Yes, the good old days are gone. Most everything is locked and gated. You can still get into State land with a permit. Go down to the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR, downtown State office buldings) and ask for a permit to go to Peacock Flats. Miles and miles of not bad four-wheeling (check out the side roads). Don't go without at least one other vehicle. Tell the folks at DLNR you are into bird watching, hiking or some such thing. Don't mention you're looking for off-road fun, even though they require you to have 4x4 to go back there.