Island Beach State Park Hit Capacity Crowds for Brief Time Today

It may be a little late in the summer, but a tell-tale sign that the crowds are slowly coming back - which is Island Beach State Park closing for a brief time due to the lots being to capacity - has occurred.

A person who answered the main line at the Department of Environmental Commission but declined to be identified told Patch today that the park was closed for a brief time earlier today due to capacity crowds, but that the park quickly reopened as of this afternoon.

The park reopened in stages after Sandy since late January with the final piece of the puzzle – the Ocean Bathing Area 1 pavilion – coming back in time for the Fourth of July holiday week.

Park hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for beachgoers and 24 hours a day for fishermen. Those interested in the park's program can visit a state website for more information.