Beach C at the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area
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Beach C is accessed from the third parking lot you come to once entering the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. This is a lifeguarded beach, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM.
Lifeguards are on duty at Sandy Hook’s Beach C in Gateway National Recreation Area
While there is no fee to enter Sandy Hook or to enjoy the beaches, there is a fee to park at any of the beach access parking lots from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM. Such lots will have a US FEE AREA sign at the entrance (Parking Lots B, C, D, E, G, I, J, and K). Daily and seasonal passes are available (no cash accepted). See the National Park Service’s official Gateway National Recreation Area Fees and Passes web page for the latest prices. Again, fees are for parking only, so if you walk, bike, or get dropped off, there is no charge to use the beaches.
The Beach C parking lot can hold over 300 vehicles. There are beach access points at either end and at the center of the lot. A bathhouse is located at the north end. You can also park here and walk across the street to access the beach on Sandy Hook Bay.
Except for service animals, pets are not allowed on the Atlantic Ocean beaches from March 15th through September 15th. You can bring them to the Sandy Hook Bay beaches anytime provided that they are on a leash.
Surfing is allowed at Beach C in the areas not covered by the lifeguards.
Umbrellas can be no larger than 8 feet in diameter and must be supported by only one post. Canopies are allowed as long as they are not enclosed (no camping tents) and not longer than 25 feet. There must be at least 15 feet between any such structures. No windscreens are allowed within 35 feet of the high tide line.
Canopies and umbrellas provide shade for visitors to Sandy Hook’s Beach C in Gateway National Recreation Area
BEACH REVIEW
As with all beaches at the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, it’s a long way across Beach C from the parking lot to the water. Most beaches are at least a tenth of a mile wide, and Beach C is no exception. When you start out, the sand is full of shells and small pebbles, though once you get near the water it is much nicer. Unless you have very tough soles on your feet, I suggest wearing some type of footwear until you get to your final destination. Strap-on sandals won’t do much good because the pebbles get stuck between your foot and the sole of the shoe. Flip-flops fare better since the sand and pebbles can easily fall away as the shoe flips and flops. I wore my hiking books, so closed-toe shoes aren’t a bad idea either. Furthermore, regardless of soft sand or pebbles and shells, never attempt to walk across a beach this wide barefoot because the sand can become hot enough to burn your feet.
Pebbles in the sand at Beach C in the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway National Recreation Area
When you walk out from the parking area you actually have to head slightly north to avoid a mass of large boulders on the beach and submerged rocks in the water. The rocks are a popular spot for fishermen, and some people set up their towels and chairs here as well. The sand near the rocks is rough—soft feet beware—but it does look kind of fun to set up camp here.
Satellite view of Beach C
Beachgoers at the boulders of Beach C in the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway National Recreation Area
Fishing at the boulders on Beach C at Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area
The swimming area at Sandy Hook’s Beach C is fairly trash free, but there’s quite a bit of it in the rocky area due to the fishermen. I hate to say it, but I have yet to see a river, lake, or ocean area that is heavily populated by fisherman that is not trashed. One thing that adds to the problem is the “trash free” policy that many National Parks have taken. This means that no trash cans are provided, and you must bring your trash home with you. Yeah, right! Besides, it’s a little too late when you arrive at the beach only to discover there are no trash cans when you didn’t bring any bags with you. I hate to be negative about humanity, but most people are not of the highest quality. They have no qualms about tossing trash on the sand, behind a dune, in the restrooms, or in the picnic areas, especially when there are no trash cans around.
Result of the National Park Service’s Trash Free Park policy is trash on the beach at Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area
AMENITIES
Beach C at Sandy Hook has a large bathhouse with outdoor rinse-off showers, two picnic tables, and a soda vending machine. There is no concession stand, but food is available from mobile food trucks. However, vendors are only required to show up on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Bathhouse at Sandy Hook’s Beach C in Gateway National Recreation Area
Bathhouse at Sandy Hook’s Beach C in Gateway National Recreation Area
Picnic tables at Sandy Hook’s Beach C, Gateway National Recreation Area
Kayak and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at Sandy Hook Kayaks at the bay across the street. Paddling is done in the bay, not the ocean.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at Sandy Hook Bay across from Beach C, Gateway National Recreation Area
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Last updated on December 3, 2024
