How does one visit the Judge’s Shack?

As per Island Beach State Park regulations, the public is not permitted on the dunes. Additionally, the Shack is a very fragile building precariously set on numerous dry laid cinder block piers. As such, the Judge’s Shack is unfortunately not open to the public.

It is being preserved as an artifact and as an example of a once prevalent vernacular building type, a National Register eligible historic structure, a landmark for active fishing groups, and an iconic feature of Island Beach and the New Jersey shore.

The Shack can be viewed at a distance from the beach in Island between parking lots #12 and #13. To virtually view the Shack, please visit New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites video.

Are there programs that allow you to visit the shack?

On Friday nights in the summer, Friends of the Judge’s Shack trustees speak on the history and preservation of the building at select IBSP Nature Programs.
For 2024, the IBSP After Dark Program dates are July 19th and August 16th.