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.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Gate House - 24 Hours
732-793-0030
Park Office
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
732-793-0506
Or Call 911
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.
Scuba Diving, Surfing and Wind boarding:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Camping is 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 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.
Alcoholic Beverages Are Prohibited
Rip currents are responsible for many drowning deaths each year. A rip current may form when seaward moving water is channeled between sandbars. Rip currents produce extremely high velocities beyond the capability of even the strongest swimmer. Rip currents can form at any time, but are most common during abnormally high tides and rough surf conditions.
To avoid becoming caught in a rip current, follow these rules:
1. Swim in guarded areas only
2. Avoid swimming in holes between sandbars
3. Do not swim during periods of rough surf
4. Watch for areas of discolored or rippled water
5. Never swim alone
6. If you become caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until free of the current
It is very important to all of us that your trip to Island Beach State Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Therefore, we ask all of you to please observe the posted speed limits in the park.
There are joggers, inline skaters, bikers, walkers and four-legged wildlife that all share the road with the vehicles. There may be turtles or rabbits crossing the road, low flying birds looking for a meal or nesting material, or a fox or two setting up their own "toll booth" looking for handouts. Remember, please don't feed these cute little four-legged beggars.
This is your park, help to maintain its integrity by keeping it a safe place to
visit. The wildlife will surely appreciate it.
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ACCESSIBILITY
Beach Access Ramps are Located at both BATHING BEACH PAVILIONS
Beach Wheel Chairs are available at both BATHING BEACH PAVILIONS during the summer season.
Accessible restrooms are provided at the Visitor Contact Station (Main Gate) Ocean Swimming Areas, Park Office, Parking Area A-6 and the Interpretive Center.
The Fisherman's Walkway at Parking Area A-7 is a self-guided, accessible boardwalk trail that provides visitors with a complete transect from the ocean to the bay.