Listing correction
Gunnison Beach: Swimming Prohibited
Long Branch, Red Bank, NJ
Do not swim here
Swimming is prohibited at Gunnison Beach. Do not enter the water.
We previously described this location as a swimming spot. That recommendation was incorrect. We have removed it from our swimming recommendations, directory results, and swimming maps. This page remains available to correct that information for anyone following an older link.
Do not treat older directions, photographs, or reports of people swimming as permission to enter the water. Check the managing authority's current notices and obey all posted access restrictions, including any park or trail closures.
Gunnison Beach: a beach visit, not a swimming recommendation
Beach G is part of Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area. This guide corrects earlier advice that treated unguarded ocean swimming as a visitor choice.
Check the current swimming restriction
The NPS beach guidance, updated August 28, 2026, lists Gunnison without lifeguards. Swimming is prohibited at unguarded locations and when guards are off duty. Beach access remains open. The current page lists C and D for seasonal guarded swimming, not Gunnison; always check the day's staffing and flags.
Parking is separate from entrance admission
The parking page distinguishes free park entrance from vehicle charges. Beach parking is charged from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Most vehicles cost $20 daily or $100 per season; vehicles longer than 20 feet cost $50 or $200. Payment is by card or contactless methods. The page's 2025 pass-sale date is not a 2026 booking announcement.
The approach and seasonal facilities
The Beach G profile describes the trail at the parking lot's east end, peak-season restrooms and showers, and other listed amenities. Confirm off-season availability. Neither an accessible sand route nor the inherited map pin has been verified.
Clothing-optional use and respectful visits
NPS describes traditional clothing-optional use in a portion of South Gunnison, rather than an official designation for the entire beach. Follow signs and protect other visitors' privacy. This entry intentionally avoids the unsupported claim that it is New Jersey's only legal clothing-optional beach. Reviewed October 9, 2026.
Visitor questions
Can I swim at Gunnison Beach?
Not under current NPS guidance: Gunnison has no lifeguards, and swimming is prohibited at unguarded locations.
Is the beach itself closed?
NPS lists it as open for beach access. That does not authorize swimming; check current alerts before travel.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Seasonal vehicle parking charges are separate from park entrance admission; see the parking section and current NPS prices.
Are facilities available year-round?
The operator describes peak-season restrooms and showers, not guaranteed year-round availability.
Is all of Sandy Hook clothing-optional?
No. NPS describes traditional use in part of South Gunnison. Follow posted boundaries and guidance.
Is the beach accessible for every visitor?
This review has not established an accessible route across the sand. Ask NPS about current access arrangements.
Why is the map pin withheld?
The old point came from town-level geocoding and was not verified as an entrance.
Official sources
Rules checked: