Parks Permits
Visiting and hiking in most Ottawa County Parks is free! Some activities do require a permit including the ones listed on this page. Select from the dropdown below to find out more.
Find all park rules and regulations here.
Commercial Photography & Videography Permits
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, you must review the policy and complete the permit application.
Motor Vehicle Permits
- Ottawa County Motor Vehicle Permits are required at lakeshore parks and the Riverside Park boat launch from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
- Purchase your Motor Vehicle Permit
Special Use Permits
If you are considering planning an event, class, or group outing at a park, you may need to obtain a special permit or permission, especially if it a commercial operation (not allowed without express permission).
Hunting Permits
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting on over 4,500 acres of selected properties, with rules to protect both hunters and visitors. Some areas require a special permit and/or entry into a lottery:
- Crockery Creek Natural Area is open to waterfowl hunting by special permit only. There is no lottery.
- Crockery Creek Natural Area, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, and Stearns Creek South are open to archery deer hunting each fall and winter by special permit only, during specific periods by lottery-chosen hunters.
- Stearns Creek North is open to all game hunting each fall and spring per DNR regulations by special permit only, during specific periods by lottery-chosen hunters.
- North Ottawa Dunes and Ottawa Sands are open for a lakeshore wildlife management hunt by special permit only, during specific periods by lottery-chosen hunters.
Lotteries are typically open during the month of August and drawings occur before each hunting period. Hunters may submit one application per lottery; duplicate entries will be removed.
