UPDATE: January, 2026
Where can I do Milky Way Photography in New Jersey?
The East Point Lighthouse, located in Cumberland, New Jersey, is one of the best places to photograph the Milky Way in New Jersey. There are limited locations in New Jersey for Milky Way photography. This article will give you tips on getting the best night sky photos.
We travel to the lighthouse multiple times each year during the Milky Way season. The lighthouse is located in a picturesque setting, and we have gathered many details and share everything you need to know. Our office is only two hours away, which makes this a favorite spot.
WHEN SHOULD I GO HERE TO DO MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY?
Any time of year is suitable for general photography, but to photograph the Milky Way at East Point Lighthouse, you must go at a specific time to ensure the Milky Way is visible. Midweek is the best. People come here to watch the sunset, and most leave, but if you want the best chance of having the place to yourself at night, go in the middle of the week. It doesn’t get that busy at all. Be sure to shoot it during the daytime, too.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHEN THE MILKY WAY IS VISIBLE?
Read our Milky Way Information Page to see exactly when the Milky Way will be visible.
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL GEAR I NEED?
Well, in a perfect world, you’ll have an Astro modified camera done by Spencer Camera. But if you’re new to all this, you could put that on your future list. You should have a lens as wide as possible. We shoot with a 16mm. You should also have an open aperture on that lens. Ours is 2.8. The lower the f-stop number, the better to let more light in to avoid digital noise.
YOU MUST HAVE A TRIPOD— Night photography requires long exposures, so a tripod is essential for keeping your camera still and ensuring sharp images during long exposures.
HOW DO I GET TO THE LIGHTHOUSE?
East Point Lighthouse is located in Heislerville, Cumberland County, New Jersey. For your GPS—10 Lighthouse Rd, Maurice River, NJ 08349
It’s west of Cape May and Avalon, other Milky Way photography hot spots. From the north, take Route 55 south to Exit 28A. From the south, take Route 47 north to Exit 16B. Once you’re on Route 49, follow the signs for the Lighthouse. The drive takes about an hour and a half from Philadelphia.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER MILKY WAY SPOTS NEAR HERE?
Yes, Avalon and Cape May are all in the area. We suggest spending a few nights here to cover all the locations.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
BUGS!! – There are bugs here in the summer when it gets hot. We don’t always encounter bugs. We’re not exactly sure what brings them out, but be very well prepared. If you really want to be prepared, order a mosquito net from Amazon to go over your face and bring lightweight gloves. Just in case!
SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY —Arrive early to scout out the best shooting angles—It’s a good idea to arrive just a few minutes early, well before sunset, to have time to find the perfect spot. There is a good Sunset spot just down the road, so you can do sunset photography too. The angle of the Milky Way in comparison to the lighthouse moves each month. We were just there in October it was much more challenging to get the Milky Way over the lighthouse. The photos above were created in June.
DAYTIME PHOTOGRAPHY
This location is good to shoot twenty-four hours a day. We love this lighthouse and have photographed it many times since we are from New Jersey. If you are traveling here for a nighttime shoot, you definitely want to visit during the day to capture some great shots.
ABOUT THE LIGHTHOUSE
The East Point Lighthouse is a dazzling display of history and maritime beauty, located on the Southern Bayshore in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Built in 1849, it remains an active navigational aid, serviced by the United States Coast Guard and managed by the non-profit Maurice River Historical Society. This society has fully restored and furnished the lighthouse with its beacon, which serves as a year-round museum and a spectacular light at night. The two-story Cape Cod-style building is the second oldest lighthouse in New Jersey and one of only a few land-based beacons on the Delaware Bay. It’s also registered on the National Historic Registry.
It is known for its views, sunsets, and history, allowing tourists, artists, photographers, and nature lovers to appreciate its natural beauty. A picnic area and ADA ramp can be found on the premises. To learn more about this stunning site, visit its website.
EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE EROSION – THEY NEED YOUR HELP
Help Save East Point Lighthouse – Contact the Governor of New Jersey and the Commissioner of the NJ DEP and let them know you care about history and want to see preservation before it’s too late. #saveeastpointlighthouse
Check the weather, of course you need clear skies.
After over 50 years, the Maurice River Historical Society is no longer managing the lighthouse due to management disputes with the NJ DEP.
You can see it at any time from the outside to photograph it.
The closest hotel, which was about 20 minutes away, has closed down too.
There is a porta-potty here, and that’s about it.
This lighthouse is very charming. It has bright white walls and a red roof that makes it stand out from the other lighthouses.
Maurice River Diner. 3830 NJ-47, Maurice River, NJ 08348 – Closest
CHARLESWORTH RESTAURANT, FORTESCUE
But if you want something extremely special, take a ride to Fortescue, New Jersey. The Charlesworth Hotel and Restaurant is one of our top places for 2026. We also recommend that while in the area, you photograph the Fortescue birds. It’s about 45 minutes from the lighthouse. What we did was we ate dinner. Did sunset photography and then headed to the lighthouse for the Milky Way.
You will find all of the Fortescue details here.
Cape Harbor Motor Inn Information – A great hotel with a good price.
715 Pittsburgh Avenue • Cape May • New Jersey • 08204 • Reservations (609) 884-0018
Complimentary trolley service into the Center of Cape May and its beaches – Motel rooms and suites are available – All rooms are non-smoking – Cable TV – Daily maid service – Swimming pool Spacious sundeck – Barbecue area – Shuffleboard – Ice cubes for your convenience – Parking for one car per motel room – Outdoor bike rack (bring bike lock) – WiFi
BELLEPAIN STATE FOREST CAMPING
Mailing Address: BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST
PO Box 450
Woodbine, New Jersey 08270 –
Direct Line:(609) 861-2404
Emergency Number:(877) 927-6337
– WHEN YOU ARRIVE – You must sign for your own site. You will be required to show a Photo ID/Driver’s License. You will be required to give vehicle information (make/model/license plate) for all vehicles at your site.
– QUIET HOURS – From 10 pm to 6 am, and are strictly enforced. Violators of this policy may be evicted.
– GENERATORS – May be used except during quiet hours. If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonable…MORE DETAILS
Ocean City New Jersey, Milky Way Photography
