Ocean City Expands Public Camping Ban to Protect Beaches, Boardwalk, and Tourist Areas

Ocean City has approved a new ordinance that expands restrictions on overnight camping and sleeping in public spaces across the city, reinforcing its efforts to keep popular tourist areas safe, clean, and accessible for everyone.

The Ocean City Council unanimously voted to adopt the new rule, which prohibits overnight camping and sleeping on public property, including beaches, the boardwalk, playgrounds, and other public areas throughout the city. Officials said the measure is designed as a preventive step rather than a response to an existing problem.

Under the ordinance, anyone found violating the camping ban may face fines of up to $2,000. The regulation also specifically prohibits camping underneath boardwalk structures, including areas beneath the Ocean City Music Pier, a well-known location that regularly hosts concerts, community gatherings, trade shows, and entertainment events.

City leaders emphasized that the ordinance is intended to preserve public spaces for residents and visitors while preventing potential issues before they arise. According to council members, Ocean City has not experienced widespread problems related to overnight camping, but officials believe establishing clear rules now will help maintain the city’s family-friendly environment in the future.

Officials also reassured residents and tourists that the ordinance will be enforced with practical judgment. People enjoying the beach during normal daytime hours, including those relaxing or resting by the shoreline, will not be the focus of enforcement. City representatives explained that common sense will guide how the new regulation is applied.

The newly adopted ordinance significantly expands an earlier camping restriction that had only covered a limited section of the city between Fifth and Sixth streets, stretching from Bay Avenue to the ocean. The updated law now applies to public spaces across Ocean City, including locations frequently visited by tourists throughout the year.

Ocean City has already enforced rules regarding beach tents and canopies. Large tents and oversized canopies remain prohibited on city beaches, reflecting a policy that has become increasingly common among several Jersey Shore communities. These restrictions are part of broader efforts to improve public safety, reduce congestion, and preserve open beach access.

Smaller beach tents are still allowed under the city’s existing rules. Visitors may use tents measuring less than 10 feet by 10 feet, but they must be placed in the softer sand closer to the dunes, following the city’s established beach guidelines.

Ocean City’s updated ordinance also aligns with policies already in place at many other Jersey Shore destinations. Overnight camping is already prohibited on beaches in communities such as Atlantic City and Cape May. Similar restrictions are also enforced at Island Beach State Park and Corson’s Inlet State Park under New Jersey regulations.

While public overnight camping is restricted in many coastal areas, organized beach camping events continue to operate in locations where they are officially permitted. For example, Wildwood hosts Morey’s Piers Beach Jam, an annual event that combines beach camping with access to amusement attractions. In Seaside Heights, the Boy Scouts of America continues its long-running Camporee, a supervised beach camping event that also includes amusement park activities.

With the adoption of this ordinance, Ocean City joins other Jersey Shore communities that have strengthened regulations governing the use of public spaces. City officials believe the updated rules will help preserve the area’s beaches, boardwalk, and recreational spaces while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that attracts visitors throughout the year.

Sources

1. Official Source: Ocean City Council / City of Ocean City, New Jersey (Ordinance and Council Actions)
2. Official Source: State of New Jersey – New Jersey State Park Service (Beach and State Park Camping Regulations)