Toms river beach badges now on sale, in-season rates start next week

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River Township beach badges for the 2025 season have been on sale since April 1, offering residents and visitors access to Ortley Beach on the ocean and Shelter Cove on the bay, but the pre-season price is about to expire.

The badges, priced at a discounted preseason rate of $50 each, will remain available at this rate through Memorial Day weekend. Starting Tuesday, May 27, the in-season rate will increase to $65.

Preseason badges can be purchased at three locations through May 23: the Recreation Administration Office, the Toms River Senior Center on Garfield Avenue, and the Tax Collector’s Office at Town Hall. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions, charged by the processor, not the township.

The Toms River Township beach badge is for Ortley Beach on the ocean and Shelter Cove on the bay. The badge does not include beaches in other towns such as Seaside Heights or Lavalette.

During Memorial Day weekend, badges will be sold at the Lifeguard House near the 3rd Avenue parking lot in Ortley Beach on Saturday, May 24; Sunday, May 25; and Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In-season badge sales begin after Memorial Day

Once the in-season period begins on May 27, badges can be purchased at the Recreation Office or Senior Center on weekdays and at the Lifeguard House on weekends.

When the beaches open full-time starting June 21, badges will be available for purchase daily at the Guard House.

Officials remind residents that the Toms River Township badge does not cover access to beaches in neighboring towns such as Seaside Heights or Lavallette.

Toms River beachgoers can save by purchasing badges early for Ortley Beach and Shelter Cove access.

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