Visiting Forked River & Lacey Township
Forked River and Lanoka Harbor offer a quieter, year-round side of the Jersey Shore. Visitors can spend time on Barnegat Bay, walk or picnic at Bayfront Park, enjoy freshwater beaches and the Lake Barnegat Wibit, explore township parks, visit Popcorn Park, launch a boat, dine along the river, or use Lacey as a mainland base for nearby shore destinations.
Lacey Township stretches from Barnegat Bay west into the Pinelands, so the experience changes quickly from waterfront neighborhoods and marinas to forests, lakes and recreational open space.
Barnegat BayBayfront ParkLake Barnegat BeachCedar Creek BeachWibitBoating & MarinasPopcorn ParkGille Park
Lacey Visitor Guide at a Glance
3 beachesLake Barnegat, Cedar Creek and Bamber Lake township beaches
34 acresGille Park, Lacey's largest major recreation complex
Route 559NJ TRANSIT bus service through Lanoka Harbor and Forked River
Small lodging baselocal inns and motels supplemented by nearby shore lodging
Bayfront Park & Barnegat Bay
Forked River Bayfront Park is one of Lacey Township's signature public spaces. The reconstructed waterfront park includes walking areas, playground equipment, picnic space, a gazebo/shade structure, water views and shoreline improvements designed for the exposed Barnegat Bay setting.
Bayfront ViewsOpen views across Barnegat Bay make this a good stop for walking, photography, sunset watching and a quieter shore experience.
Playground & Picnic SpaceThe park includes children's play areas, benches, picnic tables and landscaped public space close to the water.
Walking & FitnessPaths and outdoor fitness elements make the park useful beyond beach season.
Seasonal ProgramsLacey Recreation uses the park for programs including Yoga on the Bay and other waterfront community activities.
Freshwater Beaches & the Wibit
Lacey Township operates three guarded freshwater beaches during the summer season. In 2026, beaches opened weekends beginning June 20 and daily beginning June 25, with beach patrol generally from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Badge rules apply during the guarded season.
Lake Barnegat Beach275B Lakeside Drive North, Forked River. Guarded freshwater beach and home of Lacey's seasonal Wibit floating playground.
Cedar Creek Beach100B Forrest Avenue, Lanoka Harbor. Guarded township beach with restroom facilities and non-motorized watercraft access.
Bamber Lake Beach2501B Good Luck Road, Forked River/Bamber Lakes area. Freshwater beach serving the western side of the township.
Wibit at Lake BarnegatSeasonal floating inflatable playground with timed sessions. Availability can change quickly because of weather and participant limits.
2026 beach rules: Badges are required for ages 5 and older during the badge season. Proof of residency is required for resident badges. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Confirm current rules and Wibit hours before traveling.
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation
Gille ParkManchester Avenue. Lacey's largest recreation complex, with softball and soccer fields, tennis/pickleball courts, volleyball, basketball, skate park, playground, picnic pavilion, exercise equipment and a roughly one-mile walking path.
Clune ParkBeach Boulevard / Sandy Hook Drive area. Major youth-sports complex with Little League, baseball, football, lacrosse and playground facilities.
Eno's Pond County ParkEastern end of Lacey Road. Ocean County park known for native and rare Pine Barrens plant life, walking and a quieter natural setting.
Deer Head LakeFreshwater lake and neighborhood recreation area used for fishing and the township's annual fishing derby.
Hebrew ParkNeighborhood park with a reservable covered pavilion and picnic area for Lacey residents.
Bamber / PinelandsThe township's western side transitions into a wooded Pinelands environment that feels very different from the bayfront neighborhoods.
Boating, Fishing & Marinas
Forked River is one of Ocean County's established boating communities. Its river branches lead directly to Barnegat Bay, and the shoreline supports public and private marinas, boat slips, marine services, fishing and paddling access.
Forked River State Marina311 South Main Street. One of New Jersey's state-owned marinas, providing year-round boat slips and dry trailer storage.
Private Marina CorridorBay Avenue and East Lacey Road support numerous private marinas and marine-service businesses serving recreational boaters.
Non-Motorized WatercraftLacey identifies public access points for kayaks, canoes, rowboats and paddleboards, including Cedar Creek Beach, Landing Plaza, Meadowlark Beach, Laurel Boulevard Gazebo and Riverview Road.
FishingFreshwater lakes, Cedar Creek, the Forked River and Barnegat Bay provide a variety of fishing environments. Follow current state licensing and species regulations.
Popcorn Park & Local History
Popcorn ParkAssociated Humane Societies' Forked River campus combines animal rescue, adoption services and a wildlife refuge. It is one of Lacey Township's best-known family-oriented visitor destinations.
Old Schoolhouse Museum126 South Main Street. The former Forked River School, built in 1868 and expanded in 1884, is maintained by the Historical Society of Lacey and opens seasonally.
Route 9 HistorySouth Main Street and North Main Street combine historic structures, older community landmarks and modern businesses along the township's traditional travel corridor.
2026 Events & Recreation
Lacey Township Recreation schedules programs throughout the year. For late August 2026, the township calendar includes an outdoor concert at Gille Park on August 25 and the Lacey Township Farmers' Market on August 28.
Outdoor ConcertAugust 25, 2026 · 6:30-8:00 p.m. · Gille Park. Free township outdoor concert.
Lacey Township Farmers' MarketAugust 28, 2026 · 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Seasonal community market.
Seasonal ProgramsRecreation offerings throughout the year include youth, adult and senior programs, fitness activities, beach programs and community events.
Event schedules can change: Check Lacey Township's current calendar for weather updates, cancellations, registration requirements and future dates.
A Day in Forked River & Lacey Township
MorningStart with a walk at Bayfront Park or Gille Park, or visit Lake Barnegat Beach during the guarded summer season.
MiddayVisit Popcorn Park, explore the Old Schoolhouse Museum when open, or spend time boating, kayaking or fishing.
AfternoonStop along Route 9 and Lacey Road for shopping, coffee, ice cream or local services, or explore the quieter western side of the township.
EveningChoose waterfront, Italian, pizza, Asian, Mexican or casual dining from the NJTGO Food & Drink directory. On event nights, finish at Gille Park or Bayfront Park.
Lodging in Forked River
Lacey Township has a limited traditional lodging inventory. The properties below are physically located in Forked River and can provide a mainland base for boating, local events, family visits and trips to nearby shore communities.
Waterfront Bed & Breakfast / Marina
Inn at Rivers Edge Marina
223 East Lacey Road
Forked River, NJ 08731
609-971-0025
Small waterfront inn with river and marina views.
Motel / Motor Lodge
Bay Harbour Motor Lodge
419 South Main Street
Forked River, NJ 08731
609-693-8085
Route 9 motor lodge providing basic overnight accommodation.
Motel
Lacey Inn Motel
229 North Main Street
Forked River, NJ 08731
609-693-4351
Small roadside motel on the Route 9 corridor.
Before booking: Lacey's local lodging choices are small independent properties, and current condition, policies, amenities, check-in procedures and availability can vary. Contact the property or verify current booking information before making travel plans.
Nearby Lodging
Visitors looking for a larger selection of hotels, newer properties, pools, conference facilities or beach-area accommodations should also compare nearby communities. These areas are outside Lacey Township.
WaretownImmediately south of Lacey Township, with Route 9 lodging and convenient Garden State Parkway access.
Toms RiverNorth of Lacey with the area's largest concentration of full-service hotels, business hotels and conference lodging.
Long Beach IslandHotels, inns, motels and vacation rentals from Barnegat Light through Beach Haven, particularly for visitors prioritizing beach access.
Vacation Rentals
Privately operated vacation rentals are available throughout Lacey Township, particularly in lagoon and waterfront neighborhoods. Visitors should confirm the property's municipal location, parking, occupancy limits, cancellation policy, flood exposure, dock or boat-use rules, and any homeowner-association requirements before booking.
Location tip: Listings may use “Forked River,” “Lanoka Harbor,” “Lacey Township,” “Barnegat Bay” or nearby shore names for marketing. Confirm the exact address if proximity to a beach, marina, event or family destination matters.
Getting to & Around Lacey Township
Garden State ParkwayThe major north-south highway through Lacey Township, connecting Forked River with Toms River, Atlantic County, North Jersey and the wider shore region.
Route 9The main local commercial corridor through Forked River and Lanoka Harbor, lined with restaurants, shopping, lodging and services.
Lacey RoadKey east-west route linking the Parkway side of town with central Forked River, municipal facilities and the waterfront.
NJ TRANSIT Route 559Bus route serving Lanoka Harbor and Forked River, with connections north toward Bayville, Beachwood, Toms River and Lakewood and south toward Waretown, Barnegat, Manahawkin and Atlantic City.
By CarA car remains the easiest way to move between Lacey's bayfront, beaches, Route 9 businesses, western neighborhoods and nearby shore destinations.
By BoatForked River's direct Barnegat Bay access makes boating an important way to experience the community during the warmer months.
Visitor Tips
Beach BadgesTownship freshwater beaches use seasonal badge rules. Check current requirements before visiting.
Wibit SessionsThe Lake Barnegat Wibit has limited timed sessions and can close on short notice because of weather.
Summer TrafficRoute 9, Lacey Road and Garden State Parkway traffic can build on summer weekends and holiday periods.
Boating WeatherBarnegat Bay conditions can change quickly. Check marine weather, tides and safety information before heading out.
DiningUse the NJTGO Food & Drink page to search by cuisine, area and verified GF/DF options.
Nature & WildlifeRespect posted rules, protected habitats and wildlife when visiting parks, marshes, waterways and the Pinelands side of Lacey.
Official Visitor Resources
Lacey TownshipMunicipal news, events, services, recreation and current visitor information.
Lacey Township BeachesCurrent beach dates, badge requirements, patrol hours, Wibit information and non-motorized watercraft access.
Lacey RecreationParks, programs, activities, seasonal brochures and recreation contacts.
Lacey Parks & Recreation CalendarCurrent concerts, fitness programs, markets and community-event dates.
Forked River State MarinaOfficial New Jersey information for the state-owned marina.
Associated Humane Societies / Popcorn ParkCurrent visitor, animal-rescue, adoption and wildlife-refuge information.
NJ TRANSITCurrent Route 559 bus schedules, fares and service information.
NJTGO Visitor & Lodging Listing Policy
Basic lodging listing: A free NJTGO lodging listing may include the property name, lodging type, address, phone number and a brief factual description. Basic listings do not include a direct external commercial website link.
Enhanced paid placement: Hotels, motels, inns, vacation-rental operators, marinas, attractions and visitor businesses can add website links, expanded descriptions, photographs, featured placement, offers, Local Business Spotlight or Townwide Placement through NJTGO advertising.
Promote a Forked River or Lacey Township Visitor Business
Reach people planning boating trips, local events, family visits, overnight stays and Jersey Shore travel through NJTGO's Forked River visitor pages. Ask about lodging promotion, attraction placement, marina visibility, photographs and Townwide Placement.
Advertising Information
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