NJ began selling 4WD passes for Island Beach State Park online Sunday, but had a serious error

The entrance to Island Beach State Park, South Seaside Park, NJ, June 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

New Jersey parks officials began selling dune buggy permits for access to Island Beach State Park online on Dec. 1, putting one of the Shore’s most sought-after items on the open market for the next year. Selling the permits online represents a big change from years past, when recreational anglers lined up at the park entrance to get their permits on the first day they were available. State officials said the online-based system will provide “more equitable” access to the park.

However, when the state launched the sales page at 7 a.m. Sunday, it experienced major problems with the website, and the DEP has already announced that Monday’s sale has been postponed. According to the DEP, sales are limited to 1,000 permit sales per day over an eight-day period. Sales began at 7 a.m. Sunday and were scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. every day this week until all 1,000 passes are sold for that day.

There appeared to be problems obtaining permits and, in some exceptional cases, customers were charged more than once for a single item. The state said it is working with the contractor who designed the system to repair it.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve the issue and ensure that all customers who received a receipt via email have successfully completed their purchase,” it said in an announcement.

Beach buggy vehicles on the sand at Island Beach State Park. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The permits allow “beach buggies” – four-wheel-drive vehicles – to access and travel along the beach when actively fishing, and the ability to reach areas too far away to walk, such as; B. the northern jetty of Barnegat Inlet. It is known as a “Mobile Sportfishing Permit.” The permits cost $195 for New Jersey residents and $225 for non-residents and are valid from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

The state’s website for purchasing permits can be found here. Updates will be provided on this page as well as numerous Fish and Wildlife, State Parks Service and DEP social media feeds.