Park Rules & Regulations

• Alcohol is not allowed in any Ottawa County Park or property.
• May be permitted for special events at:
  • Grand Ravines North Lodge
  • Pine Bend Park Weaver House
  • Hemlock Crossing Nature Center
  • Connor Bayou Woodland Cabin.

Bicycles:

• Bicycles are allowed only on designated bike trails at:
  • Pigeon Creek Park, Riley Trails, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Grand River Park, Musketawa Trail, Spoonville Trail, and Idema Explorers Trail
• Not allowed off trails or on snow-covered trails.

E-Bikes:

• E-bikes (Class 1 only) permitted on paved bike trails only; not allowed on natural surface trails, off trail, or on snow-covered trails.
• E-bikes (Class 2 and Class 3) are not allowed on linear trail.
  • Class 1: Required pedaling and has a maximum speed of 20 mph.
  • Class 2: Can be operated with or without pedlaing and has a maximum speed of 20 mph.
  • Class 3: Required pedaling and has a maximum speed of 28 mph.
• Learn more about e-bike classifications

Ottawa County Parks prohibits commercial activity in all parks and open spaces (Rule 6.1k). Acknowledging that many residents enjoy having family photos taken on park property, the Parks Commission voted in 2018 to allow photographers to apply for a commercial photography/videography permit and created a Commercial Photography Policy. If you are a commercial photographer or videographer who uses Ottawa County Parks as a location, please review the policy and complete the permit application.

• Dogs welcome at most properties; follow leash and seasonal rules. 
• Not allowed at: Rosy Mound Natural Area, Olive, Shores, Mt. Pisgah, and the stairs at North Ottawa Dunes. (Service dogs always allowed).
• See Dog Rules & Tips for more details.

Planning a gathering, class, or wedding? You may need a permit or to contact the Parks office.

• • Special Use Permit Info
  • Outdoor Wedding Guidelines
  • Facility Rental Rules

Hammocking:

• Hammocks may be hung in parks using wide straps on trees over 6 inches in diameter, within 10 feet of an established natural surface, gravel, or asphalt trail only.
• Hammocks may not be hung in a manner that can cause damage to a tree. Hammocks are not allowed in off-trail areas, on manmade park structures, or in areas where the trail is either boardwalk or stairs.
• Hammockers should follow “leave no trace” principles and pack out everything that is packed in including trash and recyclables.​

Geocaching:

• Geocaching is allowed at many Ottawa County Park properties following the guidelines and rules. Geocaching is not permitted at Historic Ottawa Beach Parks, Marne Bog, Olive Shores, and Rosy Mound Natural Area.
• Guidelines & Rules for Geocaching

Metal Detecting:

• The use of a metal detector is allowed on Lake Michigan beach areas at North Beach Park, the Rosy Mound Natural Area, Kirk Park, Tunnel Park, and Historic Ottawa Beach Park. Metal detecting is not allowed in any beach area that has vegetation. Metal detecting is also allowed at Ottawa Sands on the un-vegetated sandy area along the Grand River excluding the steep cut bank, along the gravel road and within 10 feet of the sandy trails or un-vegetated banks of the inland lake. Holes must be filled, and activity is allowed only during regular park hours.
• Special permission from parks staff must be obtained in advance for metal detecting in other park areas.

Equestrian trails are available at Pigeon Creek Park (3 miles), Eastmanville Farm (4.5 miles) and the Musketawa Trail (10 miles). Horses are allowed on designated trails at Pigeon Creek Park from March 15 through November 30, if weather and trail conditions permit. Horses are welcome on designated trails at Pigeon Creek Park from March 15 through November 30, if trail conditions permit. Because of cross country skiing at Pigeon Creek Park and snowmobiling on the Musketawa Trail, these trails are unavailable for horseback riding during the winter. The trails at Eastmanville Farm are clay-based and become slippery during heavy rainfall throughout the year. Trails at the farm will close under these conditions. For trail conditions at Pigeon Creek or Eastmanville Farm, visit miOttawa.org/trails.

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting on over 4,500 acres of selected properties with some restrictions intended to protect hunters and park visitors alike. Before you head out to hunt, please review the rules and permit requirements.

• Hunting Rules & Regulations

• There is no smoking allowed on any Ottawa County Parks beaches.
• Fires are permitted only in grills and designated fire pits. No beach fires.
• Snowmobiles are allowed on the Musketawa Trail when conditions are satisfactory. ORV’s are not to be ridden within any other Ottawa County Parks property.
• Do not damage, remove, or deface park property — including buildings, signs, equipment, rocks, or plants such as trees, turf, dune grass, flowers, and shrubs. Help keep the parks natural for everyone.

Please respect private property boundaries near parklands. If a visitor trespasses onto adjacent property, contact local law enforcement first and then notify Ottawa County Parks so staff can monitor problem areas.