Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod

For many New Yorkers, the idea of "camping" often conjures images of long drives upstate or venturing far beyond the city limits. However, Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod offers a surprising and accessible urban oasis, redefining what it means to connect with nature right here in the five boroughs. Located within the sprawling Floyd Bennett Field, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, this campground provides a unique opportunity for city dwellers to experience the outdoors without leaving Brooklyn.

This isn't your typical remote wilderness site; it's a "campground" with a distinct New York flavor. Situated on a historic airfield, it blends natural beauty with fascinating historical elements, offering a rich experience for campers. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a family looking for a convenient first camping adventure, Camp Gateway Brooklyn provides a safe, welcoming, and surprisingly tranquil environment. It's a place where you can sleep under the stars, enjoy a campfire, and still be just a bus ride away from the vibrant energy of Manhattan.

Our goal here is to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod. We'll delve into its unique location and accessibility, outline the services it offers, highlight its standout features, and provide all the necessary contact information. Most importantly, we'll explain why this campground is an exceptional and highly suitable choice for local New Yorkers seeking a refreshing escape.

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Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod is located at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY 11234, USA. This address places it within the vast Gateway National Recreation Area, a truly unique urban national park that spans parts of New York and New Jersey. Floyd Bennett Field itself holds significant historical importance as New York City's first municipal airport, adding a fascinating layer to the camping experience.

For New Yorkers, the accessibility of this campground is a major draw. While it feels sufficiently isolated to provide a genuine outdoor experience, it remains remarkably easy to reach from anywhere in New York City. Public bus transportation, specifically the Q35 bus, provides convenient access from the Flatbush Avenue/Ryan Visitor Center stop directly to Floyd Bennett Field. This bus route connects to subway stations, making it possible to travel to the campground via public transit from any of the boroughs. For those driving, the location off Flatbush Avenue, just before the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, provides straightforward access. While navigating the Belt Parkway, RVs need to take alternate routes, but general vehicle access is direct, with parking available at the camp store or near the sites.

The fact that it's "not bad at all" for a place to camp in NYC is a testament to its location. Despite being on an old airfield with occasional helicopter traffic, campers consistently note the safety and a sense of being "far enough from the hood" to alleviate worries. This unexpected pocket of nature within the city offers a tranquil escape, yet remains connected to urban amenities and transportation.

Beyond the immediate camping area, the location within Floyd Bennett Field opens up a world of exploration. The field itself boasts several trails, including access to the intriguing "Bottle Beach" at Dead Horse Bay (though parts of Dead Horse Bay may be closed due to ongoing investigations, it is important to check current alerts from the National Park Service). There's also a hangar that restores old planes, offering tours and a glimpse into aviation history. Riis Beach, another part of Gateway National Recreation Area, is also worth exploring for its coastal beauty. The surrounding Jamaica Bay is a premier bird migration sanctuary, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching. This blend of history, nature, and urban proximity truly defines the unique appeal of Camp Gateway Brooklyn.

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• Designated tent camping sites (Tamarak and Goldenrod sections).
• Designated RV camping sites (Amelia Earhart RV Campground and Wiley Post sections).
• Picnic tables at each campsite.
• Fire pits at each campsite, ideal for campfires.
• Grills provided at each campsite for cooking.
• Modern restrooms with hot showers (available during specific hours when the camp store is open).
• Clean bathrooms with flush toilets (available during camp store hours).
• Chemical toilets (outhouses) available for after-hours use.
• Camp store for essential supplies (limited hours).
• Dump station available for RV campers.
• Ranger-led programs available, particularly during summer months.
• Access to hiking and biking trails within Floyd Bennett Field and Gateway National Recreation Area.
• Public bus transportation (Q35) connecting to subway lines for easy access to NYC attractions.
• Generators permitted at RV sites during limited hours.
• Drinking water sources.

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• Unique Urban Camping Experience: This is arguably the most significant highlight – offering a genuine camping experience (tents or RVs) within the five boroughs of New York City, a rare and invaluable opportunity for locals.
• Historic Airfield Setting: Camping on Floyd Bennett Field, the site of NYC's first municipal airport, provides a distinctive backdrop, blending natural recreation with aviation history. This includes the possibility of seeing restored aircraft and occasional helicopter traffic, adding to the unique ambiance.
• Safety and Ranger Presence: Campers consistently praise the campground's safety and the helpfulness and "coolness" of the park rangers, ensuring a secure and pleasant stay.
• Well-Equipped Campsites: Each site comes with a picnic table, fire pit, and grill, providing the fundamental necessities for a comfortable outdoor experience without needing to bring extensive gear.
• Clean Facilities: The availability of hot showers and clean, modern restrooms (during operational hours) is a significant plus, enhancing the comfort level for campers.
• Proximity to Gateway National Recreation Area Attractions: Beyond the campground, campers have access to various parts of Gateway National Recreation Area, including the nearby Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (for birdwatching), historic forts, and Riis Beach.
• Accessibility to NYC Attractions: Despite its natural setting, the campground offers public transportation connections that allow campers to easily reach Manhattan for city sightseeing, Broadway shows, or other urban adventures, creating a unique "city and nature" trip combination.
• Pet-Friendly (RV sites): While tent sites generally do not allow pets, the availability of pet-friendly RV sites is a major benefit for those traveling with their animal companions, a feature not always easy to find in urban-adjacent camping.

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For inquiries and reservations regarding Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod, please use the following contact details. Reservations for National Park Service campgrounds are typically made through the Recreation.gov website.

Address: Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY 11234, USA

Phone: (718) 338-3799

Mobile Phone: +1 718-338-3799

General Inquiries for Gateway National Recreation Area: Ryan Visitor Center at Floyd Bennett Field, Phone: (718) 338-3799.

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For New Yorkers, Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod offers a uniquely suitable and incredibly valuable resource that extends far beyond the typical vacationer's itinerary. It's not just a campground; it’s an accessible gateway to outdoor recreation, a historical landmark, and a vital urban escape right within the city's grasp.

The most compelling reason this campground is ideal for locals is its unparalleled **accessibility to a genuine outdoor experience without leaving the five boroughs**. For families with children, busy professionals, or anyone seeking a respite from the urban concrete, the idea of a weekend camping trip often involves hours of driving upstate. Camp Gateway Brooklyn eliminates this barrier, providing the opportunity to pitch a tent or park an RV, enjoy a campfire, and sleep under the stars, all just a bus or short drive away. This convenience means more frequent and spontaneous escapes are possible, fostering a crucial connection with nature that is often lacking in city life. It's an affordable and time-efficient alternative to distant rural campgrounds, making outdoor adventures truly feasible for the average New Yorker.

Furthermore, for those who value **history and unique surroundings**, Camp Gateway Brooklyn provides an engaging backdrop. Camping on a former municipal airport, surrounded by remnants of aviation history and with the possibility of seeing restored planes, offers a distinct narrative not found in traditional campsites. This blend of natural immersion with historical context enriches the experience, providing educational opportunities for children and fascinating exploration for adults. The proximity to places like Dead Horse Bay (with caution regarding current closures) and Riis Beach adds layers to the local exploration.

The reviews from local users highlight key benefits: the **safety of the location** and the **helpfulness of the rangers** provide peace of mind, especially for first-time campers or families. The presence of hot showers, clean bathrooms, and a camp store (albeit with limited hours) significantly enhances the comfort level, making "roughing it" a much more pleasant experience for city dwellers accustomed to modern amenities. This balance makes camping feel less daunting and more inviting.

Finally, Camp Gateway Brooklyn serves as a unique **base for exploring both nature and the wider city**. You can spend your days hiking, birdwatching in Jamaica Bay, or enjoying the beach, and then easily hop on public transport to explore Manhattan's museums, Broadway shows, or iconic landmarks. This flexibility is unmatched, offering New Yorkers the best of both worlds – a tranquil outdoor retreat combined with immediate access to one of the world's greatest cities. It's perfect for locals who want to embrace outdoor living for a short period without completely disconnecting from urban conveniences.

In conclusion, Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod is far more than just a place to pitch a tent. It is a strategically located, well-equipped, and uniquely charming urban campground that caters directly to the needs and desires of New Yorkers. It offers accessible outdoor adventure, a slice of local history, and a convenient base for exploring both the wild and urban facets of the city, making it an indispensable asset for the local community.

Camp Gateway Brooklyn Tamarak and Goldenrod

Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY 11234, USA