State parks around New Jersey could be free again this summer if Gov. Phil Murphy’s 2024 budget passes later this year. The plan includes the popular Jersey Shore destination Island Beach State Park.
Entrance and parking fees would be waved at New Jersey state parks during the 2024 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2023, if a second year of “fee holidays” is approved by the state legislature.
Nineteen state parks charge either parking or entrance fees, ranging from $2 to walk in to $10 to park on a weekend or holiday. Prices are typically double for non-residents than for residents.
A similar fee holiday was approved for the current fiscal year, so park-goers will not have to pay for parks between Memorial Day and June 30 regardless of how the vote goes for next year’s budget.
This could be the third summer of fee-free parks for some residents. Free park passes were offered during the 2021 season to residents who received a COVID-19 vaccine as part of the state’s “vax and visit” campaign.
More than 260,000 residents visit state parks each year, officials said. If approved, the fee waiver is expected to cost the state $2.7 million in lost revenue.
For more frequent park goers, the state sells a $50 season pass. Disabled residents and those over 62 have always been able to apply for free passes.