NFRs2000NYC-I have been out to RC a couple of times. You are right its great place to go. However, it’s a little bit of a drive from where I am at in NJ. And some of my group, are a little bit wary of it. Our group just went to Stokes last week. It’s fun and easy, nothing to crazy. However, the only places you can camp out on the camp grounds themselves. The Ranger there, have been getting a little bit testy because a lot of kids just go up there and destroy the trails. So you are starting to see the Rangers more and more. Since none of us have been to Wharton State Forest(Pine Barrens). We figure we would go as a group. Since some only have stock jeeps, they don’t want to get to crazy. Me and another are the only two that have lifts and a little bit more experience.
So from what I have read so far. If we stick to the trails that we see on the maps, we “should” be fine with the rangers, there’s a lot of sand and mud. And maybe places to camp overnight. I have been watch some videos, it all so far seem relatively easy trails. Might get stuck in some soft sand or in mud.
Some pointers.....
1) Make sure your rigs are 100% road legal for NJ....tickets Jeeps NEVER EVER get in NJ from cops (front plate, covers on lights, mudflaps if needed in NJ, etc) are steadily handed out in the Barrens. Like I said, they have NOTHING to do, so they just bust balls.
2) If it doesn't look like a road, stay off of it. Getting lost excuse doesn't work with them.
3) If you see a mud pit, unless it's on a road, stay away. They always threaten you with thousands of dollars in fines for "destroying wetlands." The last time I was there with a group, he pulled us all over (waited 40 minutes to do so because he didn't want to come into the mud with his truck) and told us all to GTFO of there or else he would slap us all with fines...it was literally a mud puddle but they want to feel important, so they start with the wetland stuff.
4) Don't speed....some of the sandy stretches might be fun to blast down, but again, they bust balls for that.
5) If you see water, keep the stock guys back and let a modded guy take first dip...a lot of those "puddles" are a lot deeper than they look.
6) Make sure you have a winched jeep at the front of the group and at the rear of the group, makes recovery easier, a few tow straps wouldn't hurt either.
In the future, if you and your buddies want to have some real fun wheeling, Take NJ turnpike south, make a right onto the i70, and don't stop until you hit Moab. It will be the best trip you ever take.
