It’s the perfect day at the Jersey Shore. A nice sea breeze, not a cloud in the sky, no bugs and plenty of sunshine. In fact, maybe a little too much sun.
Beach umbrellas, which have long dotted the Jersey Shore, are still allowed in every town in the state.
But recently, Jersey Shore towns have taken issue with more elaborate tents and cabanas. Some towns have banned them citing space issues due to erosion, while others have said “beach spreading” is a nuisance to those trying to enjoy the ocean views.
As always, it’s best to know the rules of the sand before you head to your favorite spot. NJ Advance Media has checked with every Jersey Shore town to create this full guide to umbrella, tent and canopy rules for your next beach visit.
Asbury Park
Allowed: Umbrellas no bigger than 6 feet wide, and baby tents smaller than 4 by 4 by 3 feet.
Not allowed: Tents or canopies.
Atlantic City
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Atlantic City.
Avalon
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Avalon.
Avon-by-The-Sea
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby shade tents.
Not allowed: Large tents or canopies.
Barnegat Light
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Barnegat Light.
Bay Head
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Bay Head.
Beach Haven
Allowed: “Sunshades” that do not have grounding lines, ropes or sides, baby tents smaller than 40 inches by 40 inches by 40 inches.
Not Allowed: Pop-up tents without a special events permit.
Belmar
Allowed: Umbrellas smaller than 6 feet, “small” beach pop-up tents that are open on one side.
Not Allowed: Tents, canopies or camping tents.
Bradley Beach
Allowed: Umbrellas, small baby tents.
Not Allowed: Tents or canopies.
Brick
Allowed: Umbrellas.
Not Allowed: Any tents with more than two sides obstructed and any structure supported by ropes or stakes.
Brigantine
Allowed: Umbrellas.
Not Allowed: Canopies.
Cape May
Allowed: Umbrellas, tents and canopies smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet.
Not Allowed: Tents or canopies larger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
Editor’s note: The information for Cape May City has been corrected to reflect that tents under a certain size are permitted.
Cape May Point
Allowed: Umbrellas.
Not Allowed: Tents or lean-tos on the beach between sunset and sunrise.
Deal
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Deal.
Harvey Cedars
Allowed: Umbrellas.
Not Allowed: Tents, shelters or structures staked or roped into the ground.
Island Beach State Park
Tents, canopies, and umbrellas are currently allowed throughout Island Beach State park, but those rules are expected to change soon. Starting Memorial Day, visitors will likely be restricted to umbrellas only at the bathing areas, a Department of Environmental Protection spokesman said. Tents and canopies will still be allowed outside of swimming areas where cars are allowed on the beach.
Lavallette
Allowed: Umbrellas, “baby tents,” canopy-style sunshades smaller than 10′x10′ without walls or screens
Not Allowed: Any canopies or tents with walls or screens, or cabanas.
Loch Arbour
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Loch Arbour.
Long Beach Township
Allowed: Monopole umbrellas smaller than 8 feet wide.
Not Allowed: Tents, and sunshades.
Long Branch
Allowed: Umbrellas and baby shade tents.
Not Allowed: Tents or canopies.
Longport
Allowed: Umbrellas, “pop-up” or “cabana” tents that fold up into a carry bag.
Not Allowed: Tents larger than 100 square feet.
Manasquan
Allowed: Umbrellas and baby tents.
Not Allowed: Tents, canopies, or other shelter structures.
Mantoloking
Allowed: Umbrellas and baby tents.
Not Allowed: Tents, canopies, or other shelter structures.
Margate
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Margate.
Monmouth Beach
Allowed: Canopy-style shades with “one central stanchion” smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet, umbrellas, baby tents.
Not Allowed: Tents or canopies with walls or screens, or larger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
North Wildwood
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby tents.
Not allowed: Canopies, tents, cabanas.
Ocean City
Allowed: Tents and canopies smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet. The town asks they be set up in the soft sand closer to the dunes.
Not Allowed: Larger tents or canopies.
Ocean Grove
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby tents.
Not Allowed: Tents or canopies.
Ortley Beach
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby tents, canopy chairs and playpens.
Not Allowed: Large tents or canopies.
Sandy Hook
Allowed: Umbrellas smaller than 8 feet.
Not Allowed: Tents, oversized umbrellas.
Sea Bright
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Sea Bright.
Sea Girt
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby tents.
Not Allowed: Tents, cabanas, “Easy Go Cabanas.”
Sea Isle City
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Sea Isle City, but beach patrol asks that those using tents be mindful of those around them.
Seaside Heights
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby tents, canopy style sun shades, “sport-brellas.”
Not Allowed: Tents, tarps, canopies larger than 12 feet by 12 feet, canopies with walls or screens, cabanas or pavilions.
Seaside Park
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby tents, canopy style sun shades, “sport-brellas.”
Not Allowed: Tents, tarps, canopies larger than 12 feet by 12 feet, canopies with walls or screens, cabanas or pavilions.
Seven Presidents (Long Branch)
Allowed: Umbrellas, tents that are not totally enclosed or supported with wires, ropes or extension braces.
Not Allowed: Enclosed tents.
Ship Bottom
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Ship Bottom.
Spring Lake
Allowed: Umbrellas, baby tents.
Not Allowed: Tents or canopies.
Stone Harbor
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Stone Harbor.
Strathmere
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Strathmere.
Surf City
Allowed: Umbrellas.
Not Allowed: Tents, canopies.
Ventnor
Allowed: Umbrellas, pop-up tents.
Not Allowed: Enclosed tents.
Wildwood
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Wildwood.
Wildwood Crest
There are no rules against tents or canopies in Wildwood Crest.
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Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch.
