Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in New Jersey, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-26. Check linked official notices before travel.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park occupies the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County, New Jersey. Climb the lighthouse for coastal views, explore maritime forest or watch the inlet from shore. The grounds, tower and interpretive center have different hours, and this is a day-use park without camping.

A lighthouse beside Barnegat Inlet

• The tower climb: 217 steps lead to the watch gallery overlooking the bay, island and ocean.
• Inlet views from ground level: a concrete walkway follows the south jetty, offering another perspective without a tower climb.
• Maritime woodland: the short forest loop passes through a coastal habitat important to migrating birds.

Check each facility's hours

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

A shoreline visit, not a swimming stop

Swimming is prohibited in the park. The tower requires a 217-step climb, so choose the ground-level visit if stairs do not suit your group. Do not turn a walk along the inlet into an unplanned swim.

Protect the coast and nesting birds

Carry out your trash; the park does not provide trash cans. Cooking, propane stoves and campfires are not allowed. Alcohol and drones are prohibited. Smoking and vaping are permitted only inside your personal vehicle.

Pets must remain controlled on a leash no longer than six feet. They are excluded from the Maritime Forest Trail, the inlet's concrete walkway and park facilities. Beach pet access is prohibited during the nesting period from April 1 through September 15.

Organized activities and special uses

Contact the park about a Special Use Permit for an organized event, commercial filming, commercial photography or another listed special activity. A permit for such an activity does not create a camping option.

Reach the northern end of Long Beach Island

The physical address is 208 Broadway and The Bay, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006. From the Garden State Parkway, the official approach uses Exit 63, Route 72 east, Long Beach Boulevard and Broadway. The official brochure and area map show the lighthouse, visitor facilities and short trail.

Nearby parks by road

• Double Trouble State Park: the historic village is at 581 Pinewald Keswick Road in Bayville, reached on the mainland road network.
• Bass River State Forest: near Tuckerton, with road access from US 9 and the Garden State Parkway to Stage Road.

Choose a climb, short walk or birdwatching visit

The tower provides a high viewpoint, while the interpretive center explains lighthouse technology, keepers' work and efforts to save the structure from erosion. Camera views from the tower are displayed in the center when it is open.

The Maritime Forest Trail makes a 0.2-mile loop. For a different outing, watch the inlet or fish from permitted shoreline areas under New Jersey fishing regulations. Birdwatchers can look for migrating birds and winter waterfowl while respecting seasonal nesting fences.

Ground-level access and picnic space

The lighthouse base and interpretive center are accessible to visitors with disabilities. The tower itself is a stair climb. A 1,033-foot concrete walkway with handrails runs along the inlet, and picnic tables and two shelters offer places to pause. Bring ready-to-eat food because cooking is prohibited.

Restrooms, parking and the office appear on the official area map. Contact the park about individual access needs and facility availability before a visit that depends on a particular service.

A navigation landmark shaped by the sea

A light for a difficult inlet

The present lighthouse first shone on January 1, 1859. It guided vessels past shifting shoals before its decommissioning in 1927. The state park opened in 1957, preserving the tower and the story of the repeated effort to protect it from the advancing sea.

Maritime forest and winter waterfowl

Black cherry, sassafras, eastern red cedar and American holly form part of the forest habitat. Migrating birds use it for feeding and rest. Winter visitors may encounter red-breasted mergansers, common eiders and harlequin ducks near the coast; sightings are not guaranteed.

Confirm tower access

Call 609-494-2016 or email [email protected]. The official park page carries hours, advisories and special-use information.