The Township which was incorporated in 1875 consists of an area approximately 41.9 square miles, or 26,816 acres in the central part of Ocean County along the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, which is part of the inland waterway running along the Eastern seaboard of the continental United States. Approximately 72% of the Townships land area is within the federally designated Pinelands National Reserve. Approximately 38% is within the State's Pineland Area, which is within the Pinelands National Reserve. Dover Township, the County Seat and Toms River form the northern border of the Township, Cedar Creek and Lacey Township form the Township's southern. The Barrier Island, on which South Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park are situated, is the Township's eastern boundary.

The Township is primarily a residential community offering the wide beaches of Island Beach State Park on the Atlantic Ocean and the vast expanses of Barnegat Bay as well as the Toms River for sailing and water sports.