Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area - Manasquan, NJ
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, also known locally as the Manasquan Dog Beach, is a popular dog park in Manasquan, New Jersey. This scenic park features pet-friendly trails, dog-friendly beach access, and a welcoming atmosphere for both dogs and their owners. Located along the calm waters of the Manasquan River inlet, the beach is a favorite spot for letting your dog play in the sand and splash in the water. With beautiful sunsets and frequent bird sightings, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature and pet lovers alike.
The conservation area provides a designated dog beach, ample parking (including street parking and accessible parking lot), and restroom facilities. Owners appreciate the availability of waste pickup bags and the overall cleanliness maintained at this location. The park is also popular with families, featuring kid-friendly trails and picnic spots. While dogs must remain on leash (enforced by beach patrol), the easy water entry and social atmosphere make it a standout dog-friendly destination in Monmouth County.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain on leash as enforced by staff patrols.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs are required to be on leash at all times in the designated dog area.
- Are there poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, waste pickup bags are provided to help keep the beach clean.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are restroom facilities available.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, a wheelchair accessible parking lot is available.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are pet-friendly hiking trails available for visitors to enjoy.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, there is easy water entry for dogs at the dog-friendly beach along the river inlet.
- Where is the best place to park? Free street parking and a limited-time parking lot are available near the entrance.
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, picnic areas are available and popular with visitors.
Reviews
I found the Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area quite by accident one year, but we just refer to it as the Manasquan Dog Beach.
It’s, as the name implies, a dog-friendly beach. The park provides waste pickup bags to keep the beach clean and it is a terrific spot to let your dog play in the sand and water.
It’s really the inlet for the Manasquan River, so the water is always fairly calm, even with boats on the water. I hesitate to review the beach, though, for fear of it becoming too popular.
There is always a mix of pet owners, pet-free beachgoers, and fishermen (though they are a little further up the beach in a “no dog allowed” zone). It’s the perfect spot to bring your four-legged family members to enjoy a day at the ocean.
Brining a long lead is a must to have any fun with your dog on the beach or in the water.
The guy who’s been patrolling this beach for years drives around with a atv and instead of walking, drives it around in circles almost running you over to drive up to people at 20 miles an hour simply to make sure your well behaved dog needs to be leashed.
You know what’s worse than dogs off leash—a fast driving lazy patrol person driving between people relaxing on a beach almost running your feet over. How is this atv driving around less destructive to the natural preservation than dogs?
We usually go to Island Beach State Park with our dog, but the wind wasn’t cooperating and the flies were terrible so we came to Fisherman’s Cove. Dogs were well behaved and owners were responsible. We went on a Tuesday and Wednesday and it wasn’t that busy. Make sure you bring a swim leash– it makes it so much easier. Easy water entry for both dogs and humans. Lots of fun, a good atmosphere, and nice conversations with other dog people.
Nice beach.
Free street parking.
Limited time parking in the parking lot provided.
Multiple areas available for fishing.
Nice beach for surfers, fishermen, and your average beach goer.
Also a separate beach designated for pets.
A decent bathroom, which is more than what most beaches and fishing spots provide.
Sometimes it can get noisy because there are a lot of regulars that come here, especially the group resembling the entire cast of The Sopranos.
It’s hilarious listening to their conversations.
A gorgeous location for a sunset. We saw a swan and a lot of birds, it’s a conservation area. A part of the beach is allowed for dogs and there is a bit where dogs aren’t allowed but people are welcome to watch birds.
There’s a parking nearby and two trails that lead to this beach. Peaceful and magical.