Visitor Information

Hours of Operation:

Island Beach is open daily 8:00 AM to dusk. On weekends and holidays during the summer season, the park opens at 7:00 AM.

Picnicking:

Picnicking is allowed on the ocean beach in the Recreation and Southern Natural Areas. Open fires are permitted 50 feet east of the dune line from parking area 3 south to the inlet. No fires or cooking devices of any kind are permitted on the beach in the lifeguard areas during the summer season. Island Beach is a Carry In- Carry Out park. Brown paper bags are provided throughout the park for this purpose.

Ocean Swimming:

Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM daily during the summer season. All swimmers must exit the water when lifeguards are off duty at 6:00 PM.

Scuba Diving, Surfing and Windboarding:

Scuba divers must register individually at the park office, providing valid certification. Use the buddy system when diving. A lifeguard protected surfing area and windsurfing area are provided at the south end of the lifeguard area. Surfing is also permitted from parking area 2 south to the inlet.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Or Call 911

Horseback Riding:

Riding is permitted only on the southern six miles of ocean beach from October through April. No horses are provided. Advance registration is required. Contact the park office at (732)793-0506.

Mobile Sportfishing Permits:

Permits are only issued for the purpose of sport fishing . Any other use of this permit is prohibited. Annual and three-day permits are available at the visitor contact station (main gate) . For information about permit requirements call (732)793-0506.

Alcoholic Beverages Are

Prohibited

Campgrounds on the mainland are approximately 20-30 minutes from the park. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (732) 349-0220 for additional information.

Bicycles:

Cycling is permitted in the bike lanes running parallel to the road. Remember to ride with the traffic on the right hand side of the road. New Jersey state law requires that all children under 14 wear helmets. There are no bike trails at Island Beach State Park.

Safety:

Store valuables out of view and do not leave them on your beach towel. Lock them securely in your car or carry them with you.

Pets:

Pets are permitted in the park, but must be on a leash (maximum length six feet) at all times. They are NOT ALLOWED on the beach (lifeguard area) during the summer season. Pets can frighten wildlife and therefore are not permitted on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail. For your pets safety, check them for ticks after walking on trails and DO NOT leave them unattended in the car during warm weather.