Greenwood Lake (NJ): Motor and Boating Rules
Passaic County · near West Milford · managed by New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau
- Gas outboard YES
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski YES
- Passaic County, NJ
- 1,911 acres
- New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau
Quick answer
Where you launch and run matters on Greenwood Lake — the restrictions are zoned. Greenwood Lake in NJ is subject to motor and speed restrictions in designated zones under New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau regulations (verified July 26, 2026). On this lake: 5 mph zone within 200 feet of shore and structures around the entire New Jersey portion of the lake (N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.13(d)). Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau before you launch.
Rules at a glance
What this means in practice
Zoned rules exist because one lake serves two crowds: anglers and paddlers get protected water while powerboats keep the open basin. Plan your day by zone — launch, fishing spots, and any full-speed running — before you're on the water reading buoys at a distance.
Time can matter as much as geography on zoned water: note the hours rule on this lake, listed in the table above. When a zone boundary and a posted sign disagree, follow the stricter one and sort it out with New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau later.
Worth knowing about Greenwood Lake: 1,911-acre bi-state lake shared with New York; the New Jersey portion in West Milford Township is regulated by N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.13. Power boats and motorized jet skis are expressly allowed on Greenwood Lake by N.J.A.C. 7:2-8.2(a)2. Vessels competing in authorized races or regattas are exempt..
Planning options around New Jersey? The neighboring pages in our database cover Budd Lake (Zoned, Morris County) and Grover's Mill Pond (HP limit, Mercer County), and the state hub lists all verified New Jersey lake motor rules with the official source behind each.
Common mistakes on Zoned water
Assuming the whole lake is open because the launch zone is. Zones can flip a few hundred yards out. Read the zone map before you commit to a route.
Missing hour-based switches. Some zoned rules change by time of day or season — check the hours row in the table above for what applies on Greenwood Lake.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau office covering Passaic County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Greenwood Lake?
Gas motors are legal on Greenwood Lake. Note the wake rule: 45 mph maximum; 5 mph within 200 feet of shore, docks, piers, rafts, floats or anchored vessels (N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.13(b),(d)). Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Greenwood Lake?
You can. Electric propulsion is permitted on Greenwood Lake; most boats here run a 12 V transom-mount trolling motor. Pack a paddle as backup for when the battery fades.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Greenwood Lake?
Yes, PWC are allowed on Greenwood Lake, subject to standard state PWC rules (operator age, PFD, daylight hours where applicable). Local ordinances may add limits.
Who enforces boating rules on Greenwood Lake?
New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Greenwood Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Passaic County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Greenwood Lake?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 26, 2026.