Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light, NJ
“Old Barney”, a red-and-white lighthouse at the north tip of Long Beach Island, with a climb to the gallery and a jetty walk.
Barnegat Lighthouse, nicknamed "Old Barney," in Barnegat Light, New Jersey, stands at the north end of Long Beach Island between Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The current tower is about 165 feet (50 meters) tall, construction began in late 1856, and it went into service in 1859. Its first-order Fresnel lens, about 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall, is now on display at the Barnegat Light Museum a few blocks away.
217 steps lead to the top, where you get a wide view over Long Beach Island and the Atlantic. The tower closed in 1988 for construction of the new south jetty and reopened in 1991, and a walkway on the jetty has been available since then. In the park, an interpretive center explains the history and nature of the place, and the Maritime Forest Trail is a loop of about 0.2 mile (300 meters) through one of New Jersey's few remaining maritime forests.
The tower is open seasonally and only when the weather allows (as of October 2026), so check with the state park before you go. Its light shines every night from dusk to dawn.
- Nearest town
- Barnegat Light, NJ
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.7644, -74.1061
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Atlantic Shore Pines CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Barnegat Lighthouse
- North Shore CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Barnegat Lighthouse
- Brendan T. Byrne State Forest CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Barnegat LighthouseTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Wading Pines Camping ResortCampsite24 mi from Barnegat LighthouseTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Chestnut Lake RV ResortMotorhome stopover25 mi from Barnegat Lighthouse · 189 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Tip Tam Camping ResortMotorhome stopover25 mi from Barnegat LighthouseTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in New Jersey · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Barnegat Lighthouse?
Barnegat Lighthouse is in Barnegat Light, NJ, at GPS 39.7644, -74.1061. It is about 20 mi from Bass River State Forest.
Can you camp near Barnegat Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cedar Creek Family Campground, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Barnegat Lighthouse?
Barnegat Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Pine Barrens and the Jersey Shore to Cape May.
What is there to see near Barnegat Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Island Beach State Park (2 mi), Batsto Village (30 mi), Lucy the Elephant (38 mi) and Grounds For Sculpture (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Barnegat Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)