The main gate of Island Beach State Park typically opens at 8 A.M. and closes at 8 P.M.. During summer weekends and holidays, from Memorial Day-weekend to Labor Day-weekend, the park opens at 7 A.M. Island Beach can get very crowded during the summer weekends and holidays. Park management considers the park full when all the parking spaces are occupied. Once this happens they do not let any more vehicles enter the park. This is a fairly common occurrence during summer weekends and holidays so be sure to plan accordingly.
You are required to pay a per vehicle entry fee when you enter Island Beach State Park.
| NJ resident | non-resident | ||
| Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend | |||
| Sat, Sun, holidays | 7 A.M. - 8 P.M. | $10.00 | $20.00 |
| Mon - Fri | 8 A.M. - 8 P.M. | $6.00 | $12.00 |
| off season | |||
| everyday | 8 A.M. - dusk | $5.00 | $10.00 |
The entry fee for Motorcyclists is $5.00 ($7.00 non-rsident) every day of the year. If you walk in or drive in on your bicycle there is no fee. Buses can enter Island Beach State Park for a fee (except for weekends and holidays) but such trips need to be arranged in advance with park managment.
The two most popular recreational activities are swimming and surf fishing. You can also ride your bicycle, scuba dive, surf, go for a hike, have a picnic, bring your horse, kayak, and drive your specially permitted vehicle on the beach to get to your favorite fishing spot on the beach (click on a link to find out more about each activity).
Other things you may want to know:
Wondering about bringing your dog?
Pesky insects, poison ivy, and jellyfish.
NO alcoholic beverages are allowed in Island Beach State Park.
Obey the speed limit signs posted on the park road.
There is no camping.
You should not feed any animals you encounter.
If you swim in the ocean you should know about rip currents.
You can call the Island Beach State Park office (732-793-0506) from 9:00 A.M - 4:30 P.M. with any other questions you may have.