Life's a Beach

When I arrived at Island Beach, Vicki Allison, beach director, greeted me with a smile as warm as a June day. If you’re from the area, you know the scenic lakes have helped put the town on the map. The beautiful Island Beach is a special one, full of history and great memories for residents, located at 276 Boulevard in Mountain Lakes.

“Mountain Lakes is widely regarded as a premier place to raise a family,” says Allison. “Our town is known for its beautiful man-made lakes, extensive trail systems, and top-rated schools.”

Continuing, “Island Beach specifically fosters this sense of community by providing a central location where generations of residents have gathered for swimming, social events, and family traditions.”

A Summer Place

Open only to Mountain Lakes residents and their guests, it’s easy to see why the sparkling water, soft sand, and gorgeous scenery draw in the crowds. Whether taking to the water in a sailboat, paddleboard, canoe, or just jumping right in and swimming to the raft, you’re in for an enjoyable day at the beach. There are swings and racks to store watercraft for beachgoers. However, there is a big rule to be mindful of, “No motorized watercraft are permitted on the lake in Mountain Lakes,” says Allison.

This helps to preserve the area’s serenity. Another rule: Leave your furry friends at home, as dogs are not allowed at the beach.

Rich with local history, the beach represents more than a great place to spend a summer’s day. “Island Beach has served as a cornerstone of the Mountain Lakes community for decades,” says Allison. “Evolving from its early roots in the 1910s when developer Herbert J. Hapgood transformed the area into a planned residential park community with man-made lakes.”

Residents ages two and older must have a beach tag to use the facilities between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Beach tags can be purchased through Borough Hall, located at 400 Boulevard in town. If you’re age 62 or older, you’re in luck with free tags from Borough Hall.

Amenities Galore

There are wonderful amenities at the beach following a major renovation project in 2020. “Island Beach modernized facilities then,” says Allison. “We have a new main building housing a lifeguard station, restrooms, and a snack shack.”

A gazebo and free-standing pavilion provide shade for those who need it, as well as a place to sit at tables for a bite to eat. There are two stone charcoal grills for beachgoers, and the swimming areas have beautiful sandy shores with a boat launch and docks.

Laurie V. Stepper, Recreation Director, credits DPW for keeping the grounds clean and says summers are a lot of fun at Island Beach. “Mountain Lakes is a lovely community, I’m grateful to be a part of it, and I encourage residents to come to Island Beach. I try to make it easy for residents to do so,” she says.

Stepper offers that there are many different events throughout the summer for residents and their guests to enjoy. “We have live music on Thursday nights at the beach, family swim and boat races, and of course, the Mountain Lakes 4th of July fireworks can be viewed from Island Beach,” she says. Note: This year, the fireworks are on July 3rd for Mountain Lakes residents.

Besides the aforementioned events, there will also be the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department’s “Fired Up for the 4th” 5K. This inaugural race is planned for Saturday, June 20, starting at 9 a.m. The Summer Sailing Program presented by The Mountain Lakes Sailing Association runs youth programs at Island Beach from June 22 through July 23.

Memories Made

If you call Mountain Lakes home, Island Beach is a true hot spot for summer and a great community to belong to. “Being a part of the Mountain Lakes community at Island Beach is truly something special,” says Stepper. “In my short tenure as Recreation Director, I’ve quickly come to appreciate how unique this place is—not just for its natural beauty, but the way it brings people together. Island Beach serves as a gathering point where friendships are formed, traditions are celebrated, and families create lifelong memories. It’s more than just a destination; it’s a cornerstone of community life that reflects the spirit, connection, and shared experiences that make Mountain Lakes such a remarkable place.”

Allison wholeheartedly agrees, saying, “I’m proud to be a Laker and privileged to have had the opportunity to raise our family here. It is a special place.”

For more information about Island Beach, contact Mountain Lakes Borough Hall, 400 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey or call 973-334-3131 or visit the website mountainlakes.gov.

Photographs by Antonietta Henry 

Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about the wonderful people and businesses of Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township!