You can still drive through N.J. forest. But break the new rules, and it’ll cost you.

You can still drive cars and off-road vehicles through one of the state’s largest protected forests — but not everywhere. And now, breaking the rules will cost you.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on Monday published an updated map of roads in the Wharton State Forest, which amasses 124,000 acres of government-protected wilderness spanning portions of multiple South Jersey counties. The new map prohibits travel in some previously used areas.
State environmental regulators began a process to review roads being used in the state forest in 2022, holding public meetings and gathering comments for about two years to generate a map that defines legal roadways.
“By clearly defining safe, legal vehicle roads, we’re improving access for responsible exploration while protecting Wharton’s diverse natural and cultural treasures, minimizing impacts on sensitive habitats and supporting the integrity of our shared public lands,” said John Cecil, assistant commissioner for State Parks, Forest & Historic Sites.
The survey slashes about 121 miles worth of roads found to range from property boundary lines to hiking trails. In hearings leading up to the new map, NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said most of the unauthorized roads were likely formed over time from visitor use.
Wharton will now have about 261 miles fit for cars and vehicles suitable for off-road riding. The routes are mostly made of about 175 miles of unimproved roading. An extra 28.3 miles are accessible during in-season hunting.
The total also includes about 57 miles of paved roads not previously accounted.
Designated legal roads are a method for state officials to prevent illegal riding that uses all-terrain vehicles, quads and dirt bikes, a problem New Jersey has grappled with.
State park police are also planning tougher enforcement of the roadway rules beginning next year by increasing the frequency of summonses to those caught driving in an area of the forest not designated on the map.
Illegal off-road activity now carries a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense, and a minimum of $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense. If a violation results in damage to or destruction of natural resources, an additional fine of five times the cost of the damage may be assessed.
Gates and barriers are also being erected in attempts to curtail driving in areas not included on the map.
The map-rendering process pitted environmentalists against off-road riders. Supporters of the proposal insist shrinking space for vehicles protects vulnerable animals and plants in the Pine Barrens. Those opposed labeled attempts to limit vehicle access as too restrictive.
“With the release of this map, we are taking a crucial measure to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy all the forest has to offer but in a more responsible way that preserves its natural and historical resources for future generations,” LaTourette said.
Wharton is best known as a place for canoeing and its scenic hike between the Atsion Mansion and historic Batsto Village. About 800,000 people visit yearly.
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Eric Conklin may be reached at [email protected].