NJShore Guide
🏖️

Lacey Township

Free Beach

Gateway to Barnegat Bay

Lacey Township is a boater's and angler's paradise, encompassing the communities of Forked River and Lanoka Harbor on the western shores of Barnegat Bay. With numerous full-service marinas offering access to some of the best fishing on the Jersey Shore, Lacey is where serious anglers come to pursue the "Grand Slam" - landing Weakfish, Stripers, Fluke, and Bluefish in a single day.

The Forked River and Lanoka Harbor marina district features facilities like Silver Cloud Harbor Marina, Lanoka Harbor Marina, and the Forked River State Marina. Slips range from $1,850 to $4,250 per season, with most marinas offering 24/7 fuel docks, bait shops, and boat services.

Beyond the water, Lacey is home to Double Trouble State Park, a hidden gem featuring a restored 19th-century cranberry farming village and miles of trails through pristine Pine Barrens wilderness. Cedar Creek flows through the park, offering excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities through tea-colored waters lined with Atlantic white cedars.

boatingfishingnaturepine-barrenslocal

What Makes Lacey Township Special

Marina Gateway

Known for its boating and fishing atmosphere

Perfect For

boaters, anglers, kayakers

Free Beach Access

No beach badge required - enjoy the sand for free!

Local Legend

The name "Double Trouble" comes from a dam that gave its builders "double tro...

Where to Stay in Lacey Township

Cedar Creek Campground

Campground20 min to Island Beach SP

$

Family campground near Double Trouble State Park. RV sites and tent camping with access to Cedar Creek kayaking.

RV sitestent camping
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Nearby Toms River Hotels

Hotel20 min to Island Beach SP

$$

Major hotel chains in nearby Toms River (15 min) offer convenient access to Lacey marinas and parks.

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Did You Know?

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Did You Know?

The name "Double Trouble" comes from a dam that gave its builders "double trouble" and a muskrat that caused trouble by burrowing through a dam.

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Did You Know?

Cedar Creek's tea-colored water comes from tannic acid released by cedar roots - it's completely natural and clean.

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Did You Know?

Oyster Creek Channel off Lanoka Harbor is the largest and deepest channel leading to Barnegat Inlet, making it prime fishing territory.

Beach Badge

FREE

Parking

Paid

From NYC

1hr 25min

Transit

Bus

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Don't Miss in Lacey Township

Double Trouble State Park

Must See

Historic cranberry village with 14 restored 19th-century buildings plus miles of Pine Barrens trails. Kayak Cedar Creek through tea-colored waters lined with Atlantic white cedars.

Forked River State Marina

Must See

State-operated marina on the picturesque Forked River. Hosts fishing tournaments and boat shows throughout the year. Great launching point for Barnegat Bay adventures.

Lanoka Harbor Marina

Must See

Full-service marina on Cedar Creek with 24/7 fuel dock, bait shop, and slips up to 60 feet. Prime access to Barnegat Bay fishing grounds.

Barnegat Bay Fishing

Must See

Chase the "Grand Slam" - Weakfish, Stripers, Fluke, and Bluefish. Oyster Creek Channel is known for exceptional catches during tide changes.

Also Worth Checking Out

Silver Cloud Harbor Marina Award-winning family-owned marina complex with 4 properties, ship store, pool, and 310 summer slips on the north branch of Forked River.
Cedar Creek Kayaking Paddle through the Pine Barrens on tea-colored waters. Access points at Dover Forge, Ore Pond, and White Bridge. Canoe/kayak rentals available nearby.

Where to Eat in Lacey Township

Forked River Diner

americancasual
$

Try: Taylor ham, egg, and cheese

breakfast all dayclassic diner

Captains Inn

seafoodamerican
$$

Try: Fresh catch of the day

waterfrontmarina views

Wawa

casual
$

Try: Italian hoagie

quick service24 hours

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Getting to Lacey Township

🚆 Public Transit

Lacey Township is accessible via NJ Transit via bus routes 559.

Limited bus service. Car recommended for exploring marinas and state parks.

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🚗 By Car

  • From NYC: 1hr 25min
  • From Philadelphia: 1hr 15min
  • From Newark: 1hr 15min
Get Directions

Best Time to Visit Lacey Township

Peak Season

June - August

Warmest weather, all attractions open, full beach services. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Off-Season Perks

  • Lower accommodation prices
  • Fewer crowds
  • Easier parking
  • More authentic local experience

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