Off the shores of New Jersey, beyond the bustling boardwalks and crowded beaches, lies an island few have heard of and even fewer have set foot on. Little Beach lies between Little Egg Inlet to the northeast and Brigantine Inlet to the southwest. It’s part of Galloway Township in Atlantic County. It’s not a vacation spot, not a wildlife sanctuary, nor a place marked on tourist maps. This mysterious landmass sits quietly in the waters, untouched and largely off-limits to the public. But why? What secrets does it hold, and why has it remained so elusive for so long?
For years, rumors have swirled around this forbidden island, stretching from government experiments to hidden military facilities. Some locals say it’s nothing more than an abandoned nature preserve. Others whisper about something more—something that makes authorities work hard to keep people away.
It begs the question: Why is New Jersey home to an island that no one can visit?
A Landmass Shrouded in Secrecy
New Jersey is known for its coastal geography—barrier islands, marshlands, and inlets that attract fishermen, vacationers, and historians alike. But one island stands apart, not because of its beauty or its tourist appeal, but because of how little is known about it.
This mysterious island isn’t completely absent from maps. In fact, if you look carefully enough, it appears, a small speck surrounded by water, its name often omitted or left ambiguous. Satellite images show dense vegetation covering much of its terrain, with signs of structures barely peeking through the tree cover.
Attempts to approach the island—whether by boat or drone—are often met with warnings. Officials cite reasons ranging from environmental protection to “public safety concerns,” but no clear explanation is ever given.
This secrecy has fueled speculation for decades. What exactly is happening on this island that requires such a high level of restriction?
A Government Past and an Unclear Future
New Jersey has a long history of housing restricted and classified sites. From the Cold War-era Nike missile bases hidden in the Pine Barrens to the mysterious Fort Hancock experiments along the coast, the state has played an unusual role in military and government operations.
One prevailing theory about the island suggests that it once served as a testing ground—perhaps for chemical or biological experiments. The U.S. government has had a pattern of using remote locations for classified projects, from Plum Island off the coast of Long Island (known for its secretive animal disease research) to the infamous Montauk base that has inspired everything from conspiracy theories to Netflix’s Stranger Things.
Could New Jersey’s island be another classified testing ground? If so, what was being tested there, and why is it still closed off long after the Cold War ended?
A History of Restricted Islands in the Region
New Jersey isn’t alone in having an island that is difficult to access. Nearby, places like Hart Island in New York serve as mass graves, with limited access due to their grim past. Sandy Hook’s own Plum Island, once rumored to be a biological testing site, has long been off-limits to civilians.
Restricted islands often serve two main purposes: military and environmental. If this island once held military significance, that would explain its secrecy. But if it’s now a protected wildlife refuge, why not simply disclose that to the public instead of maintaining a cloud of mystery?
Some sources claim the island was once home to a research facility decades ago, but as quickly as it appeared, it was abandoned. What remains today is unclear, but what is clear is that the authorities don’t want people getting too close.
Attempts to Visit—And Why They Fail
Over the years, a handful of daring explorers have tried to make their way to the island. Most of them are met with patrol boats long before they ever get close. Boaters who drift too close receive radio warnings, and some have even reported being tailed for miles back to shore.
Drones sent over the island often lose signal, their cameras cutting to static at crucial moments. Is this the result of jamming technology, or just a coincidence?
For the few who have gotten close enough to see with their own eyes, they report something strange—unnatural silence. No boats docked on the shores. No visible activity. Yet, the island doesn’t feel abandoned.
“There were no birds, no sounds, nothing,” said one anonymous boater who got close enough to see the island through binoculars. “It felt like it was waiting for something.”
What Are They Hiding?
If the island were just another abandoned property, there would be no reason for such a heavy level of secrecy. So what’s really going on?
Some theories suggest:
A leftover Cold War facility: A base or research center that has been decommissioned but still holds classified materials.
A quarantine site: Perhaps used during the pandemic or for past disease research, making it too hazardous for public entry.
An underground bunker: Some believe the island could be home to an elite or government bunker, similar to those hidden across the U.S. during the Cold War.
A simple but overprotected wildlife sanctuary: The least thrilling of the theories, but still possible.
The Official Story—And Why It Doesn’t Add Up
Officials claim the island is protected for “ecological reasons” and that entering would disturb the environment. But many believe this is only part of the story.
If the government simply wanted to preserve the land, there would be clear signs or explanations—like there are for other protected areas. Instead, we have restricted airspace, warnings to boats, and a long history of rumors that refuse to die.
Whatever the true purpose of this island, it’s clear that someone—whether the state, the military, or a private entity—wants to keep it hidden.
Will We Ever Get Answers?
As time goes on, the mystery only deepens. Until someone uncovers the truth, New Jersey’s secret island will remain just that—a secret.
But with growing interest in urban exploration, improved satellite imaging, and citizen journalists digging into government archives, the island’s story might not stay hidden forever.
Dan is a contributor at New Jersey Digest, a software developer, and a dedicated jiu-jitsu practitioner with a passion for great food. A Bergen County native, he’s always seeking out new challenges—whether in coding, on the mats, or discovering the Garden State's hidden mysteries. When he’s not immersed in his work, you’ll find him training, exploring local restaurants, or unwinding with a round of golf.
