Atsion Lake Beach — Attraction in Shamong Township

Why is this beach always closed? Went on a beautiful warm day in June, closed. They even had a webbing fence up so you couldn't even dip your toes in the water. Says on the website the last day of the season is Labor Day, and after two cloudy days it turned out Labor Day was absolutely perfect weather, we we're so excited to go, CLOSED. Normal beaches provide lifeguards as a service and when there's no lifeguards on duty you can at least go wading, play in the sand, or swim at your own risk. Not this beach. The fence is up unless lifeguards are on duty, and the lifeguards are never on duty. Nice day with 80 degree weather in September, which isn't rare in NJ, nope beach is closed until next June. But of course it's closed a lot in June too for lifeguard training days, so you'd better check the website before you go. If you manage to get here on a day the beach is actually open, maybe you want to get an early start so you can spend a few hours at the beach and still be home for lunch? Nope, beach closed until 10 AM. I'd post a photo of the beach but I can't because...

Bring cash to get in. $10 in state/$20 out of state cash only! There are yearly passes available online. ITS WORTH YOUR MONEY!! :)

Beautiful little oasis. The beach is clean and well maintained. Don’t be scared of the red water!! It’s harmless tannins deposited from the local white pine trees. It will dye your suit though so don’t wear white in the water!

There are food/snacks available, large bathrooms with showers and changing areas, and lots of gear to rent! From beach umbrellas to kayaks to paddle boards! Everything is reasonably priced.

I come here once a week and I absolutely love it. No booze allowed. Lots of families laughing and playing. Everyone goes in the water, it’s such a joyous place!

There are also trails to walk and grilling areas to rent. Overall a perfect day trip location without driving all the way...

Drove all the way from Houston, Texas, with a 4-year-old to attend my nieces birthday party just to be told they don't allow anyone in between 11am-3pm. I called 2 days before to inquire about any and everything I should know before making this trip. This was never mentioned!! Nor is it Noted on the website. And the people at the entrance are rude and condescending. They kept switching stories and lying about it. Letting other cars in but telling us they're at capacity. Thanks to the careless communication skills, I wasted $800 on a rental car plus $300 in gas to get here only to be turned away and have to drive about 24...