laws, which allow for regulated possession and use of marijuana under certain conditions, has no bearing on Federal laws which continue to identify marijuana as a Schedule I illegal drug, and prohibit its use. Possession of marijuana or use of any amount of marijuana is still prohibited in Gateway National Recreation Area lands, waters, its facilities, concessions, beaches, and campgrounds. Violations are punishable by a fine as provided by law, or by imprisonment, or both.
Are pets allowed in the park?
Pets are allowed in some areas of the park, but always must be on a leash.
Pets are not allowed Gateway's 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.
Where are the First Amendment areas?
The National Park System has traditionally offered visitors the opportunity to engage in First Amendment activities, through demonstration activities and the sale and distribution of printed matter. These are fundamental rights that we all share and respect. Areas in all three units of Gateway National Recreation Area have been delineated for free expression by groups of 25 people or fewer and for distribution of printed matter. Please visit our First Amendment Areas page to find out more.
Are there other rules and regulations that I should know about?
Only umbrellas with a diameter of 8' that require only one central station to support shade are allowed on the beaches. Small tents designed for infants/toddlers are allowed as long as an infant/toddler is present.
For a list of all of our rules and regulations, please read Gateway's compendium.
