Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

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Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. The area where the lighthouse stands was regarded as one of the most important navigational points for ships bound to and from New York Harbor. The ships were dependent upon the Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. The swift currents, shifting sandbars, and offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailors. The park is included as a maritime site on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.

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[edit] Barnegat Lighthouse

With a panoramic view of the Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island, the lighthouse is a popular tourist site. The lighthouse is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day (weather permitting).

[edit] Fishing

Saltwater fish can be caught along the bulkhead next to the picnic area. These fish include striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, tautog, winter flounder, and black sea bass. Access for the handicapped is available.

[edit] Picnicking

Picnicking areas are available. Handicapped access is available. Picnic tables are located along Barnegat Inlet. Two picnic shelters with tables are also provided. Fires, propane stoves, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the sites.

[edit] Birdwatching

The birds that can be spotted at the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park include but are not limited to shorebirds and wading birds, including black-crowned night herons, snowy egrets, and brown pelicans.

[edit] Trails

  • The Maritime Forest Trail is a 1/5-mile long, self-guided loop trail through one of the last remnants of maritime forest on Long Beach Island. The trail is classified as easy to moderate.
  • All trail classifications and descriptions are made by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees the State Park System.

[edit] Historical Sites

The Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center is open to those wishing to learn the history and environment surrounding the Barnegat Lighthouse.

[edit] Outside Sources

Ocean County, New Jersey

New Jersey State Parks
State Parks Abram S. Hewitt State Forest | Allaire State Park | Allamuchy Mountain State Park | Atsion Recreation Area | Barnegat Lighthouse State Park | Bass River State Forest | Belleplain State Forest | Brendan T. Byrne State Forest | Bull's Island Recreation Area | Cape May Point State Park | Cheesequake State Park | Corson's Inlet State Park | Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park | Double Trouble State Park | Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina | Farny State Park | Forked River State Marina | Fortescue State Marina | Fort Mott State Park | Hacklebarney State Park | High Point State Park | Hopatcong State Park | Island Beach State Park | Jenny Jump State Forest | Kittatinny Valley State Park | Leonardo State Marina | Liberty Landing Marina | Liberty State Park | Long Pond Ironworks State Park | Monmouth Battlefield State Park | Norvin Green State Forest | Parvin State Park | Penn State Forest | Princeton Battlefield State Park | Ramapo Mountain State Forest | Rancocas State Park | Ringwood State Park | Round Valley Recreation Area | Spring Meadow Golf Course | Spruce Run Recreation Area | Stephens State Park | Stokes State Forest | Swartswood State Park | Voorhees State Park | Washington Crossing State Park | Washington Rock State Park | Wawayanda State Park | Wharton State Forest | Worthington State Forest