Island Beach State Park, New Jersey
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
A very serious chunk of the east coast is known for its barrier islands—long strips of land that stand between the “mainland” and the Atlantic Ocean. Island Beach State Park in New Jersey, as you can probably tell, is one of those types of places. This one stretches for a long, narrow 10 miles along the coast of Jersey.
The island is a diverse mix of flora, fauna, and habitat. Not only are there sandy beaches (where you’ll mostly find vacationers), there are also tall sand dunes, tidal marshlands, and maritime forests. There’s even a notable difference just between the ocean-facing and bay-facing sides.
One of the biggest annual draws to the island itself is the beach. Here you’ve got white sand and a natural landscape on either side of you. This is opposed to the tourist-heavy boardwalk beaches in the north and south of the state, loaded with attractions and carnivalesque draws and shopping. Here, there’s the roar of the ocean and plenty of flora and fauna, all meant to give you a peaceful time on the beach.
Swimming is only allowed from Memorial Day until Labor Day. While that may feel limiting, this is when lifeguards are on duty, which you have to appreciate. Inside this designated swimming area, there are restrooms, a changing station, first aid, and a small concession stand for refreshments and any beach necessities you may not have been able to pack.
It’s a unique hobby, but riding the dunes in a four-wheel-drive vehicle is certainly a popular one here. Many in the area jump into their “beach buggies” and go for rides along the beach, and if you’ve got a dune buggy (or can find a place to rent you one) you should too.
You have to have a permit to access the dunes in your four-wheel-drive vehicle, but they’re easy to obtain. They’re $75 in-state, and $90 for out-of-state, and valid for 72 hours. It’s important to note, though, that your rental RV isn’t made for cruising on dunes, so try to find a place that will rent you a proper vehicle.
Visit any coastal area and you know fishing will be a major part of the culture there. The same is true in Island Beach State Park. In particular, tautog is very popular to catch here and put up a heck of a fight.
You can either surf fish (which is fishing from the shoreline), or go “mobile sport fishing,” which is essentially using a dune buggy and loading it down with fishing gear so you can go to where the fish are. You’ll be subject to a fishing license. But the striped bass and bluefish are worth it.
On the ocean side of the barrier island, there’s a lot of water that makes for a lot of recreational opportunities. If you’re used to it—or at least, if you’re up for a challenge—you can try your hand at surfing, or sailboarding. Sailboarding is like surfing, but your board has an upright sail on it. You can use the far southern end of the swimming area, which is designated for both of these sports.
If you’re not an established surfer and bring your own board with you on your vacations, there are several places in the area that will be happy to rent you one. Alternatively, you can take this opportunity to take surfing lessons. Either way, enjoy riding the waves near this gorgeous coastal island.
Just north of Barnegat Inlet, which is directly south of the island, there’s a 2.5-mile area that’s set aside for SCUBA diving. If you’re not traveling with your gear (or don’t have any) you can rent some nearby. You’ll also have to check in with the park and show your SCUBA certification.
If you’re looking for a really unique experience, you can couple your SCUBA diving trip and also go spearfishing. You can also dive in the Barnegat Inlet, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and know the rules and regulations of the area.
Located in nearby Barnegat, Long Beach RV Resort is just 10 miles from the beaches you’re here for. Sites have electric and water hookups, plus fire rings and grills. There are also laundry facilities on-site, plus a dump station. Looking for the fun? There’s a giant pillow or enjoy an 18-hole mini-golf course. And of course, you’ll also find a pool and nature trails nearby.
A family campground with over 200 sites (some with full hookups available; water and electricity are available at all) Timberland Lake Campground is the kind of place you go for a summer camp kind of experience with the whole family. There’s a private, 5-acre lake for fishing and boating, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Forget something? Get it at the well-stocked camp store—or enjoy a rainy day in the arcade.
Looking for an actually quiet place to enjoy your little getaway? Indian Rock RV Park is the place for you. It’s quiet and comfortable, yet still offers all of the amenities you want and need to have a great time. There’s water and electricity at each site, with sewer at many of them as well. There are a few small sports courts to enjoy, and of course a swimming pool. One of the biggest perks? It’s very near Six Flags Great Adventure.
Want a kind of adventure when you camp? Let’s talk about Sea Pirate Campground. While it’s not actually out on the water, it is located on the Jersey Shore. And there’s a ton of fun to be had—albeit without any plundering. There’s a pool, arcade, and playground. If you’re an angler, there’s both fresh and saltwater fishing, plus crabbing. Rent a canoe, kayak, or golf cart and cruise around to your heart’s content. Have some grub at the onsite galley. And of course, come back to your RV with full hookups.
Cedar Creek Campground is the type of place you can go and simply enjoy being out in nature. Sites have full hookups so you can actually enjoy your RV the way it’s meant to be enjoyed—plus there’s cable. There are trails for hiking nearby, you can paddle Cedar Creek (colored amber thanks to tannic roots), and visit the Barnegat Bay which is nearby. And of course, there’s a huge pool to enjoy.
There’s also tomato pie, which is pizza with the sauce inverted on top of the cheese and other toppings. New Jersey is also well known for its numerous diners, and you’ll no doubt find plenty of those around as well, slinging burgers, cheesesteaks, and fast breakfasts.
There’s not really any proper dining at Island Beach State Park, aside from a refreshment stand at the beach. Instead, plan on bringing a picnic that you make and pack in your RV. You’ve got a full kitchen, so stock the fridge and pantry and make some finger foods to enjoy after a day out on the beach—or anywhere else within the state park.
Up and down the island, you’ll find lots of great joints to eat in. And one thing you’ll find plenty of is seafood. From lobster to crab to fresh fish, there’s plenty of it here and they make it well. Otherwise, keep an eye out for sub shops, and you’ll also have no problem finding a place to serve up a big breakfast.
Further inland, you’ll find more traditional foods, like burgers, pizza, Mexican and taco joints, and more. Of course, many of the seafood places serve this kind of grub as well—but pick where you’ll be and find the place you’ll all enjoy. You shouldn’t have any trouble at all.