Did you know that New Jersey dedicates a larger percentage of land to state parks than any other state besides Alaska? It seems like we’ll make an excuse to turn anything into a green space, which is really nice considering that New Jersey is also the most densely populated state. One of our favorite state parks is also the state’s tiniest, and if you love shoreline nature, you’ve got to visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Long Beach Island.

Barnegat Light is a tiny community based around simple living by the ocean and the bay, and it's located at the very northern tip of Long Beach Island.
Flickr / Peter Miller
The highlight of this little town is Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, where you'll find the famous "Ol' Barney".
Wikimedia Commons / Cory Hauck
The original lighthouse was constructed in 1835, but the current version of Barnegat Light was rebuilt and lit in 1857. For over 150 years, this iconic structure has been one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Jersey Shore.
K. Magaraci
Though this park is the smallest state park in New Jersey - covering just 32 acres - there's so much to see!
Flickr / Peter Miller

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With binoculars (yours, or the ones on the boardwalk), you can spot all sorts of migratory shorebirds. If you're lucky, you'll even catch a glimpse of a porpoise!
Flickr / Peter Miller
If you would like to climb to the top of the lighthouse, visit during the season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Flickr / Rachaelvoorhees
It's open daily in good weather from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the view from the top is hard to beat!
Flickr / Tim Scott
By the way, we'll let you in on a little secret - Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is one of the best places to catch the galaxy rising above the ocean.
K. Magaraci
In the earliest months of Milky Way season and on New Moon weeks from February through late April, photographers and stargazers flock to the shores in the coldest hours of the night.

To check current conditions and learn more, visit the Barnegat Lighthouse page on the New Jersey State Parks website.

What are your favorite state parks in New Jersey? We would love to hear your opinions in the comments below!

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Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, USA