Extends from the Visitor Contact Station (main gate), south to Ocean Swimming Area #1, a distance of three and one-third miles. Public access is limited to nature tours, surf fishing and beach walking.
Extends from Ocean Swimming Area #1 approximately three miles
southward. The oceanfront beach area is open to visitors for swimming, sunbathing,
picnicking and beach walking. Lifeguard protection is provided at the Ocean
Swimming Areas from Memorial Day (weekends only through June 10) through Labor
Day, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Bathhouse restrooms are available May
through October. Take a break from the crowds and walk the Tidal Pond Trail that
begins across the road from the Northern Bathing Beach Pavilion. The trail leads to
Barnegat Bay and a bird observation blind.
Comprised of the inlet area and wildlife sanctuary, this area extends from parking area A-13 to Barnegat Inlet, a distance of three miles. Primarily a wildlife sanctuary, the ocean beach is open to visitors for beach walking, sunbathing, scuba diving and picnicking. Open fires are permitted 50 feet east of the dunes. No tables, grills or fireplaces are provided. Other than mobile sport fishing permit holders, visitor use is limited by the total number of parking spaces. No lifeguard protection is provided.
Access paths to the bay shore may be used for nature study, photography, hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking only. Canoe and kayak access is available at parking areas A-15 and A-21. Bay access points are as follows: Reed's Road (opposite the maintenance area), Lagoon Road (north side, opposite the Nature Center), Tidal Pond Bird Blind Trail (opposite Ocean Swimming Area #1), Fisherman's Walkway (A-7), A-15, Johnny Allen's Cove Trail (Interpretive Center), Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail (between A-19 and A-21).
Page 4 Island Beach State Park 2004 Spring & Summer Calendar of Events