Island Beach State Park

Or call (732) 793-0506 or email IslandBeach@dep.nj.gov for more information.

• Scott
  Jul 24, 2023
  A beautiful Dog Day at the beach

  Oreo had an excellent time here at beach, and even though it was peak season in mid-July, and the weather was superb, it was not too crowded. He saw a few other happy doggies; and they all kept their distance, so there was no need for his typical defensive/possessive/aggresive barking response. He even enjoyed some time in the surf. Happy Dog and Happy Dog-Parents - 5 Big Bones!

• Jamie
  Jun 17, 2023
  Amazing!!!

  Tons of space between people. We went on a Friday and there was very few people on the beach and enough room to put plenty of space between you and others. There wasn’t a place to wash off but we didn’t mind since we were staying within 20 minutes. Plenty of places for my dog to run and get a true ocean experience.

• Nicole
  Sep 5, 2021
  Best beach ever

  I wish I could give this 100/100 bones! We take Paisley here almost every weekend in the summer! the beaches are well kept and super dog friendly!

• Steve
  Jul 12, 2021
  Not the usual Jersey Shore

  Island Beach State Park is a gem - they have 23 parking lots with access to the beach - 21 of them are dog friendly (plus no lifeguards either - yes the dog must be on a leash but the beaches are empty as most of the tourists go to the 2 large beaches with lifeguards.

• Amy
  Nov 27, 2020
  Great beach for dogs to run

  We enjoyed visiting Friday after thanksgiving. There were lots of fishermen and some other dogs. Bridget was able to run and chase a ball for hours.

• Becky
  Aug 10, 2020
  Unexpected Capacity Closures

  We arrived just over an hour after their Sunday 8am opening but they were already closed due to capacity. The office staff was very friendly and apologetic but our day ended up mostly taking a long drive and views from the car.

• Chris
  Sep 8, 2019
  Amazing Place For Dogs

  I discovered this place last year and have been coming back with my 2 dogs ever since. Great place to bring your dogs. Dogs are allowed in marked areas away from the designated swim areas with lifeguards. Miles and miles of beautiful beaches that dogs can play in. Highly recommended

• Chris
  Sep 3, 2019
  Excellent Place For Dogs

  I brought my dogs to this beach all summer. It has miles of Beaches where you can bring your dogs to
  Play. The staff is very friendly towards dogs and they take excellent care of the park. A true jem!

• Will
  Jul 27, 2019
  Great For A Day Out Or Walk Along The Beach

  We took our 6 month old golden and had an absolute blast. The swimming beaches only take up about 1/2 mile of the 11 mile beach so plenty of space for doggo! We asked on the gate about the dog and they gave us a map to clear up any confusion. We kept our pup on leash at all times as she’s still young and not very trustworthy. We did see one or two dogs off the leash (technically against the rules) but they were well behaved so zero concerns. Will visit again.

• John
  More than a year ago
  Great place to bring dogs.

  The dogs love to come to IBSP. Lots of open space .

• Kathy
  More than a year ago
  Flies

  I've been going going to Island Beach SP and LBI for years. The only time the flies are bad is when the wind comes from the west. Keep an eye on those flags, or check the weather before you go. IBSP is my favorite NJ beach!

• Hope
  More than a year ago
  Absolute Gem

  Love coming here w/ my dog. Its absolutely gorgeous, has plenty of open space and the beaches are pristine. Almost don't want to post and keep it to myself, but it's too good not to visit.

• Ewa
  More than a year ago
  Flies, flies, flies!!!!

  I brought today 08/01/15 my dog to this beach. After 5 minutes we just had to run off the beach. The flies did bite so bad that my dog started to hide his head under the sand. And my ankles started to bleed from all the biting. Almost 3 hours of driving, paying for the gas and tolls plus $10 admission and we did last maybe 5 minutes on the beach. The worst experience ever !!!!!!!

• Scott
  More than a year ago
  Flies? Come on people

  Where there is standing water like the bay there will be flies. When the wind blows from the west (where the bay is and toward the ocean) the flies will get blown your way for a feeding. Sit close to the shoreline for some releif or choose your visits based on wind direction...your call. I go regardless.
  Enjoy

• Rich
  More than a year ago
  remy

  flies are bad only when wind comes from the east

• Laura
  More than a year ago
  Great Beach, Plenty of Space

  My husband and I brought our dog to Island Beach State Park today 08-19-12, and it was wonderful. Dogs (Pets) cannot be on the public beach with lifeguards or on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail, but are permitted anywhere else as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. This beach was huge, only a few people, well behaved pets, and no flies or bugs. We had a wonderful day.

• Jennifer
  More than a year ago
  Flies...yes, the flies

  Agreed. The flies really do stink there. I've only been there in early September, and they do BITE bad...they seem to come out later in the day though...so be careful of that if you go there! Tried bug spray, that didnt work either! :( Parking is a little rough too (not alot of it), BUT in all, love that place!

• Arden Townsend
  More than a year ago
  Great Beach

  We bring Daisy and Precious down the shore all the time to this place. They have to be on leash during their stay. The only place they are not allowed is the public beach where the lifeguards are. We normally go down to fisherman wharf area and enjoy exploring the beach then. We go to this location through out the year. I will admit that the flies are bad in late July to late August, but that is the only time we have had fly problems.

• Aisha
  More than a year ago
  Nice but lots of flies in the summer

  Dogs are allowed on the non lifeguarded beaches. Nice beach for both you and your dog. Sadly after we were done playing by the water my little lab and I got eaten to death by black flies and green heads. To the point where both the pup and I went running off the beach. Might be better in the spring or fall.

We dug up 11 pictures of dogs at Island Beach State Park.

Want to feature your creature? Upload a photo of your pet at Island Beach State Park! You can also share by using the hashtag #bringfido on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.