Island Beach State Park

What a beautiful, beautiful beach. Once you pay at the gate, you drive for miles with just lush green trees surrounding you until you happen upon a parking lot. It’s like this secret space, cut off from the world. The bathrooms are huge. There are stalls to get changed, and you can even take a shower! There’s a little food court where you can get good ol’ beach comfort food. Fries, burgers. They also have a grab & go section with yogurt, salads, fruit, and of course and ice cream freezer. The lady that takes your order has a raspy jersey drawl and she is so nice.
The beach itself is *HUGE* the sand is white and it goes for miles. There’s a smoking section, just steer clear of that if you’re a non smoker. Even when it’s crowded it feels like it’s not, you have so much room. The hubs and I set up a beach tent and layed out our blankets. We had a little play area for our son. It was great. We’re already going back next week!

Bring your own horse only (no rentals)
Horse Riding on the beach
Narrow, 10-​mile barrier island Horses (Oct– April)
swimming, biking, nature walks, fishing, diving, surfing & more.
OMG~
Wild natural beach. Horses are allowed during off season. Perfect time allows for just the right amount of cool people (mostly surf fishing) and interesting wild life. You will see red fox near the roomy parking area. We came across a baby seal in late April.
Please also note your horses will be working extra hard on the sand. Make sure they have plenty of water back at the trailer. Our horses next day were laying down and tired day after,
Beware of police they do flex their power.
Shaped by storm and tides, Island Beach State Park is a narrow barrier island stretching for 10 miles between the restless Atlantic Ocean and the historic Barnegat Bay. Island Beach is one of New Jersey’s last significant remnants of a barrier island ecosystem that once existed along much of the coast and is also one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the coast and is also one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the north Atlantic coast. Over 3,000 acres and 10 miles of coastal dunes remain almost untouched since Henry Hudson first described New Jersey’s coast from the ship, the Half Moon, in 1609.
Miles of sand dunes and white sandy beaches offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife that is almost the same as it was thousands of years ago. Island Beach contains outstanding examples of plant communities such as primary dunes, thicket, freshwater wetlands, maritime forest and tidal marshes. The state’s largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds, are found here. Island Beach is nationally known as a unique resource with over 400 plants identified, including the largest expanses of beach heather in New Jersey.
Horseback riding is permitted along the southern six miles of the ocean beach from October through April. This area begins between the two swimming beaches and extends south to the inlet. You must have a reservation to enter the park with your horses and trailers and you must register with the park 5 days in advance.
There are no special fees associated with this activity, you simply pay the entry fees you normally would to enter the park. To make your reservation you can call the park at 732−793−0506 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM). There is no paperwork involved. When you call you inquire about horseback riding, letting them know you want to make a reservation, and they will ask for your name and the date you would like to visit

My father-​in-​law turned us on to this beach. I love it because it feels more like a place where people respect nature in a general sense– «let’s get out to see sky, land, water” — and do not totally worship bodies. All I can say is that I would feel nervous at Snooki’s beach, as my body needs a major overhaul. I sense that older people and families come to this beach. It is peaceful yet cheerful with the sounds of yelling moms, screeching gulls, and small planes droning by. You can still hear the waves and wind, too.
It costs money to get in, but not much. Pick a parking lot. There are several to choose from. Some spots do not have lifeguards, so check out that situation first. Get a map and even nature info from the main lot. They even sell snacks during certain times of the day.
The bathrooms and changing rooms take a minute to figure out. There are separate lines for either, so make sure you are in the right line. This stuff closes at six p.m., so watch out! Actually, with how wet stuff is within the bathrooms/​changing areas by that time, the whole outside-​makeshift-​blanket-​changing room is not so bad (you have to have a minimum of three people for that). When I was in there close to that time, it was horrific with sand and water, and very difficult to change. Lights are dim, so precision makeup is out for nonpracticed hands.
There is a ramp to get to the beach for a certain length, but then you would have to «rent» a wheelchair with huge, plastic wheels to get someone that needs it to the shoreline proper. Ask at the main building or a lifeguard for that. They have ‘em right there! We made my mom struggle down one year, and a lifeguard noticed and even pushed my mom back up. (We did not know about those special chairs.)
On that note, the lifeguards are nice and work their tails off. They let you know when they are leaving. Six p.m., folks. I would not swim without them around.
There are open-​air showers to rinse off in after swimming. You can’t miss ‘em. There is this certain feeling you get when you orally inhale the fine mist that once enveloped and repelled of off a stranger’s body. Keep your pie-​hole closed in this area. Then you will not be privy to that feeling.
I would stay off the dunes unless you ask first.
The biting flies are horrific in the parking lot, especially at near dusk and dusk. They love my husband. Sweet on the eyes to the hominids and sweet to the taste of biting Insectas, he is a perfect victim, complete with flip-​flop stomping and short, slang words.
I never get to go on the paths, but I know not to feed the foxes.
Memories are made here– by camera, shell booty, and good friends.
Amy’s Bonus Beach Tips:
–Sharks are attracted to urine, perfume, yellow, and tattoos. Your chances of being bitten are extremely low. You have a better chance of being killed by a dog, cow, pig, lightning, or seeing a UFO.
-«Skin-​So-​Soft» by Avon will stop the flies. So will «Bombshell».
–The seagulls eat unattended snacks. They will go into beach luggage.
–Citrus bags make great shell carriers.
–Baby powder takes dried sand right off.

I’m not a beach guy, but I loved this place. Left home at around 5:45 PM and got here near 7:00 PM. You pay per car, not person and head on in. Not many beaches do that as far as I know. We practically had the beach to ourselves. Waves were awesome for boogie boarding and surfing and people had fires (don’t think that’s allowed lol) and tents going.
We drove there in my friends jeep, and with a permit, you can drive on the sand.

We live in Bayville and love Island Beach and the beautiful water & sand, the price for cars on weekdays is $ 6 weekend $ 10, so I’ve read it doubles for out of state cars. lol sorry but yep I don’t blame them. There are beaches all up the coast and down. And I know I’ve paid a lot in other state beaches too. But you get your moneys worth. The water is clean, I can see my feet and if you hit the right time you’ll see the dolphins too! We love and live there. Just so serene, especially in early fall walking the beach or taking dogs, fishing just to go early to clear your mind. We Love Island Beach State Park! Thank you for keeping such a nice beach for all who love it

Outstanding beach: soft, white-​ish sand, with little or no rocks, shells, seaweed, muck, trash, etc. That alone makes it one of the best NYC area public beaches. There’s an admission fee ($ 10 per car for a NJ resident on weekends).
Arrive early — by 9:15am the parking lot was already half full, on a Sunday about 90 degrees, sunny. After 10:00am I’d bet the lot’s filled, and cars are turned away.
Each time I’ve been there the beach was incredibly family-​friendly. Like a 1950s sitcom in some respects. You don’t often get that. (Some might be disappointed by it, or almost feel they’re in Leave It to Beaver world.)
Lifeguards are everywhere. The beach isn’t overly crowded even when the parking lot’s full.
There are other attractions at Island Beach State Park, although I spent all day at the beach.
Go there — you’ll want to return next weekend.

This is one of the best beaches in the Jersey Shore area. The beach is beautiful, very clean with beautiful white sand. The waves are mild, which may not be as fun for kids but is nice for adults who like to wade in the water. It is not very crowded, even on weekends, and is cheap. The toll to get your car into the park for NJ residents is $ 6 on weekdays and $ 10 on weekends, and it includes your access to the beach and parking, which is close to the beach. There are also bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers available on each of the two beaches. There are a lot of lifeguard stands throughout the beach — no flags to stay in between, the lifeguards are that close to each other.
Some potential cons are that it doesn’t have a boardwalk and the food is not cheap, but if you’re just looking for a relaxing quiet day on the beach and you pack your own sandwiches I think this is perfect.

This is probably my favorite beach. Although it is has no boardwalk, this beach is the cleanest! Pros: the waves are vicious, cleaner water (it appears), shower/​bathroom/​changing room, you can bring dogs, only one fee for the whole car ($ 10 for a NJ plate), parking is included with the enterance fee, not too crowded (even on july 4^th weekend). CONS: weak food selection (just the basic stuff, cheeseburgers, fries, chicken tenders), no boardwalk, a little longer drive.

Don’t let the «Jersey Shore» stereotype fool you. This is a gorgeous beach.
The price per car can’t be beat! $ 6 on weekdays and $ 10 on weekends and holidays (double for non-​NJ cars). SAY WHAAAT?! So cheap!!!
Beautiful sand. Lifeguards on duty. A long beach with two separate parking lots. Safe and quiet, yet still super fun.
(If you have the time, go to Hoffman’s Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt a little less than 30 minutes away! Perfect end to a great beach day.)

There is no better place to be. After getting our beach buggy permit the first time over 20 years ago, I’m a regular each and every season. Even if the fishing is bad the beach and people are just perfect. YOU MUST HAVE A PERMIT TO DRIVE ON THE BEACH. Make sure to have all your equipment and have yourself the best day ever!

Beautiful beach. It’s crowded on weekdays. but starts to thin out after 2 pm. On weekends, they close the parking lots between 9 and 10 am as it’s too busy. If you aren’t going to swim but just want to sit on the beach & read etc, try a non-​lifeguard beach. You may have a better chance of getting a spot. But, worth it on a weekday!

This park is absolutely beautiful. Miles of clean white sand beaches and gorgeous dunes.

Beautiful sand, dunes, waves for surfing, this little island oasis is in danger of disappearing.
It is excellent for photography for the light and play of colors.
It was cold in june but as the sun heats up in summer so do the crowds to the beach.
Lovely homes abound and are available for rent or purchase.
Well worth the visit.

Good: Fantastic beach. Close to Toms River, NJ so not that far from northern new jersey or NYC. Several parking areas along shore road (the only road on the island that leads to the scenic state park).
— Prices to enter the state park are cheaper on weekdays ($ 6.00) than on weekends ($ 10.00), but it is one of the nicest beaches on the jersey shore. It is not touristy and is frequented by a lot of NJ locals who know the place well.
— There is a rest area adjacent to parking lot #21 which is fairly big and clean.
— Another plus is there is beach access for cars as well, as long your car can be driven on sand. We saw a lot of suvs and all wheel drive cars parked right at the beach. We saw a lot of families parked for overnight camping by the beach (not sure i saw signs of this could be done) but we saw a lot of families change into their PJs getting ready for the night, with bonfires, portable grilling stations, etc.
— the beach also has constant patrolling from the local county police, making sure of safety throughout thr state park area.
— the sand is white and water azure.
— not far from the seaside heights boardwalk area, which is truly a fun place for food (seafood especially) and amusement (water park, go karts).
Bad: the restrooms only have toilets but no showers to wash off the sand. No biggie though!
Ugly: nothing really bad to speak about this beach.
Recommendation: do carry food and water, as going back into town to get supplies is a good 20 minute car ride.

Been here a few times this summer with my family and we just love it! There is an admission fee ($ 10 NJ residents $ 20 out if state) but the beach is quiet, clean, and so peaceful. You can drive right on the beach and dogs are welcome too! Bring your grill and spend the day eating, swimming, flying a kite, and just kicking back. No alcohol permitted though!

Now I’ve been to many (if not most) beaches at the Jersey shore and I can tell you this is by far the best beach for swimming. It’s pretty stripped down and consists of just two bathing areas, but the view is great and the water is welcoming.
There’s very rarely drop offs though there is the occasional rip current obviously. Plus Seaside Heights is a short distance if you’re still really jonesing for the boardwalk experience. My only gripe is that they’ve greatly upped the prices for out of state car loads (twenty bucks for a car load? Say what?) but because it’s such a nice beach I’m willing to pay it.

Island Beach State Park is our favorite spot in the Jersey Shore by far!!!
Please keep in mind that this a «State Park» (feel free to check their official website for details and regulations on the park), so do not expect to find an amusement park or boardwalk with shops and restaurants there. If that is what you are looking for then you may want to head to Seaside Heights instead, which is just about 4 miles north of this park.
The park has two well designated beach areas (about 3 miles south of the entrance) with large parking areas, lifeguards, showers, and concession stands. After you pass these two parking areas, there are still about 5 miles of isolated beaches that people can enjoy. The only restriction is that the parking areas are small. There is at least one designated area for SUVs/​trucks/​RVs that can access and park right at the beach, and I believe these are for people who buy a special pass and are carrying fishing gear.
What we love about this place is the fact that you can easily avoid crowds, you can walk for miles and enjoy the very clear waters, and people can bring dogs to many beach areas. If you like watching wildlife, this is a great place to get exposure to an interesting variety. We have spotted dolphins swimming along the beach, a well as rays, fish, crabs, and osprey.
In terms of flies, these are more active in early summer and it also depends on the direction the winds are blowing. If you hit the beach on a day the wind is blowing from the West, you may expect to see more flies. Mosquitoes are more predominant if you walk towards the Barnegat Bay side of the park. But it is certainly a good idea to bring bug repellent in your beach bag, just in case…
I also encourage people to visit the Nature Center which is located about 6 – 7 miles south of the park entrance. There are couple of nice trails that leave from the Nature Center which can be explored. If you want to see many interesting pictures and learn more about the park activities and initiatives feel free to check out the «Friends of Island Beach State Park» page in Facebook.

Great beach. Here’s some tips we learned from our friends who are regulars.
–Try to arrive by 9am on the weekend. Once the parking lot fills, they don’t let anyone else in.
–Bring your food or cash for the fairly limited snack bar. I don’t think you can really plan on leaving for lunch or snacks and coming back.
–There are mosquitoes and other pesky bugs at times, so bring repellent just in case.
–The right hand side of the beach (when facing the ocean) is non-​smoking.
–The waves are powerful, and this might not be the best beach for little kids that want to swim. It does seem to be pretty good for boogie boarding, on the other hand.

The best NJ beach! It is quiet, not crowded, spacious and only $ 6 per person or $ 20 per car depending which entrance is used. Plus, there are always intense waves.

Island Beach State Park (IBSP) is about as good of a beach as you’ll find north of Virginia. It’s an uncrowded barrier island beach, with complete nature. No businesses, no houses, and no buildings (save Ranger hut and nature center etc…).
Now if you’re a savvy traveler you probably already know that New Jersey is one of the only places on the entire planet in which you have to pay to go to the beach, but IBSP is only $ 6 weekdays and $ 10 weekends (per car — not per person) with a New Jersey license plate. While having to pay to go to the beach may seem unreasonable, this is reasonable for NJ standards, and after all remember that this is s State Park. My advice would be to drive DEEP into the park and try to get a parking space away from the main beaches, as weekdays you can get a huge chunk of the beach all to yourself, and even on weekends, it’s not bad.
If you’re looking at a map, dont be scared off by the fact that this is so close to Seaside Heights, and thus the «human trash» that populate those environs, they tend to stay away. Also, if you’re hungry for dinner at the end of your perfect beach day, literally right outside the park there are a bunch of seafood and other restaurants (alternatively, if you bring your bikes you could ride to them for lunch).