Ocean Lakes Day Pass Calculator
Want to spend a day at Ocean Lakes but don’t want to camp overnight? You’re not alone. Thousands of visitors each year choose a day pass to enjoy the beach, pools, and trails without booking a site. But how much does it actually cost? And what do you get for your money? The answer isn’t simple - prices change by season, age, and even the day of the week.
Day Pass Prices at Ocean Lakes in 2025
As of 2025, a standard adult day pass at Ocean Lakes costs $25. That’s for anyone aged 13 and up. Kids between 3 and 12 pay $12. Children under 3 get in free. These prices are for weekdays. On weekends and holidays - think Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day - the price jumps to $30 for adults and $15 for kids.
There’s also a family day pass option. If you’re bringing two adults and up to four kids, you can buy a family pass for $70. That’s a $20 savings compared to buying individual tickets. It’s only available at the gate, not online, so plan ahead if you want to lock in the deal.
What’s Included in the Day Pass
For $25, you’re not just getting access to the beach. The day pass covers:
- Full access to the 1.5-mile sandy shoreline
- Use of the main swimming pool and splash pad
- Free parking for one vehicle
- Access to all walking trails and nature observation decks
- Use of public restrooms and outdoor showers
- Entry to the on-site gift shop and snack bar
You can bring your own food and drinks - coolers are allowed. But if you’re thinking of bringing a grill or fire pit, forget it. Open flames aren’t permitted on day-use days. The park has picnic tables scattered around the main beach area, but they’re first-come, first-served. No reservations.
When to Go for the Best Value
Weekdays are your best bet. Midweek, especially Tuesday through Thursday, you’ll find fewer crowds and the same access. You’re more likely to snag a good picnic spot, and the parking lot fills up slower. On weekends, especially in July and August, the lot can be full by 10 a.m. And once it’s full, they stop letting people in - no exceptions.
Early mornings are the sweet spot. Arrive before 9 a.m. and you’ll have the beach mostly to yourself. The water’s cooler, the sun’s softer, and the parking spots are easier to find. Plus, the snack bar hasn’t started charging peak prices yet.
What’s Not Included
Some things you might assume are covered aren’t:
- Beach chairs and umbrellas - you need to bring your own
- Towel rentals - none available
- Water sports gear - kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis cost extra
- Reservations for shaded areas or cabanas - these are only for overnight campers
- Special events - like live music or fireworks nights - those require separate tickets
If you’re planning to rent a kayak or paddleboard, expect to pay $20-$35 per hour. You can book those on-site, but lines get long by noon. Arrive early if you want gear.
Senior and Military Discounts
If you’re 62 or older, you get a $5 discount on the regular day pass. Just show a valid ID. Same goes for active military and veterans - with a military ID, you pay $20 instead of $25. This discount applies on weekends too. It’s not advertised much, but the staff at the gate know about it. Don’t be shy to ask.
How to Pay
You can pay with cash, credit, or debit cards at the entrance gate. There’s no online purchase option for day passes. You can’t reserve a spot ahead of time either. The system is simple: show up, pay, get a wristband, and go.
Pro tip: Bring exact change if you’re paying with cash. The ticket booths don’t always have enough change, especially on busy days. A $25 bill is fine, but if you show up with a $50, you might wait 10 minutes while they hunt down bills.
Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
If you’re thinking about whether to get a day pass or book a campsite, here’s the real math. A basic tent site at Ocean Lakes runs $45-$65 per night, depending on the season. That’s for one site, one vehicle, and up to six people. So if you’re a family of four, the day pass ($70 family pass) is cheaper than a night on a site - and you don’t have to pack a tent, sleeping bags, or camp chairs.
But here’s the catch: overnight guests get priority access to the pools and beach. Day pass holders can’t use the private beach area reserved for campers. That’s a 200-yard stretch with fewer people, better shade, and cleaner restrooms. If you’re okay with the main beach, the day pass works fine. If you want quiet and space, you’re better off camping.
What to Bring
Don’t show up empty-handed. Even if you think you’ll just walk in and relax, you’ll regret it if you forget these things:
- Sunscreen - the beach has almost no shade
- Water shoes - the sand gets hot, and there’s broken shell near the waterline
- Reusable water bottles - there are refill stations near the restrooms
- A hat and sunglasses - the sun here is intense, even on cloudy days
- A small towel or blanket - for sitting on the sand
- Trash bags - you’re expected to take your trash with you
They sell sunscreen and water at the snack bar, but prices are 2x what you’d pay at a gas station. Bring your own.
Rules You Can’t Ignore
Day pass holders are held to the same rules as campers. Break them, and you’ll be asked to leave - no warning.
- No alcohol - not even in a sealed container
- No pets - service animals only
- No glass bottles - breakable containers are banned for safety
- No drones - they’re not allowed anywhere on the property
- No loud speakers - music must be kept low and through headphones
They have rangers walking the beach. They don’t issue tickets, but they can eject you. And if you’re ejected, you don’t get a refund.
Is It Worth It?
For a single day of beach time, $25 is fair. You’re paying for clean restrooms, safe swimming, parking, and a well-maintained environment. Compare that to a public beach with no facilities, trash on the sand, and no showers - Ocean Lakes is a step up.
It’s not luxury. It’s not private. But if you want a clean, safe, family-friendly beach day without driving an hour to the coast, it’s one of the best options in the region. And if you’re planning to visit multiple times this summer? Buy a season pass. They’re $120 for adults and cover unlimited day visits through the end of September.
Can I bring my dog to Ocean Lakes on a day pass?
No. Pets of any kind are not allowed for day pass visitors. This includes dogs, cats, birds, or reptiles. Only service animals with proper documentation are permitted. Even if your dog is well-behaved or in a carrier, they won’t be allowed in. This rule is strictly enforced for safety and hygiene reasons.
Do I need to reserve a day pass online?
No. Day passes are sold only at the entrance gate on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s no online booking system. You can’t reserve a spot ahead of time, even if you’re planning to come on a holiday. Arrive early, especially on weekends, because once the parking lot fills up, they stop letting people in.
Is there a discount for seniors or veterans?
Yes. Seniors aged 62 and older pay $20 instead of $25 for a day pass. Active military and veterans with a valid ID also pay $20. This discount applies even on weekends and holidays. Just show your ID at the gate - no need to call ahead or show proof online.
Can I use a day pass to access the private beach area?
No. The private beach area - with fewer people, shaded cabanas, and dedicated restrooms - is only for overnight campers. Day pass holders must use the main public beach. This is clearly marked with signs and enforced by staff. Don’t assume you can walk through to the private side - you’ll be turned back.
What happens if I arrive after the parking lot is full?
If the parking lot is full, they close the gates and stop admitting new visitors - no exceptions. There’s no waiting list, and you won’t get a refund if you’ve already paid. The lot fills up by 10 a.m. on summer weekends. If you’re planning to come late, check their website or call ahead to see if space is still available.
Are there any free days at Ocean Lakes?
No. Ocean Lakes doesn’t offer free admission days. Even on holidays like Labor Day or Fourth of July, the standard day pass rates apply. Some nearby public beaches offer free access, but Ocean Lakes is a private facility that relies on day pass revenue to maintain its facilities.
Can I bring a cooler with food and drinks?
Yes. You’re allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks in a cooler. Glass containers are banned for safety, so use plastic or insulated containers. There are picnic tables around the beach, but no grills or fire pits allowed. The snack bar is open, but prices are higher than outside, so bringing your own saves money.
Is there a season pass option for frequent visitors?
Yes. A season pass costs $120 for adults and covers unlimited day visits from May through September. Kids under 12 get a discounted season pass for $60. It’s only sold at the gate, not online. If you plan to visit more than five times this summer, it pays for itself. You can also use it for parking and access to all facilities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a clean, well-run beach day without the hassle of camping gear, Ocean Lakes delivers. It’s not the cheapest option around, but it’s one of the most reliable. You know what you’re getting: clean bathrooms, safe swimming, and a place where kids can run free without worrying about traffic or litter.
Just remember - arrive early, bring your own stuff, and don’t expect luxury. It’s a beach day, not a resort. And if you love it enough to go back? The season pass is the smart move.