Could Island Beach State Park Admission Be Free Again This Year?

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK, NJ — Last summer, a fee holiday included in Gov. Phil Murphy's state budget meant that entrance to all state parks was free, including Island Beach State Park. And it could happen again in 2023.

In his proposed state budget, Murphy has touted making New Jersey more affordable. Part of this is no new taxes and fees, including entrance and parking fees at state parks.

The 2024 fiscal year begins on July 1, 2023, and the State Legislature must approve a budget by then.

The typical cost for Island Beach State Park is $6 for weekday parking and $10 for weekend parking.

Last year's fee holiday was regardless of state residency. Other individual park fees such as camping or mobile sport fishing permits still remained.

"While incentivizing tourism and economic activity in our local communities, the fee holiday also promotes access to green, open space; thriving waterways; and the many natural wonders that make us proud to call New Jersey our home," Murphy said in 2022 when the fee holiday was announced.

This would mark the third straight year of free entrance to Island Beach State Park - free park passes were given out in 2021 as an incentive for getting a COVID-19 vaccination.