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Island Beach State Park
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Island Beach State Park Sailing © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Beautiful Sailboat off shore
Island Beach State Park © Bill Horodeski
Island Beach State Park GReat White Egreat © JILL M. BEDNAR
A Grreat White Egreat Stands on a marhy bank at the back end of Spizzle Creek
Island Beach State Park © Ashleigh Zicker
Island Beach State Park © Ashleigh Zicker
Taken on the bay side at Island Beach State Park during sunset. -- May, 2010
Island Beach State Park Monarch © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Obviously migrating monarchs everywhere, this one stopped for a rest, right in front of us.
Island Beach State Park Pelican resting © Steven and Rita Meszaros
This pelican was just as happy resting between eating, So beautiful and peaceful
Island Beach State Park Dangerous surf © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Island Beach State Park © Gavin Tormollan
Island Beach State Park © Ashleigh Zicker
Island Beach State Park Pelican © Steven and Rita Meszaros
This is the first time we saw 8 Pelicans in one day at one time. Beautiful Bird.
Island Beach State Park Pair in flight © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Two Pelicans in flight together.,
Island Beach State Park Cedar Waxwing © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Island Beach State Park Osprey © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Island Beach State Park Osprey © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Eating sushi
Island Beach State Park © Steven and Rita Meszaros
Island Beach State Park Red © JILL M. BEDNAR
Fall Day at Island Beach State park
Island Beach State Park © Gavin Tormollan
Island Beach State Park © Ashleigh Zicker
Taken on the bay side at Island Beach State Park during sunset. -- May, 2010
Island Beach State Park © Ashleigh Zicker
Island Beach State Park © Ashleigh Zicker
Island Beach State Park © Gavin Tormollan
Island Beach State Park © Gavin Tormollan
Island Beach State Park © Gavin Tormollan
Island Beach State Park Brown Pelican © Steven and Rita Meszaros
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ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK
ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK
P.O. Box 37
Seaside Park, New Jersey   08752

Phone: 732-793-0506
Email: park email button icon
Shaped by storm and tides, Island Beach State Park is a narrow barrier island stretching for 10 miles between the restless Atlantic Ocean and the historic Barnegat Bay. Island Beach is one of New Jersey's last significant remnants of a barrier island ecosystem that once existed along much of the coast and is also one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the north Atlantic coast. Over 3,000 acres and 10 miles of coastal dunes remain almost untouched since Henry Hudson first described New Jersey's coast from the ship, the Half Moon, in 1609.

Miles of sand dunes and white sandy beaches offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife that is almost the same as it was thousands of years ago. Island Beach contains outstanding examples of plant communities such as primary dunes, thicket, freshwater wetlands, maritime forest and tidal marshes. The state's largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds, are found here. Island Beach is nationally known as a unique resource with over 400 plants identified, including the largest expanses of beach heather in New Jersey.
Swimming
Approximately one mile of designated ocean bathing beach is located in the central portion of the park. During the period from mid-June through Labor Day, this bathing beach is staffed with lifeguards who are trained in ocean lifesaving and first aid techniques. Nearby are parking areas and bathhouse pavilions with changing areas, first aid stations, and concessions.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two main areas where boats can be launched: Arey's Boat Basin and Tices Shoal, both providing access to Barnegat Bay. Kayaking is also popular with several trails available that range in difficulty levels from easy to challenging. Canoeing opportunities exist as well along the Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone which provides an immersive experience into wildlife habitats.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate boat fishing on designated sections of the bay while sailboats have specific zones assigned too; however, they must adhere strictly to speed limits set by authorities within these regions.

For those who prefer guided tours or do not own their personal watercrafts, there are rental services provided at certain locations including kayak rentals.

It should be noted though that all motorized vessels require registration and adherence to safety regulations such as having life jackets onboard before setting out onto waters around this area.
Fishing
Island Beach State Park is well known by New Jersey's saltwater anglers for excellent surf fishing for striped bass and bluefish. Other species include summer founder and weakfish. During the appropriate season, fishing for tautog along the north jetty of Barnegat Inlet is especially rewarding. Bait and fishing information may be obtained at local tackle dealers before entering the park. Saltwater fishing is subject to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and State Park Service regulations. Information regarding saltwater fishing regulations can be found in the Fish and Wildlife Digest, which is available at local tackle dealers.

Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle permits to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles on the fishing beaches may be obtained at the Park's Visitor Contact Station at the entrance gate.

$50.00 3-Day Permit$195.00 Annual Permit



Picnicking
Although tables and grills are not available in the park, visitors may enjoy picnicking on the ocean beach. Grills may be used on the beach south of the designated bathing area. Fires must be at least 50 feet east of the dunes, and picnickers are required to extinguish their fires before leaving the area. Island Beach State Park requires visitors to "Carry In/Carry Out" their garbage.
Trails
The Island Beach State Park Discovery Trails System provides a self-guided experience through the nine plant communities of a barrier island. Wayside exhibits located along each trail interpret the natural and cultural stories of the park. There are a total of 8 trails, each under one mile. For a copy of the Discovery Trails brochure and map, please contact the Park Office.

Horseback riding is permitted at Island Beach State Park from October 1 through April 30. There are six miles of ocean beach in the southern and central portions of the park available for equestrian use and a parking area is designated for horse trailers during this time period. Reservations are required by contacting the park office at (732) 793-0506.
Bicycling
Bicycling is permitted on the main road, but be aware it's shared with motor vehicles. Always wear a helmet.

Off-road biking isn't allowed due to sensitive ecosystems present in this location. Stick to designated paths only.

The park offers 8 miles of paved roads perfect for cycling enthusiasts; however, there are no bike rentals available onsite.

Cyclists should follow all traffic laws and remain vigilant as some areas can become crowded during peak times.

Remember that night riding requires lights - visibility is crucial when sharing the path with other users after sunset.

During summer months, heat can intensify quickly so carry plenty of water while pedaling through these scenic routes.

It's important not to disturb wildlife or veer off into dunes which serve as nesting grounds for endangered bird species here.
Nature Programs
Interpretive Programs:

Island Beach State Park's natural sand dune formations and relatively undisturbed vegetation create a natural classroom for the study of a barrier island ecosystem. In addition to the canoe and kayak tours, the park's interpretive program describes the natural history of the island through tours and activities scheduled daily during the summer months. Group tours maybe arranged in advance through the Park's Nature Center.

Interpretive facilities include the Nature Center, the Forked River Coast Guard Station No. 112 Interpretive Center, and the visitor's station at the Ocean Bathing Unit #1. Daily tours during the summer are held at this location.

The Emily DeCamp Interpretive Center

The Emily DeCamp Herbarium is a collection of approximately 400 plants that have been classified and preserved, giving the public an opportunity to learn about the nine plant communities at Island Beach State Park. One of the main attractions of this herbarium is that the visiting public and scientists are able to handle and examine individual plants. Plants have been placed in a protective mount that also gives historical and factual information about the plant. The herbarium is kept at the Forked River Interpretive Center.
Birding
The park offers a diverse range of bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching. The Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone is home to herons and egrets. Osprey nests are visible along the bay side of the park's southern end while peregrine falcons can be spotted at Barnegat Inlet. During migration season, shorebirds flock to its beaches and dunes.
Area Attractions
Recreation Area

Ten miles of pure white sand beach attract swimmers, sunbathers, anglers and surfers. Modern bathhouses, beach access ramps, a mile of beach with lifeguards, historic buildings, trails, interpretive programs, bike paths and facilities for people with disabilities combine to make Island Beach a unique place to explore.

Bicycling and Horseback Riding

A designated bicycle path is located along more than 8 miles of the main road. Six miles of ocean beach in the southern and central portions of the park are available for equestrian use from October 1 through April 30. A parking area is designated for horse trailers during this time period. There are no horse rental facilities in or near the park. Please contact the park office for further information.

Barnegat Bay

The bayside of the island is a nutrient-rich feeding ground for birds, fish and other wildlife. Naturalist guided canoe and kayak tours during the summer months take participants through the Sedge Islands where they can observe a wide variety of wildlife, including nesting ospreys, falcons and wading birds. Bird observation blinds give visitors the opportunity to view the wildlife in this very important habitat.Island Beach Northern Natural Area (659 acres) and

Southern Natural Area (1,237 acres)

Together, these two natural areas encompass one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches in the northeast United States. Rolling sand dunes, salt-sculptured vegetation, lush green salt marshes, and nine plant communities including a nationally significant maritime forest characterize Island Beach. The federally threatened piping plover is an occasional inhabitant of the open beaches and dunes. Access to portions of the Northern Natural Area is restricted.

Sailboarding and Surfing

Portions of the ocean beach at the extreme southern end of the designated bathing area have been set aside for sailboarding and surfing. For further information, please contact the Park Office.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving and underwater fishing are permitted along 2.5 miles of ocean beach just north of Barnegat Inlet. Scuba divers must register at the park office just prior to their first dive each year. Proof of current diving certification is required. Spear and underwater fishing are subject to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations. Diving in Barnegat Inlet is permitted and subject to New Jersey Boating Commission Special Regulations.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 29 best beach by spinninlilly
park review stars; one to five heading there right now. good memories with my kids and family
April 30 Favorite Weekend Destination in Summer by Down the Shore
park review stars; one to five
November 16 Clean beach, interesting ecosystem
park review stars; one to five Self-guided tours are excellent. All areas are kept clean. Friendly park staff.
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Surf and Stream Campground
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Take Route 37 east to Route 35 south to park entrance.

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