Sandy Hook Fee Increase Proposed for 2017

Gateway National Recreation Area has proposed a fee increase for those wanting to drive onto Sandy Hook.

This would be the park's first increase since 2012. Currently, regular sized vehicles pay $15 daily or $75 for the season, no matter how many occupants.

The proposed fee would increase to $20 per day, $100 for the season, starting in 2017. Oversized vehicles would go from paying $30 to $50 per day, but would not pay an increase for a seasonal pass.

The park's website states, "This fee increase will help Gateway maintain the services that visitors expect and deserve: clean restroom and shower facilities and keeping visitors safe and resources protected. We are also able to use this money to do things like ... add a web-cam to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse."

Considering once you park, you don't have to pay to get onto the beach, it could be still be a cheaper option than other beaches in our area if you pack a few friends or family members in the car.

That said, the park is taking suggestions, comments, and concerns regarding the fee increase through September 5th. You can e-mail them directly at Gateway_Fee_increase@nps.gov, submit an e-mail through a form HERE, or snail mail them using this address:

Office of the Superintendent
Gateway National Recreation Area
ATTN: Proposed parking and camping fee increase
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10305

For more information of the proposed fee hike, check out the park's "Parking Fee FAQs" page HERE.