Skip to Content (Press Enter)

Island Beach State Park Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle Permit Terms and Conditions

  • Permit Use
  • Mandatory Equipment
  • Driving on the Beach
  • Decals
  • Parking
  • Fishing
  • Rules & Regulations

    • Permit Use top

  • Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle (MSFV) permits are issued for access to the beach for the sole purpose of fishing.
  • MSFV PERMITS will only be issued to the Registered Owner of the vehicle; leased or company owned vehicles will need lease documents, proof of ownership, etc. No all-terrain vehicles (ATV/UTV) are allowed.
  • Annual MSFV permits are valid from January 1st to December 31st.
  • Weekday MSFV permits are valid as follows:
    • - April 1 – May 19, 2024 and October 1 – December 1, 2024 - daily access
    • - May 22 – September 30, 2024 – access weekdays only beginning 6 a.m. Monday and vehicles must be off the beach by 8 p.m. Friday
    • - The following Weekday Holidays are EXCLUDED with this permit; Monday May 27, Friday June 21, Thursday July 4 and Monday September 2, 2024.
    • -These permits expire December 31, 2024.
  • From May 19 through September 30 vehicles are prohibited in the recreation swimming areas or north of the A-7 Access road because of high public visitation on the beach.
  • Non-transferable to another vehicle
  • Permit holder is responsible for the actions of any driver operating the permit vehicle on the beach. All drivers must be 18 years of age or older.
  • By use of this permit, the permit holder agrees to comply with all park rules and regulations. The Permit holder is liable for any damage to people or property resulting from the use of permit vehicle on the beach.
  • The area superintendent reserves the right to close the beach or sections to vehicles due to nesting shore birds, high tides, erosion, and/or other emergencies.
  • No more than 500 vehicles allowed on the beach at one time. Entry will be temporarily closed when the limit is reached.
  • Permits are sold on a first come first served basis and subject to availability.

    Mandatory Equipment top

    Vehicle must carry mandatory equipment
  • Fishing equipment & bait/tackle for each person 12 years of age and older.
  • Tire gauge
  • Spare tire
  • Workable jack & board/support for jack in sand (3/4 in. x 12x12 in. plywood square minimum size)
  • Tow chain/snatch line
  • Shovel
  • Flashlight
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Auto first aid kit
  • Litter / trash bags – Carry In, Carry Out
  • Minimum of 1/4 tank of fuel
  • Current tide chart & jumper cables are recommended

    Driving on the Beach top

    There are 3 MSFV Access Roads:
    • Gillikins: located in the Northern Natural Area and is designated for fishing only. No picnicking, sunbathing, or fires are allowed in this area. MSFV are not permitted north of this access. You may not drive south through the bathing areas from May 20 through September 30.
    • A-7 access provides entrance to the Southern Natural Area. You may not drive north through the bathing areas from May 20 through September 30. This is a multi-use area.
    • A-23 access at the end of the paved roadway provides access to Barnegat Inlet and jetty fishing. MSFV shall not be parked within 30’ of the jetty and must be parked facing North while parked at the jetty. This is a multi-use area.
  • Prior to entering beach, reduce tire pressure to at least +15 psi to avoid getting stuck
  • Comply with the 10 mph speed limit
  • When driving yield to the right of oncoming traffic
  • Use caution to avoid people, fishing equipment and other items on the beach
  • Stay within the designated beach areas, STAY OFF THE DUNES AND PARK VEGETATION
  • All NJ traffic laws are enforced on the beach.

    Decals top

  • Apply securely and permanently to the left (driver's side) of the front and rear bumpers. Stickers must be clearly visible. No magnets or Velcro.
  • The State of New Jersey is not responsible for lost or stolen permits and it will not be replaced.
  • Mobile sport fishing vehicle permit replacement fee (new vehicle) is $25
  • For replacement decals, you will need your paid receipt and the "old" decals, regardless of condition.

    Parking top

  • Vehicles shall be parked facing away from the ocean with the MSFV permit clearly visible and to avoid moisture/saltspray on windshield and engine compartment
  • Avoid obstructing other vehicles
  • Avoid incoming tide
  • MSFVs shall not be parked within 30’ of the jetty and must be parked facing North in this area only
  • Single file parking, no stacking

    Fishing top

  • All persons 12 years of age and older must have personal fishing gear (rod, reel, line, hooks and bait/lures).
  • Saltwater anglers 16+ MUST register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program prior to fishing any tidal waters in NJ. Registration is FREE. https://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry
  • Permit use restricted to "fishing" and related activities such as travel to and from fishing location, setting up, stowing gear, and the like. All persons not “actively engaged in fishing” shall leave the park at closing time. MSFV permit holders may park in the 1st Swimming Area after midnight but shall leave the parking lot by 7 a.m.
  • Everyone 12 and older shall be actively engaged in fishing activities when on the beach at all times.
  • Small campfires and/or small barbeque grills are allowed south of Parking Area A-2 to ¼ mile north of the inlet, they must be 50 feet east of the dunes. The fire must be extinguished, wood removed, and hole filled in before you leave the beach. Check the NJ Forest Fire Service website for restrictions on fires .

    Rules & Regulations top

    All motor vehicles operated on lands under the jurisdiction of the State Park Service and all park users shall be subject to the Motor Vehicle Laws of the State N.J.S.A. 39-1 et. Seq. and the New Jersey State Park Service Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 7:2-1 et. Seq. These include but are not limited to:
  • SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED IN AREAS WITHOUT LIFEGUARDS.
  • ACCESS TO DUNES AND VEGETATION IS PROHIBITED.
  • ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PROHIBITED.
  • SPEED LIMIT is 10 mph on the beach.
  • No smoking. You may only smoke in your personal vehicle.
  • Vehicles shall be in good repair and not leak fluids (pollutants) onto the beach.
  • Gray water may not be discharged on the beach or into the ocean.
  • FIRES ARE PROHIBITED within the Northern Natural Area and the lifeguarded areas.
  • Pets must be kept on a leash (maximum length of 6 feet) at all times.
  • Ocean kayaking, paddle boarding or boogey boarding is not permitted.
  • No Tents or camping or temporary tent/shelter, including truck tents. Open pop-up type canopies are allowed.

    Violations of park rules and regulations shall be cause for permit privileges to be suspended without a refund. The area superintendent may suspend a permit for up to 90 days if found in violation of any law, rule, or regulation. No refunds will be given if a permit is suspended.

    IN CASE OF EMERGENCY OR TO REPORT VIOLATIONS PLEASE CALL: DEP HOTLINE 1-877-WARN-DEP (927-6337) OR THE PARK OFFICE 732-793-0506