Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
One of the few undeveloped barrier island covering 3,000 acres. Activities include fishing, swimming, sunbathing and surfing. The state's largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds, are found here.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Restaurants
19 within 3 miles
Attractions
17 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
257 reviews
Excellent
183
Very good
53
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
8
BarbaraAnn_22
New York City, NY79 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Amazing kayak tour with Island Beach Nature Programs. Guides Kelly, Donna and Joey were informative and easy going. Relaxed paddle to Sedge Island where we learned about the nature preserve AND went clamming!
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Archie
Glenmoore, PA5,281 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
This is a state park, you have to pay to enter. It was $12.00. There are multiple swimming areas with showers, restrooms and concessions stands. There are lifeguards on the beach. Unfortunately if there is a thunderstorm they clear you right out of the beach. The waves are huge and great for boogie boarding. There is a incline at the beach area so we could not touch the ground. It was at least 6 feet deep. The water was lovely and we enjoyed our visit. After the beach we visited the nature trails. Its nicely maintained and marked. There was a traffic jam getting out. But its worth the visit.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pulseps
1 contribution
Jun 2020
We (group of 20) finally get out in summer 2020. Choose this park due to lesser crowed. We went to last to second parking spot. Beach is great (clean and sandy) and there is not many around. The reason given 2 start less is we have been attacked by bees. Yes.... those are bees. I got bitten by 4 times. We all got bitten except kids (thanks god).
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dave911nj
Pipersville, PA1,157 contributions
Aug 2022
In my honest opinion...the best beaches in New Jersey...with Cape May a close second. I have been to almost every beach on the Jersey shore, and this one is tops. Clean, lots of shells, and dogs are allowed year round on beaches 3 through 21. First 2 beaches are guarded with the amenities like showers and snack bar. Beaches 3 to 21 are not guarded, but with beaches practically all to yourself...but no lifeguard, and no restrooms. This is where I go.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenel25
Toms River, NJ4 contributions
Jul 2011
Biting flies can be a problem on any NJ beach, particularly in Island Beach State Park, and can ruin your visit. But you might be able to predict whether there might be flies on the beach by checking the local weather report before you set out. If winds are blowing from the west, insects may be an issue. If winds are blowing from the east, you will likely enjoy a relatively fly-free day!
Written July 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer9649
7 contributions
I've been going to the Jersey shore my whole life, I've been the Cape may, all the WIldwoods, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, Atlantic City, Brigantine, and Spring Lake. None of these shore points have a better beach that Island beach state park. You can drive your truck on the beach here, fish, boat, bring your dogs, its beautiful, a great place for families, kids, couples....anyone.
If you dont park in the first two big parking lots, which we have to do since we bring our dog, and since we dont have a permit to drive on to the beach, be prepared to walk a bit of a distance through a pathway to get to the water...this was difficult to do with a heavy cooler. And dont forget the bug sray because the flies bite hard!
If you dont park in the first two big parking lots, which we have to do since we bring our dog, and since we dont have a permit to drive on to the beach, be prepared to walk a bit of a distance through a pathway to get to the water...this was difficult to do with a heavy cooler. And dont forget the bug sray because the flies bite hard!
Written June 29, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beach-Baby-4Ever
Goodyear, AZ60 contributions
Jun 2011 • Couples
Island Beach State Park (IBSP) is completely gorgeous. It begins with a gatehouse where vehicles are charged $6 on weekdays and $10. on the weekends. Off season the cost is $5 for the day. After driving through a wildlife conservation area you can choose to park at the north or south pavilion, which offer limited rentals, food, clean bathrooms, clean showers and changing areas. Also, rangers, medical personnel, maintenance and lifeguards are on duty during the season. This is a 100% safe, clean and beautiful beach destination. North pavilion also has handicapped beach access- nice for the elderly to still be able to enjoy the beach. The sand is sugar-white and soft. Lifeguard stands are numerous, guards are very well-trained, your family will always be safe swimming at these beaches. You may bring coolers, food, drink, rafts, beach toys BUT you must keep the rafts and toys around the perimeters of the bathing beaches- check with park employees before you unpack and set up camp. Alcohol, trespassing on the dunes and disrobing are strictly prohibited. Respect the sand! South of the bathing beaches are the A's. Small beach access areas with no guards and very limited parking. Get there early if you want some beach to yourself. here, you are welcome to BBQ, bring pets, etc... just mind the park rules. You are swimming at your own risk and occasionally guards will drive down and clear every one out of the water. Then they leave and you can go back in. :) After A-7, 4 wheel drive vehicles have beach access for fishing and camping but you must pay for a pass for that privilege. This is truly a beach paradise. I worked there when I was 18, I've visited there 1,000 of times since then- maybe more! I'm 47 now and heading over to buy my season pass for $50.00. Enjoy the waves, respect the rules and you'll have the best beach day ever. 732-793-0030 Word to the wise- call beforehand to check on beach conditions- jellyfish, rip tides, and when there is a west wind, there may be biting flies on the beach. Have fun!
Written June 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liolly
Metuchen, NJ2 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
This beach is really beautiful. My friend and I went there for the first time in July and was so impressed by what we saw but once we laid our stuff down we were swarmed by flies that bite. They would not leave us alone unless we were in the water. It was horrible. And it was worst when we got to the bath houses. The walls were practically covered with flies and I was getting bit in the shower and the changing room. So many people were complaining. The next day my body was covered in bug bites.
Written July 24, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnthonyP
Toms River, NJ76 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
I have been going to Island Beach well over 60 years and this is the first time I’ve ever thought of writing a review of it. This state park is located between the Barnegat Bay in the Atlantic ocean and is a narrow strip of land about a half mile wide and approximately 10 miles long. It serves as a beautiful wildlife area with natural vegetation and fauna. There are two lifeguard and beaches on the ocean side. The beach is as white as sugar and as clean as any beach you have ever seen . This park is taken care of and attended by people who have pride in what they do and care how it looks. The majority of the park is passive recreation although it is well known for its surf fishing and clamming and crabbing on the Bayside. If you intend on visiting the Jersey shore and go to any other beach you are making a mistake. The pavilion has food clean free showers and dressing rooms. I am kicking myself for telling on how great this place is because I love to keep it all to myself.
Written July 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlackJoke
Geneva, Switzerland48 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
I really want to give IBSP 4.5 stars. The beach itself is beautiful, I much prefer it to the town beaches on the Shore. For one thing, access is much cheaper. It also has a less developed feel.
My problem is that I've been going here for years and the showers at swimming areas 1 and 2 are still in the same less than stellar state. It's usable, but needs some retiling and not always very clean. For those who are staying in a hotel nearby and can just drive home, not a problem. If you like to shower off and change after swimming, it could be much better.
NJ, raise your game here! Redo the showers in the off-season. Everybody will thank you, including state coffers.
My problem is that I've been going here for years and the showers at swimming areas 1 and 2 are still in the same less than stellar state. It's usable, but needs some retiling and not always very clean. For those who are staying in a hotel nearby and can just drive home, not a problem. If you like to shower off and change after swimming, it could be much better.
NJ, raise your game here! Redo the showers in the off-season. Everybody will thank you, including state coffers.
Written August 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the indoor showers working at IBSP ?
Crandall12
Lake Charles, LA489 contributions
No they have been removed from the men and women’s area
Does anybody know the bath house situation? Are the showers stalls with a curtain/door or are they just open? Are there individual changing rooms or is it just one big area?
Lisa D
Succasunna2 contributions
Is there any local places to stay that are clean for a family ?
ShaneSellsSeashells
247 contributions
Not really. I’d stay far away from Seaside Heights. Slum city!
TravelsHobby
Edison, NJ291 contributions
We are planning to visiting on a September weekend day. Although we live in Central NJ we have never been here and we don't normally go to the beach during fall season. We like to sped time by the water (but not necessarily in the water), enjoy a couple of hours on the boardwalk etc. Is this possible on a September weekend or things will be closed? What GPS address should I use and is there a charge to visit (park, beach access etc.) at this time of the year. Thanks.
Are coolers and food allowed on the beach?
ShaneSellsSeashells
247 contributions
Yes, watch the seagulls. They will swoop down and take your food when you least expect it. The beach is “carry in, carry out” so grab a paper bag near the walkway and don’t leave any trash behind.
zoyap370
South Brunswick, United States1 contribution
My daughter uses a wheelchair. Is there a runner that tuns across the beach to the edge of the surf?
Are there beach wheelchairs and can one keep them throughout the day when not needed by other visitors? Thank you.
1. Can I use a boogie board throughout the park?
2. Age to be eligible for Senior citizen rate?
3. Cost for senior and regular admission?
Rich D
2 contributions
Can you park your rv there during the day while your on the beach if I'm not mistaken there is no camping
Inspire512736
4 contributions
Hey CecileQ. .. Stay in PA. Us foul mouthed sorts from Jersey do not care to have you on our beaches anyway. Thanks..
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Claim your listingIsland Beach State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Island Beach State Park
- Island Beach State Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Restaurants near Island Beach State Park:
- (7.53 mi) River Lady
- (5.17 mi) Obcos Donuts Shop
- (9.07 mi) JBJ Soul Kitchen
- (6.88 mi) Tardi's Ristorante Italiano
- (4.73 mi) Xina
- Attractions near Island Beach State Park:
- (5.23 mi) The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
- (1.88 mi) Seaside Park Beach
- (8.79 mi) Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
- (6.95 mi) Cattus Island County Park
- (7.59 mi) Ocean County Library
Island Beach State Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 183 |
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Very Good Reviews | 53 |
Island Beach State Park Photos | 206 |