State parks - general rules

State park hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Only registered campers are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. with the exception of occasional events.

A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, DNR-managed boating access sites (boat launches), state forest campgrounds and parking at state trailheads.

Alcohol possession and use is limited or prohibited at certain state parks and boating access sites. See the full list of alcohol restrictions.

Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash in state parks, campgrounds, some state park cabins, state forest campgrounds, non-designated bathing beach areas, most harbors, the majority of trails and many boat launches. Check our pet-friendly guide for full details..

Leash laws do not apply on state park lands if the dog is being used for hunting, field trials or while being trained for hunting purposes on land open to such use.

Fishing is available at many state parks and recreation areas. Anglers 17+ require a license, except during designated Free Fishing Weekends.

Buy your fishing license online, buy a fishing license at a retailer, or download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchase through the app.

All state recreation areas are open to hunting unless designated closed. All state parks are closed to hunting unless designated open. Find state parks and recreation areas where hunting is allowed.

Visitors with mobility impairments are welcome to use wheelchairs, including electric wheelchairs and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs), in all areas open to pedestrians. For everyone’s safety, these devices should be operated at walking speed. Find guidance for operating power-driven mobility devices on park lands.

Electric skateboards, scooters, one-wheel skateboards and other unlicensed wheeled motorized devices are prohibited on park roads and in parking lots unless the person has a mobility impairment. 

A permit is required for any event held on DNR-managed land that involves 20 or more participants or requires a fee/donation for entry. This includes weddings, 5K races, and festivals. Please review event types and requirements to ensure compliance.

Any business or individual conducting commercial operations on state-managed lands, including state parks, trails and boat access sites, must secure an official permit

All research activities within state parks, recreation areas, boating access sites and rail trails are required to have a use permit. Most research projects require no fees, bonding or insurance, but will require submittal of a report at the conclusion of the project in place of monetary payment. Learn how to obtain a land use permit for research.

While metal detecting is not allowed at designated historic and archaeological sites, it's allowed in areas specifically designated as open to metal detecting. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.

Recreational gold panning is allowed on state-owned land, provided the state holds both surface and mineral rights. Amateur panners must obtain a permit and adhere to annual extraction limits. Please note that power sluicing is strictly prohibited. Find gold panning guidance and maps.

Fireworks such as Roman candles and bottle rockets are prohibited in Michigan state parks at all times; however, smaller novelty fireworks such as party poppers, snappers/drop pops, snakes, smoke bombs, sparklers and ground spinners are still permitted.

Find all state land rules associated with state parks and recreation areas.