Lake Barnegat Beach

Forked River, New Jersey · on Lake Barnegat

Verified · 3 independent sources · top-verified

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: $10
SEASON: Varies by conditions

About Lake Barnegat Beach

Lake Barnegat Beach is a township-operated swim beach on a residential lake (the 'second lake' of the Lake Barnegat lagoon community) in Forked River, part of Lacey Township, New Jersey. It is a lifeguarded, badge-required beach aimed primarily at local residents rather than a backcountry or wild swimming hole.

The beach sits on Lakeside Drive within the Lake Barnegat residential lake/canal development in Forked River, a bayside community in Lacey Township, Ocean County, near Barnegat Bay. The setting is a suburban, developed lakefront rather than a natural or remote landscape.

Swimming at Lake Barnegat Beach

Swimming takes place in a lifeguard-patrolled, calm lake beach designed for families; the site also includes a Wibit floating inflatable waterpark for an added fee, suggesting shallow, protected, current-free water suited to children and casual swimmers rather than open-water or deep-water swimming.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up/walk-in township beach directly on Lakeside Drive in Forked River; no trail or hike is needed to reach the water.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

Good for kids

Lifeguarded (beach patrol 10am-4pm in season), calm residential lake water with no current, and an on-site Wibit floating inflatable waterpark (min age 7, life jackets required). Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult on the beach. No mention of a designated shallow-only children's area.

Hours

Beach Patrol (lifeguards) on duty 10am-4pm during the season; the beach operates weekends starting June 20, 2026, then daily from June 25, 2026 onward (typical seasonal schedule for this Lacey Township beach).

On the water

KayaksCanoesPaddleboards

Restrictions: Non-motorized watercraft only (canoes, kayaks, row boats, paddleboards); no mention of motorized boats, jet skis, or a no-wake zone designation.

Access to the beach itself requires a badge with proof of Lacey Township residency, so watercraft launching here is effectively limited to residents/badge holders rather than the general public.

Lake Barnegat Beach: FAQ

Does Lake Barnegat Beach charge a fee?

Beach badges $10 (available starting mid-May); required for anyone age 5 and up. Proof of residency (tax bill, sewer bill, deed/lease copy, or driver's license) is required to purchase a badge, indicating the beach is primarily for township residents. Wibit floating waterpark is an additional $10 per session for badge holders / $20 for non-residents, minimum age 7.

Is Lake Barnegat Beach kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Lake Barnegat Beach?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Lake Barnegat Beach?

Access to the beach itself requires a badge with proof of Lacey Township residency, so watercraft launching here is effectively limited to residents/badge holders rather than the general public.

What are the rules at Lake Barnegat Beach?

Beach patrol operates 10am-4pm during the season; badges must be openly displayed. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Swimmers must remove jewelry, keys, glasses/sunglasses, and sharp objects before entering the water. Wibit waterpark requires life jackets, feet-first entry, and prohibits swimming underneath the equipment. Non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) are allowed.

What water body is Lake Barnegat Beach on?

Lake Barnegat Beach is on Lake Barnegat, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.