Island Beach State Park, NJ Photo: USGS
Fall is perhaps the best season to visit Island Beach State Park, the summer crowds post Labor Day have decreased dramatically. There are ten miles of sandy beach to explore, plus eight trails (all less than one mile). Try the beach after a tropical storm has churned the Atlantic Ocean or if in winter after a nor'easter.
- The Northern Natural Area:
- Public access to this northern section is limited to beach walking and ocean fishing. Access to portions of the Northern Natural Area is restricted.
- The Southern Natural Area:
- Comprises both the inlet area and a wildlife refuge.
Open 8 am through dusk during fall, your chances of being shut out due to the park reaching capacity are almost nil. The park is considered full when all parking spaces are taken, however bicycles are always permitted during hours.
There are no lifeguards on duty after Labor Day.
For birders this is a migration route. For equestrians, the park is open from October through April. For surf fishing please see State Site for regulations.
The daily entrance fee drops to $5.00 per carload.
A winter video from Save Barnegat Bay:
Directions:
Take Route 37 east to Route 35 south to park entrance.
Other popular New Jersey Sites:
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
.
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