Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A

For New Yorkers seeking a convenient and accessible escape into the great outdoors, Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A offers a unique solution right within the urban landscape of Brooklyn. Part of the expansive Gateway National Recreation Area at Floyd Bennett Field, this campground provides an opportunity to experience camping without the extensive travel typically associated with wilderness retreats. It's a truly distinctive spot that caters to both seasoned campers and those looking to try camping for the first time, all while remaining within reach of the city's myriad attractions.

Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A is part of a larger camping facility at Floyd Bennett Field, offering both tent and RV sites. While some reviews highlight the "desolate" nature of the RV area, describing it as "just a huge empty parking lot next to an abandoned building," it's important to understand the context of an urban campground on a former airfield. The tent sites, however, are described as "nestled in trees which provide some shade," offering a more traditional camping feel. One enthusiastic local review perfectly captures its appeal: "Great place to get away and close to home its camping in Brooklyn what's not to love." This sentiment underscores its primary benefit: the ability to experience nature and the tranquility of camping without leaving New York City. Camp Gateway, in its entirety, aims to provide a tranquil outdoor experience right outside one of the world's most vibrant metropolises, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, and even historic tours.

Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A is situated within Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, NY 11234, USA. This location is a significant advantage for New York residents, as it offers a genuine outdoor escape without requiring a long journey out of the city. Floyd Bennett Field, once New York City's first municipal airport, has been transformed into a sprawling part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, providing a surprising amount of green space and natural habitat within the five boroughs.

The campground's accessibility is a key factor for locals. It is readily reachable by car via the Belt Parkway (Exit 11S, Flatbush Avenue South) and other major routes in Brooklyn. For those relying on public transportation, the Q35 bus conveniently takes campers to the Flatbush Avenue/Ryan Visitor Center stop. From there, it's approximately a one-mile walk east to the campgrounds. This makes it a viable option even for New Yorkers without personal vehicles, offering a truly urban camping experience.

While the RV sites are described as being in an open, parking-lot-like area, their location within Floyd Bennett Field means they are still part of a larger natural preserve. The tent sites are nestled among trees, providing a more immersive natural setting. Despite being in Brooklyn, the vastness of Floyd Bennett Field allows the campground to feel removed from the immediate urban bustle, offering opportunities for quiet reflection, birdwatching, and enjoying the open air. Its proximity to major transportation hubs and the convenience of being within city limits make Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A an incredibly accessible option for any New Yorker looking for an outdoor adventure close to home.

Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A, as part of the Camp Gateway Brooklyn campground within the Gateway National Recreation Area, provides a range of essential services to ensure a functional and comfortable camping experience. While it aims for a rustic outdoor feel, it covers the fundamental needs for campers. Services generally available include:

• Tent and RV Sites: The campground offers designated sites for both tent camping and RVs. It's important to note that specific sections are allocated for each, and tents are not permitted in RV sites, nor RVs in tent sites.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite typically comes equipped with a picnic table and a designated fire ring or stand-up grill, allowing campers to prepare meals and enjoy campfires. However, it's specified that RV sites may have a shared grill/firepit for the entire area, rather than individual ones.
• Restrooms and Showers: Campers have access to modern restroom and shower facilities, which are located near the camp store in a mobile home-type building. It's important to note these facilities are open during specific hours (e.g., 9 AM to 2 PM), with a chemical toilet available for after-hours use.
• Dump Station for RVs: While RV sites do not have water, electricity, or sewer hookups at individual sites, a dump station is available for RVs, which is a crucial amenity for self-contained units.
• Camp Store: A camp store is on-site, offering convenience items such as firewood, drinks, food, and basic camping supplies.
• Ranger-Led Programs: During the summer, Ranger-led programs are often available, providing educational and interpretive activities related to the park's natural and historical features.
• Limited Generator Hours for RVs: Generators are permitted at RV sites only, during limited hours (typically 8 AM to 10 PM), providing some power access for RV campers.
• Accessibility Features: The campground strives for accessibility, with features like wheelchair-accessible campsites and portable toilets available from April through November.
• Trash Disposal: Dumpsters and trash containers are located at the entrances to the campgrounds for proper waste disposal. Campers are expected to remove all trash from their sites.

For the most current and detailed information on services, including specific operating hours and any temporary changes, it is always best to consult the official Gateway National Recreation Area website or contact the park directly.

Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A, located within Floyd Bennett Field, boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a unique and valuable camping destination for New Yorkers:

• Urban Camping Proximity: Its most striking feature is its existence as a legitimate campground within the confines of Brooklyn, New York City. This offers an unparalleled opportunity for city dwellers to experience camping without the need for extensive travel, making spontaneous weekend trips and short escapes into nature highly feasible.
• Part of Gateway National Recreation Area: Being within this large federal park means campers have access to a broader range of recreational activities. Floyd Bennett Field itself offers opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, and exploring historic sites related to its past as an airfield.
• Tent and RV Camping Options: The campground caters to different camping preferences, providing dedicated sites for both tent campers and RVs. While RV sites are more basic, the availability of both types of accommodation broadens its appeal.
• Relative Tranquility (for an urban setting): Despite being in Brooklyn, many find it a "great place to get away" that feels surprisingly isolated. The tent sites, "nestled in trees," offer a more natural and shaded environment, contributing to a sense of peace.
• Historic Location: Camping on a former airfield, with historic aircraft and structures nearby, offers a unique backdrop and potential for historical exploration for interested visitors.
• Accessibility Focus: The provision of wheelchair-accessible campsites and portable toilets (during the operating season) is a significant highlight, ensuring that a wider range of New Yorkers can enjoy the outdoor experience.
• Basic Amenities Available: The presence of picnic tables, fire rings, a camp store, and restrooms/showers (albeit with limited hours) provides essential comforts for a rustic yet manageable camping trip.
• Close to City Attractions: While providing a nature escape, its Brooklyn location means easy public transport access to subway lines, allowing campers to combine their outdoor adventure with visits to Manhattan and other NYC attractions.

These highlights collectively position Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A as an excellent and convenient option for New Yorkers seeking a unique camping experience close to home.

As a federal campground operated by the National Park Service within the Gateway National Recreation Area, Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A primarily operates under a standardized fee structure, rather than offering typical commercial "promotions" or "special offers." Pricing is generally set by the managing authority, and any discounts are usually tied to federal passes or specific programs.

However, New Yorkers seeking the best value or opportunities related to camping at Camp Gateway might consider the following:

• Off-Peak Season Camping: Like many campgrounds, rates may vary by season. Camping during the shoulder seasons (e.g., April, May, early June, September, October) can often be more affordable than peak summer months (July and August) and might offer a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds.
• Federal Passes: For frequent visitors to national parks and federal recreation areas, passes such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (especially the Senior Pass or Access Pass) can offer discounted rates on camping fees. New Yorkers who qualify should investigate these options for potential savings.
• Advance Reservations: While not a discount, the ability to reserve campsites well in advance through Recreation.gov (the federal booking platform) is a significant "offer" of convenience, especially for a popular urban camping spot. Booking early ensures you secure your desired dates, which is critical during busy periods.
• No Day Use: The campground is for overnight camping only, which ensures a dedicated camping environment rather than a mix of day-trippers and overnight guests. This focus on committed campers can be seen as a feature that enhances the camping experience.

To confirm current pricing, specific fees (such as for extra vehicles or generators), and any available programs or passes that might offer value, New Yorkers should contact Camp Gateway directly using the provided phone numbers or consult the official Recreation.gov website for Camp Gateway Brooklyn.

For New Yorkers interested in planning an urban camping adventure at Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A within Floyd Bennett Field, please use the following contact information:

Address: Brooklyn, NY 11234, USA (located within Floyd Bennett Field, specific access via Campsite Trail)

Phone for Reservations (Recreation.gov): (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone (Recreation.gov): +1 877-444-6777

For campground inquiries, specifically for the Ryan Visitor Center at Floyd Bennett Field, you can also try: (718) 338-3799.

It is highly recommended to utilize Recreation.gov for reservations and to call the provided numbers for specific questions about site availability, amenities, park regulations, and any updates regarding conditions or access within the campground.

For New York City locals, Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly valuable outdoor destination. Its unique position offers a direct answer to the desire for nature and tranquility, without the usual logistical hurdles associated with escaping the urban environment.

Firstly, its prime location within Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field is its most compelling asset for New Yorkers. The ability to go "camping in Brooklyn" is a revolutionary concept for many, providing an immediate and convenient escape from city life. Whether you own a car or rely on public transit (via the Q35 bus), this campground makes a quick nature retreat a realistic and easily accessible option. This removes the significant barrier of long travel times, allowing busy urbanites to easily de-stress and reconnect with the outdoors.

Secondly, Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A caters to a diverse range of camping experience levels. While some of the RV sites might be more basic, the tent sites offer a peaceful, shaded environment. This flexibility means it's suitable for both seasoned campers looking for a convenient spot and, crucially, for beginners or families new to camping. It provides a low-pressure environment to test out gear and build outdoor skills, making it an ideal entry point into the world of camping for New Yorkers.

Finally, despite its urban setting, Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A offers a genuine outdoor experience. Being part of the vast Gateway National Recreation Area, campers can still enjoy birdwatching, open spaces, and a sense of natural immersion. It's a testament to the diverse offerings within NYC's public lands, providing a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars while still being just a stone's throw from Manhattan's skyline. For any New Yorker seeking an accessible, authentic, and convenient outdoor adventure, Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A is an unbeatable choice.

Camp Gateway: Wiley Post A

Brooklyn, NY 11234, USA