Just read an article in Philly Inquirer about this park. Is it true that the water is "crystal clear". I live in Philly and have never seen a crystal clear water at other New Jersey shores(Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, etc...). Thanks.

I hope the article wasn't too complimentary, as IBSP is a rare place indeed. Don't need to publicize how nice it really (crowd control).

As far as the water.. the last few years the water off NJ has been very clear - but that also depends on the day and/or aquatic life. If you have been to the other places.. the water is the same. What IBSP doesn't have are jetties.

Yes the water is generally clear but it depends on the tides too. I think Island Beach State Park is the nicest spot on the NJ coastline. If you are used to southern NJ beaches like Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, etc...you will be pleasently surprised by the whiteness of the sand at IBSP and the unspoiled beauty of the Island.

My family and I got to Island Beach State Park off of our boat everyweekend and its a great beach with clear water more then not. But dont tell too many people. Oh and one great part is they allow dogs on the beach. It could be the only beach in NJ to do so.

Just make sure that the wind is blowing in the right direction. Otherwise, every creature living in the dunes (ie, greenhead flies, etc) will be buzzing by to bite you. They do post (small) signs when there are flies on the beach. They do not give refunds.