Family Photography At Island Beach State Park Cove In Ocean County, New Jersey

Finding quiet beach spots for family photography during the summer can be tough in New Jersey. Places get crowded, parking fills up, and there can seem to be endless lines everywhere.

But there is a great New Jersey shore spot that I love for all seasons. It is perfect for family and couple photography and has an absolutely gorgeous background and layout.

Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, New Jersey is one of the state’s true gems, just a bit off the beaten path, but as scenic as you’ll find anywhere in the area.

Why I Love This Location For Family Photography

Quiet And Secluded Beaches

In New Jersey, finding quiet beaches can be a real struggle during the summer. They get overcrowded and having a family photography session at any of the popular ones is next to impossible. There are just too many other people in the background. 

At Island Beach State Park, that becomes much less of a concern. Tucked away south of Seaside Heights, the long track of island land is out of the way from the bigger crowds, and comparatively, isn’t nearly the summer destination of many other popular New Jersey beach towns.

Sloping Dunes

One of the other unique features of Island Beach State Park is that longer walk it takes to get to the main beach area. This is because you will enter through a dune area that ends up making for the perfect way to start and finish family photography sessions.

The Dunes are protected, so they don’t have total access, but they still end up being one of the more unique backdrops around. And kids love playing and tumbling down the accessible sections. 

Beach Campfires Are Allowed

This is one of the most exciting and, frankly, rare aspects of Island Beach State Park. As of this writing, beach fires were allowed on site and families can make one to enjoy during time in the park.

My own family has done this many times through the years, spending a day at the beach with fire going to warm up after a dip in the water. This family photography session, did not have one, but this option makes the location different than almost anywhere else in the state.

Sunset and Sunrise Options

There is an entrance fee for Island Beach State Park is currently $10 per car for NJ residents. It allows for parking anywhere along the miles and miles of beach access. The gates are open for visitors into the night which means there’s no rush to leave the park even when a family photography session has ended. 

Family Photography Session At Island Beach State Park Berkeley Township, New Jersey

outdoor family photography new jersey

The Sullivan Family chose Island Beach State Park for their yearly family photography session. I’ve seen this family grow through the years, and this year was one of my favorites.

They came all the way from Pennslyvania just to enjoy this New Jersey location because they knew the children could run free on the beach while stopping for more playful moments. It allowed for moments with everyone in the family, apart and together.

I can’t wait for even more family photoshoots here. 

Does this location look perfect for your family? Want to schedule your own outdoor family photography shoot? 

Get in touch through the Outdoor Family Family Photography contact form and learn more about Sabrina’s different photo offerings

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Fall Family Photo Shoot At Fisherman’s Cove In Manasquan, New Jersey