Corson's Inlet State Park New Jersey
Discover an unspoiled gem on the Jersey Shore, offering serene beaches, unique nature trails, and excellent fishing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Corson's Inlet State Park New Jersey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover an unspoiled gem on the Jersey Shore, offering serene beaches, unique nature trails, and excellent fishing.
"Absolutely amazing. Finally a place that is the jersey shore but so unspoiled."
👟 Wear proper footwear!
Sneakers or hiking boots are essential due to poison ivy. Avoid flip-flops on the trails.
🚫 Watch out for poison ivy
It's abundant! Long pants and high socks are highly recommended to prevent contact.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 1,047 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unspoiled Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Ocean shoreline
Miles of pristine sand await after a scenic hike, offering a peaceful escape from the typical boardwalk bustle.
Nature Trails
Inlet area
Wander through unique, tall flora on sandy paths leading to the ocean's edge. A true nature lover's delight.
Fishing and Crabbing
Inlet waters
Renowned for its excellent fishing and crabbing opportunities, especially from the boat ramp area.
Sunset Views
Ocean Drive parking lot
The park offers a remarkable setting for breathtaking sunsets over the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beware of Poison Ivy & Bugs
Embrace the Natural Beach Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting OC for a day 😁
Hey hey! My partner and I are taking a day trip to OC. We are leaving early morning to get there once the beach opens to have a chill short getaway. If anyone has any fun ideas/places we can keep an eye out for it would be much appreciated! We are open to anything! (Rides,…
👟 Wear proper footwear!
Sneakers or hiking boots are essential due to poison ivy. Avoid flip-flops on the trails.
🚫 Watch out for poison ivy
It's abundant! Long pants and high socks are highly recommended to prevent contact.
Best beaches + day trip tips
So we moved from Florida recently and we loved taking day trips to the beach, I’ve only ever gone to Atlantic City once when I was younger and it wasn’t the greatest experience (could have changed a lot now this was yearsss ago), are there nicer beaches that you recommend? &…
Bf taking me for the first time to OC help with places to go
Hey guys so my boyfriend from NJ is taking me back to his home and I’m so excited to see Ocean City for the first time ever. I am looking for events that take place in and around the city for us to do for the 10 days we’ll be there. Of course we will be going in the boardwalk…
🦟 Bring bug spray
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be present, especially in warmer months.
🚶♀️ Hike to the beach
The best part is the unspoiled beach, but it requires a short walk through the trails.
Tide Pools?
I have a childhood memory of finding tide pools at OCNJ in the early 90s. Since I've started returning to the shore for vacations as an adult, I've been trying to recreate that memory, without luck. I've found where there is evidence of tide pools all the way down at the…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear proper footwear!
Sneakers or hiking boots are essential due to poison ivy. Avoid flip-flops on the trails.
🚫 Watch out for poison ivy
It's abundant! Long pants and high socks are highly recommended to prevent contact.
🦟 Bring bug spray
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be present, especially in warmer months.
🚶♀️ Hike to the beach
The best part is the unspoiled beach, but it requires a short walk through the trails.
🎣 Prime fishing spot
Known for great fishing, especially from the inlet side.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Corson's Inlet State Park for its unspoiled, natural beauty and serene beach experience, a refreshing change from typical boardwalk attractions. While the hike to the beach and the presence of poison ivy require preparation, the reward is a peaceful, expansive shoreline perfect for nature lovers and anglers.
"Loved our walk in Corsons Inlet! Easily found parking the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. The bathrooms at 59th street are great (we parked on the street nearby). I highly suggest that you wear sneakers, high socks and/or pants. The path is fun, and while you can do it in flip flops, it is FULL of poison ivy. So.much.poisonivy! Everyone’s comments about bugs is also accurate, but we used bug spray. Not a big deal. Wearing flip flops on this hike (totally my fault!) with all the poison ivy was very stressful. Thankfully we came through unscathed. That being said (if you’ve read this far), I LOVED this walk and will do it again, walk the whole thing, while wearing sneakers! My three year old had a blast. Ya know, until we were at the farthest point from the car and then she wanted to be carried. We were able to take a path to the beach and she loved running back on the beach."
Katie Mizak
"Absolutely amazing. Finally a place that is the jersey shore but so unspoiled. Sure you have to walk about 1/2 mile to get to a beach but it’s worth it."
Linda L
"At the southern end of West Ave in Ocean City NJ is Corsons Inlet SP. It is renowned as a very good place for fishing. However, on Jan 1 it was way too cold and windy for that! There are two parking lots. One at 59th St and the other, where we parked, off Ocean Drive. No fees are charged. There is a boat ramp into the inlet and a short, sandy trail leading to an expansive beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It's a remarkable place to visit, especially at sunset."
Gordon Shaffer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Corson's Inlet State Park is located at the southern end of West Ave in Ocean City, NJ. There are two parking lots: one at 59th Street and another off Ocean Drive.
Yes, there are parking lots available. Parking was easily found on a Sunday of Labor Day weekend, and no fees are charged.
Yes, Corson's Inlet State Park is situated at the southern end of West Avenue in Ocean City, NJ, making it easily accessible from the city.
Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a day trip if you're looking for a more natural and unspoiled beach experience away from the typical boardwalk crowds.
From Ocean City, head south on West Avenue. The park entrances and parking areas will be accessible from West Avenue and Ocean Drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no fees charged for entry or parking at Corson's Inlet State Park.
While specific hours aren't always posted, state parks are generally accessible from dawn to dusk. It's best to check with the New Jersey State Parks system for any official updates.
No advance booking is required as there are no entrance fees. You can visit freely during daylight hours.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions beyond standard park rules. However, it's always wise to check for any temporary advisories or closures.
While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, typically dogs are allowed in New Jersey State Parks on a leash. It's advisable to confirm current pet policies before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on sandy trails, fishing, crabbing, boating (via the boat ramp), and relaxing on the expansive, unspoiled beach.
It's highly recommended to wear sneakers or sturdy shoes, long pants, and high socks due to the abundance of poison ivy on the trails.
Yes, restrooms are available, with one reviewer mentioning the ones at 59th Street are great.
The trail is sandy and can be challenging for some, especially if not wearing appropriate footwear. It's about a half-mile walk to the beach.
As a natural area, you can expect to see various coastal flora and potentially birdlife. It's a great spot for nature observation.
📸 📸 Photography
The unspoiled beach, the unique tall flora along the trails, and especially the sunset views from the Ocean Drive parking area are fantastic for photography.
Absolutely. The expansive beach, dunes, and ocean provide a beautiful, natural landscape. The sunset can add dramatic lighting.
Yes, the unique coastal plants are a highlight. Keep an eye out for any local birdlife as well.
Late afternoon leading into sunset offers the best light for photography. Morning can also be beautiful for softer light.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit