NJ Shore State Parks & Recreation Areas

There are 26 state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas within the four Shore counties (Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May). These range from coastal parks like Island Beach State Park to Pine Barrens preserves like Bass River State Forest.

Island Beach State Park offers 10 miles of pristine, undeveloped barrier island beach. It's considered one of the last significant natural barrier beach ecosystems on the Atlantic coast and offers excellent swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Most NJ state parks charge a parking fee during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Fees are typically $5-$10 for NJ residents and $10-$20 for out-of-state visitors. An annual pass is available for frequent visitors.

Several Shore-area state parks offer camping including Bass River State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, Allaire State Park, and Cheesequake State Park. Reservations can be made through the NJ State Parks reservation system.

Two historic lighthouses are preserved as state park sites: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (the famous "Old Barney") and Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands. Cape May Point State Park also features views of the Cape May Lighthouse (operated by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts).

Dogs are generally allowed in NJ state parks but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not permitted on designated swimming beaches. Some wildlife management areas have different rules for hunting dogs during season.