NO, IT'S NOT THE OUTER BANKS - BUT YOU CAN ENJOY THIS 10 MILE LONG BEAUTY FOR FREE

Believe it or not, this beautiful park is a mere five minute car ride from the exact spot where Snookie & her 'Jersey Shore' gang terrorize tourists with their 'all summer long' shenanigans. 


And you can escape to it for free if you use your head (& maybe your feet). 

Welcome to NJ's longest undeveloped barrier island beach - Island Beach State Park. But it wasn't supposed to be that way. As early as the mid 19th century there were several hotels & even a tavern here. 

                            Reed's Road  Maritime Forest Trail

In fact, you can even walk past the site of the historic Reed's Hotel on the above pictured trail. But if you do, bathe in bug spray. Sandy & I were almost lifted off the ground by blood sucking mosquito squadrons that seem to thrive on these damned trails. The ocean beach is basically bug-less.

   Great dunes dot the beach - basically bug-less especially if there's an ocean breeze

In the 1920's Henry C. Phipps bought the land with mega mansion development on his mind. But the place was saved from this richman's 'seaside sprawl' thanks to the depression (only 3 homes were built) & the state bought it in the 50s for just under 3 mil. The park opened to the public in 1959.

Today you can swim, fish, jog, hike, bird watch, nature trail it, register the kids for almost a dozen park programs, visit the Forked River Interpretive Center or simply see how the NJ coast was in the pre-boardwalk/amusement park ride days for $10 per car fee on summer weekends/holidays, $6 on summer weekdays & $5 for the rest of the year. 

With a special permit ($195 per year or $50 for the 3 day version) you can take your 4 wheel drive on the beach and fish 'til your heart's content.  You can also drive all the way to Inlet (the paved road stops 1 1/2 miles before) & see the famous Barnegat lighthouse.

But for those cash deprived, there are ways to beat the costs:

Yes, my friends, you can bike or walk in to the park for free. We do both. You don't even have to stop at the gate when you enter. Just go to the path on the right (west) of the 3 toll booths & you're home free.

                                          Take the path to the right of 3rd booth

Walkers can also enter on the ocean side by just walking down the beach. Years ago there used to be a fence & a 'Keep Out' sign. It's gone so you can stroll right in.


But we prefer to enter by the main gates where you are greeted by a celebrity:

                                          Smokey T. Bear & friend


See famous animal walks:

                 Sorry no sea turtles. Just the box & diamondback terrapin land variety.

And get to meet some up close.

According to Park literature, a Red Fox is supposed to be 'naturally wary of humans', but the dozen or so  we saw walked right by us and practically bumped into our legs.


Oh yes, there's one more way to get a freebee -  get old. Those 62 and above can receive a gratis 'Senior Citizen Pass'.