dog info and rules.

Gateway National Recreation Area

Located in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Gateway National Recreation Area is a 26,607-acre (10,767 ha) National Recreation Area in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Scattered over Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, New York, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, it provides recreational opportunities that are rare for a dense urban environment, including ocean swimming, bird watching, boating, hiking and camping. Ten million people visit Gateway annually.

  • Inside buildings or swim areas (unless service animal)
  • Pets are not allowed in the following areas: In Pennsylvania: Smithfield and Milford Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls, George W. Childs Park, Valley View Group Campsites, Hidden Lake, Hialeah Picnic Area, McDade Trail from milepost 1.0 to milepost 2.5 (from June 1 to September 8), In New Jersey: Turtle Beach, Rivers Bend Group Campsites, Watergate Recreation Site, Kittatinny Point (picnic areas and visitor center area)
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings or swim areas (unless service animal)
  • Ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook Unit from March 15 through September 15 (piping plover season). Pets ARE permitted on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year, but must always be on a leash.
  • Swimming beaches at Staten Island Unit’s Great Kills Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • At Jacob Riis Park, Fort Tilden and Breezy Point Tip (all within Jamaica Bay Unit) between March 15 and September 15 (piping plover season).
  • ANY part of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge at ANY time of year.
  • All campgrounds: Floyd Bennett Field, Camp Hudson at Fort Wadsworth and Sandy Hook.
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Extreme heat
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

(718) 354-4606

Gateway National Recreation Area Website

Gateway National Recreation Area Camping

Gateway National Recreation Area Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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