Parking at Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee that includes use of designated parking areas. There are no individual beach meters, but the park can close temporarily when its vehicle capacity is reached.

Island Beach State Park Parking at a Glance

• Summer weekday fee: $6 for New Jersey residents and $12 for nonresidents.
• Summer weekend and holiday fee: $10 for New Jersey residents and $20 for nonresidents.
• Fee season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
• Parking: Included with vehicle admission and available in designated park lots.
• Capacity: Entry may pause when available parking is full.
• Overnight parking: Not available; this is a day-use park.

Where to Park

Follow park signs to the lot serving your intended destination, including the guarded swimming areas, nature center, trails or other public facilities. The park is long and narrow, so parking in the correct area can prevent a difficult walk with beach equipment.

Park only in marked or designated areas. Dunes, vegetation, access roads and unmarked shoulders are not overflow parking.

Summer Capacity Closures

The entrance can close temporarily after the park reaches vehicle capacity. Roadside waiting outside authorized areas is not a safe or reliable alternative. Check current park alerts before leaving and consider arriving near opening time on summer weekends and holidays.

Accessible Parking and Beach Access

Accessible parking is provided at designated facilities. Beach wheelchairs for the ocean swimming area are available at the pavilions. Contact the park office at 732-793-0506 before traveling if you need a specific accessible route or wheelchair.

Electric-Vehicle Charging

Level 2 charging stations are available at Island Beach State Park. Charging spaces are reserved for vehicles actively using the equipment. Follow the posted network price and time limits, which are separate from the park entrance fee.

Four-Wheel-Drive Beach Access

Driving onto authorized beach sections requires an NJDEP Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle permit. This is an active-fishing permit, not a general beach-driving or parking pass. Permit holders must carry the required equipment and follow seasonal closures and vehicle rules.

RVs, Trailers and Overnight Use

• Do not plan to camp or sleep in a vehicle inside the park.
• Contact the park before bringing an RV, trailer or unusually tall vehicle.
• Do not assume a fishing-vehicle permit authorizes overnight parking.

Official Parking Resources

Check the Island Beach State Park page, state-park fee schedule and Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle permit information.