Overview

Fort Tilden picnic site is located on the Rockaway Peninsula in the heart of New York City. Fort Tilden is a former military site that overlooks the approach to New York City and today includes athletic fields, hiking trails, an arts center, a theater, and an observatory deck on a historic battery offering spectacular views of Jamaica Bay, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline. Dunes, a maritime forest, freshwater ponds; and coastal defense resources including Battery Harris. A perfect location for your next family gathering, it’s a short walk to Riis beach.

Fort Tilden’s picnic pavilion is located in historic Fort Tilden. The picnic area is sheltered and accessible. Just across the road is an accessible restroom.

Facilities

Fort Tilden’s picnic pavilion is located in historic Fort Tilden. The picnic area is sheltered and accessible. Just across the road is an accessible restroom.

Picnic Reservations are accepted beginning March 1st, online only at rec.gov only. All vehicles parked in Fort Tilden picnic pavilion need a parking pass. Having a picnic pavilion reservation does not exempt you from the parking pass requirement. Once your reservation is confirmed, contact the park to get the required parking passes for your vehicles 718-758-3659.

· The Picnic Pavilion is only available on certain Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season; June 20 through September 27, 2026. This is a day use area and reservations are valid between 10:00AM - 6:00PM.

75 person maximum per reservation.

· Dispose of garbage promptly in garbage cans.

· Potable water is available at restrooms but not at the pavilion.

· Alcohol is allowed at designated picnic areas.

Glass containers prohibited.

· There are BBQ grills for charcoal fires. Wood fires are not allowed.

· Balloons are prohibited. Decorations are allowed, provided they do not damage the structure (i.e. no staples) and are cleaned up on departure. Directional signs are permitted but must be removed upon departure.

· Amplified sound is prohibited.

Mechanical rides and inflatable bouncy houses are prohibited.

· Keep your re.gov reservation confirmation notice with you in the event of a conflict with a non-reservation party or to show park staff.

· Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. · For additional park information call 718-758-3659 or visit www.nps.gate

· This is a day-use area.

Natural Features

Gateway National Recreation exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, yet the park includes woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests. Each of these eco-systems is a home to a surprising variety of animals, plants amphibians, insects, and other creatures.

Gateway has over 325 species of birds, most of them visiting as they migrate along the Atlantic Flyway. They find food, shelter, and protection within the borders of this national park. Great birding spots include the back fort of Fort Tilden and the nearby Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Floyd Bennett Field’s North Forty.

The park has hundreds of wild plants species, you can find various types of mushrooms and cacti to just name a few. Look and you will find many examples of nature’s beauty.

Recreation

Picnicking is not the only reason for visiting Fort Tilden: fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and just enjoying a quiet day at the park are also popular activities.

Nearby Attractions

Jacob Riis Park is located adjacent to Fort Tilden and offers ocean swimming and food concessions (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Rockaway Artists Alliance - www.rockawayartistsalliance.org

Rockaway Theater – www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org

Important Notices

• · Picnic Reservation are accepted beginning March 1st, online at rec.gov only.

  Please contact the park at least (1) week prior to your event to get a day passes for your vehicles 718-758-3659. All vehicles parked in Fort Tilden picnic pavilion need a parking pass. Having a picnic pavilion reservation does not exempt you from the parking pass requirement.

  · Picnic Pavilion is only available certain Saturdays and Sundays throughout the picnic season; June 20 through September 27, 2026. Reservations are valid from 10:00AM to 6:00PM the day of your reservation.

  75 person maximum per reservation.

  · Dispose of garbage promptly in garbage cans.

  · Potable water is available at restrooms but not at the pavilion.

  · Alcohol is allowed at designated picnic areas.

  Glass containers prohibited.

  · There are BBQ grills for charcoal fires. Wood fires are not allowed. Reservation holder is responsible for properly disposing of the coals.

  · Balloons are prohibited. Decorations are allowed, provided they do not damage the structure (i.e. no staples) and are cleaned up on departure. Directional signs are permitted but must be removed.

  · Amplified sound is prohibited.

  Mechanical rides and inflatable bouncy houses are prohibited.

  · Keep your rec.gov reservation confirmation notice with you in the event of a conflict with a non-reservation party or to show park staff.

  · Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

  · For additional park information call 718-757-3659 or visit www.nps.gate

  · This is a day-use area.

Available Activities

• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Hiking - Hiking
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site
• Fishing - Fishing
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p>Physical address: Murray Road, Fort Tilden , Queens, New York 11697</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>All cancelations and refund requests MUST be made through rec.gov.</p><p>Cancellations MUST be made, by noon, at least 1 day prior to the reservation date.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 718-758-3659

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip