Top 10 Free and Cheap Beaches in New Jersey

New Jersey is widely known to be one the most expensive states in the nation to live, work, and play, and the beaches of New Jersey are no exception. A day trip to a New Jersey beach can cost a family of 5 as much as $60 just to step foot on the beach. Add in the cost of parking, food (many of the more expensive beaches do not allow food on the beaches), gas and tolls, and other extras and you've got yourself a budget-busting family adventure. However, New Jersey is also home to some very nice cheap and free beaches, perfect for beach-goers on a budget. The following is a list of the top 10 free and cheap beaches in New Jersey...

Wildwood

The Wildwoods (which also includes Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood) are consistently ranked at the top of the list of the best beaches in New Jersey with tons of events for everyone and beaches that, unlike many, grow in size every year. Best of all, beaches in Wildwood, New Jersey are free. Restrooms are available; showers and changing rooms are not. Food is permitted on the beach. The beaches of Wildwood, New Jersey, are open weekends only from Memorial Day weekend through the second weekend in June, daily thereafter through Labor Day, and also open on the weekend after Labor Day. For more information on the free beaches of Wildwood or for a free visitors guide, click here.

Wildwood Crest

Beaches in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey are free. Restrooms are available; showers and changing rooms are not. Food is permitted on the beach. The beaches of Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

North Wildwood

Beaches in North Wildwood, New Jersey are free. Restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are available. Food is permitted on the beach. The beaches of North Wildwood, New Jersey, are open from Memorial Day weekend through the third weekend in September.

Sandy Hook Beach in Gateway National Recreation Area

Admission to Gateway National Recreation Area is always free; however, between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day there is a $10 beach parking fee at Sandy Hook beach. This is still cheap "admission" to a New Jersey beach though. Restrooms are available. Food is permitted on the beach. Free interpretive activities and admission to historic sites are also available. Sandy Hook beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For more information on free and cheap activities at Sandy Hook beach, click here.

Island Beach State Park

While not free, admission to Island Beach State Park in South Seaside Park, New Jersey, is cheap - just $6 per carload during the week, $10 per carload on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Admission to Island Beach State Park is free the rest of the year and always free for bicyclists and hikers. Restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are available. Food is permitted on the beach. Free tours and interpretive programs are also available at the beaches of Island Beach State Park. The beaches of Island Beach State Park are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For more information on free and cheap activities at Island Beach State Park in South Seaside Park, New Jersey, click here.

Atlantic City

Beaches in Atlantic City, New Jersey, are free. Restrooms, showers and changing rooms are available. Food is permitted on the beach. The beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey, are open from Memorial Day weekend to September 30^th. For more information on the free beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey, click here.

Cape May Point State Park

Admission to the beach at Cape May Point State Park is free. Restrooms are available; showers and changing rooms are not. Food is permitted. Free interpretive programs are also available at Cape May Point State Park beach. The beach at Cape May Point State Park is open from dawn to dusk year-round, however the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards. For more information on free beach activities at Cape May Point State Park in New Jersey, click here.

Upper Township

The beaches of Upper Township, New Jersey are located at Beesley Point and Strathmere. Beach admission is free. Restrooms are available; showers and changing rooms are not. Food is permitted on the beach. The beaches of Upper Township, New Jersey, are open from the first Saturday in June through Labor Day. For more information on the free beaches of Upper Township, New Jersey, click here.

Point Pleasant Borough

The beaches on the Manasquan River in Point Pleasant Borough are a lovely place for young families or anyone looking to escape the busy ocean beaches of New Jersey in the height of the summer season. Admission to these beaches (located at Maxson Avenue and River Avenue) is cheap - $1 for a daily badge (free for children under 13). Restrooms are available at this beach; showers and changing rooms are not. Food is permitted on the beach. The river beaches of Point Pleasant Borough, New Jersey, open in mid-June and remain open through Labor Day. For more information on cheap beach activities in Point Pleasant Borough, New Jersey, click here.

Middletown Township

The bay beach of Middletown Township is also a bit quieter than the ocean beaches of New Jersey. Admission to the beach is free. Restrooms and showers are available; changing rooms are not. Food is permitted on the beach. The beaches of Middletown Township, New Jersey, are open weekends only from Memorial Day weekend through the third weekend in June, daily thereafter through Labor Day.

For more information on free and cheap beaches in New Jersey, visit the website for the New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate here.

Note: For the purposes of this article, "open" refers to calendar period when these beaches are patrolled by lifeguards. In many cases, beach access is available throughout the year and at the end of the day when lifeguards are off-duty. Swimming is at your own risk during these hours and should only be undertaken by experienced swimmers under optimal swimming conditions.