Large picnic area with pavilion at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Fort Tilden

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Jamaica Bay Unit Home Page | Fort Tilden Home Page

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Fort Tilden has the only picnic area within the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area that can be reserved for group outings (for a fee). In fact, there are two different areas. The smaller one is located at the southeast corner of the park along 169^th Street (the border between Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden). There are roughly a dozen tables and five grills. The larger picnic area has a covered pavilion and features approximately twenty picnic tables and ten grills. Call (718) 758-3675 for further information or to make a reservation. Keep in mind that the picnic areas are only open from spring through fall, and the phone may not be answered during the winter.

Smaller picnic area next to 169th Street at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Fort Tilden

While permits are required to use the picnic areas, I seriously doubt Rangers are not going to run off anyone who sits down for a bite to eat when at Fort Tilden as long as the picnic area is not being used for an event. However, there is no public parking in the area, and you may get kicked out if you start using the grills and look like you’re having a planned outing, regardless of how few people are in your group. If that’s your situation, use the tables and grills next door at the Jacob Riis Park Picnic Area. They are taken on a first come, first served basis, but no permit is required.

The Fort Tilden picnic areas are 400 yards from Fort Tilden Beach. There are no lifeguards (swimming it technically not permitted) and the beach is not as well maintained as the one at Jacob Riis Park. If you want lifeguards, they are on duty at Jacob Riis from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. While the Jacob Riis Beach is technically only feet away across the border of the two parks, the lifeguards, concession area, and other amenities are about a half mile away.

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