# Island Beach State Park

> Island Beach State Park covers about 3,000 acres (roughly 1,200 ha) near Seaside Park and is among the largest largely undeveloped stretches of barrier…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/island-beach-state-park/

A long, undeveloped barrier-island strip with dunes, bayside marsh and uncrowded ocean beaches, reached by a single road. Bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade, and arrive early in summer.

Island Beach State Park covers about 3,000 acres (roughly 1,200 ha) near Seaside Park and is among the largest largely undeveloped stretches of barrier island in New Jersey. The industrialist Henry Phipps bought the land in 1926 to build an exclusive resort; after the stock market crash it stayed undeveloped, and the state purchased it in 1953. Today the park protects beaches, dunes, maritime forest and tidal marshes, including one of the state's largest osprey colonies. You can swim, kayak, fish and surf in designated areas.

Plan on half a day to a full day if you want to combine the ocean beach, the dunes and the bay side. Shade is scarce, so bring water and sun protection. In summer, arrive early. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed on certain beach sections only with a special permit.

- **Nearest town:** Seaside Park, NJ
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 39.7983, -74.0926

## 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 December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Island Beach State Park – NJ Division of Parks and Forests](https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/am_IBSP.pdf)
- [Island Beach State Park – History](https://islandbeachnj.org/History/History.html)

## Nearby

- [Barnegat Lighthouse](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-barnegat-lighthouse/) – 2 mi
- [Batsto Village](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-batsto-village/) – 31 mi
- [Lucy the Elephant](https://camping-spirit.com/places/lucy-elephant/) – 40 mi
- [Grounds For Sculpture](https://camping-spirit.com/places/grounds-for-sculpture/) – 45 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Island Beach State Park?

Island Beach State Park is in Seaside Park, NJ, at GPS 39.7983, -74.0926. It is about 35 mi from Atlantic City.

### Can you camp near Island Beach State Park?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cedar Creek Family Campground, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Island Beach State Park?

Places worth a stop nearby: Barnegat Lighthouse (2 mi), Batsto Village (31 mi), Lucy the Elephant (40 mi) and Grounds For Sculpture (45 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Island Beach State Park?

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)