Carli Brennan Even though summer has come to a close and the days are getting cooler, we still want to squeeze in a few more beach days before the weather gets too cold. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy a cozy beach bonfire at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County. Bundle up in comfy layers, grab your friends, and head down the shore for the ultimate fall beach day. Read on for everything you need to know about enjoying a bonfire at Island Beach.
Getting Your Permit for Island Beach
Island Beach State Park is one of the very few drive-on beaches in New Jersey. But while you can easily purchase daily passes to swim there, special permits are required for driving onto the beach, which makes it important to plan your visit ahead.
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For an annual drive-on permit, Island Beach uses a lottery system in which residents can apply for a Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle Permit. While this is important during the summer months, as the beach fills up quickly, it’s easier to purchase a three-day pass in the off-season. From October 1st through December 31st, you can purchase a three-day permit directly at the Island Beach gatehouse on the day of your visit. Permits cost $75 for New Jersey residents and $90 for non-residents. If you plan on surf-fishing during your visit, you will need to register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program as well. Registration is free.
Prepping Your Equipment for a Beach Day
It’s important to pay attention to the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association rules for driving on the beach. Because permits are granted solely for those who plan to fish, you are required to have the appropriate fishing equipment with you, in addition to a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, a shovel, a snatch rope/strap, a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, chemical light sticks/a road flare, a jack and support board, a spare tire, a trash bag, at least ¼ tank of fuel, and a current tide schedule. In addition to the required equipment, we suggest bringing extra layers of clothing for when it gets chilly, a cooler with your favorite food and snacks, your current read, some beach games, and a speaker. Once you drive onto the beach, you won’t be able to easily leave for food or drinks, so make sure you bring enough supplies for the duration of your visit. You can bring your dog as well, as long as they are kept on a leash that is up to six feet long.
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Your vehicle must have four-wheel drive and you will need to pull over at designated areas once you enter the park and air down your tires to 15-18lbs before driving onto the sand. This step is crucial so that your vehicle doesn’t get stuck in the sand. Island Beach has air-up locations where you can refill your tires on your way out.
Setting Up Your Beach Bonfire
If you are planning a bonfire, make sure to bring firewood, a fire starter, and a lighter. While you can also use newspaper as a fire starter, we recommend using something like Fatwood fire starter, as it can get pretty windy on the beach and newspaper may take a bit longer to catch. Once your fire is built, settle in for a cozy time, perhaps making s’mores and hot dogs as you enjoy the sunset. This is one of our favorite ways to spend a day at Island Beach, especially as the weather starts to cool down in early fall. Just make sure to put out your fire with a bucket of water and then bury the remains in the sand before you head home.
Other Activities at Island Beach State Park
Of course, if you’ve had enough of the beach, Island Beach is popular for many other activities, including horseback riding, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, bicycle riding, and hiking. Island Beach State Park is open every day in the off-season from 8:00AM until dusk. Take advantage of these final gorgeous days of fall.
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