Boat Ramps In Michigan: Recreation Passport Requirements

Michigan has over 1,000 public boat launches and 82 public harbors, offering easy access to 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. The Recreation Passport is an affordable way for Michigan residents to enjoy these boating opportunities, giving them daily access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking, and state boat launches for a small annual fee. The passport is required for motorized vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas, state-managed boating access sites, and other outdoor spaces. It is not required for entry on foot or bicycle. The Recreation Passport costs $14 for vehicles and $7 for motorcycles when purchased with license plate renewal through the Secretary of State, and it is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Non-residents can purchase the Recreation Passport at any state park, recreation area, or online, with an annual fee of $40 and a daily fee of $11.

Annual fee for Michigan residents

The Recreation Passport is an affordable way for Michigan residents to access outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. The passport gives daily access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking, and state boat launches. It also offers discounts at select businesses and retailers through the Passport Perks program.

The Recreation Passport is a separate fee from camping, lodging, and harbor reservation fees. It is required for motorized vehicle access to state parks, recreation areas, state-managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, and trails.

The annual fee for Michigan residents is as follows:

• Motorized vehicles: $14 when purchased with license plate renewal through the Secretary of State. A two-year option is available for $28.
• Motorcycles: $7 when purchased with license plate renewal through the Secretary of State.
• Moped: $7 when purchased at state parks and most DNR customer service centers.
• Commercial daily pass: $21 when purchased at state parks for vehicles over 24,000 lbs and/or with a seating capacity of 16 or more.

The Recreation Passport can be purchased by checking "YES" when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State. It can also be purchased by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com, or at branch offices. The passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date.

It is important to note that the Recreation Passport is not required for entry on foot or bicycle into state parks, trails, historic sites, boat launches, and other state-managed destinations.

Daily fee for non-residents

Non-residents of Michigan can purchase a daily pass for $11, which is valid for entry and re-entry to any state park for the day. This is a good option for those who plan to launch their boat only once. If you are a non-resident and you plan to launch your boat more than once, it is recommended that you purchase the annual pass for $40. This pass is accepted at all Michigan State Parks, Recreation Areas, and State Forest Campgrounds.

The daily pass for non-residents is also available for a towed motor vehicle for $8. This pass is required if you plan to unhitch a towed motor vehicle from a stationary recreational vehicle (RV) and drive it anywhere within the state park or campground. Please note that the RV must have a non-resident annual passport.

In addition to the above, there is also a commercial daily pass for non-residents, which costs $21. This pass is for vehicles weighing 24,000 lbs or more and/or with a seating capacity of 16 or more.

It is important to note that the Recreation Passport is only required for motorized vehicle access to state parks, recreation areas, state-managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, and designated trailheads. If you are entering a state park on foot or by bicycle, you do not need to purchase the Recreation Passport.

Where to buy Recreation Passport

The Recreation Passport is required for motorized vehicle access to Michigan's state parks, recreation areas, state-managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, and thousands of miles of trails. The passport is an affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport by checking "YES" when renewing their license plate through the Secretary of State. The passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. It costs $14 for vehicles and $7 for motorcycles when purchased at the time of license plate registration renewal. A two-year option is available for vehicles for $28. The passport can also be purchased by mail, kiosk, or online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices.

Non-residents can purchase the Recreation Passport at any state park or recreation area, or online at MiDNRReservations.com/Store. Annual non-resident passports cost $40, while daily non-resident passports cost $11. Non-resident passports expire on December 31 of the year they were purchased.

The Recreation Passport is not required for entry on foot or bicycle, for school and public transit authority buses, or for snowmobiles.

Passport Perks discount program

The Recreation Passport is a great way for Michigan residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. In addition to providing access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, state boat launches, and non-motorized state trailhead parking, the passport also offers discounts at certain businesses and retailers through the Passport Perks discount program.

Through the Passport Perks program, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy savings at participating businesses and retailers, including restaurants, tax preparation services, auto maintenance shops, and sporting goods stores. These discounts are available when presenting a valid Recreation Passport at the time of purchase.

The Passport Perks program is a great way for Recreation Passport holders to save money while supporting local businesses and the state's outdoor recreation system. The discounts are offered by a variety of businesses, ensuring that holders can find savings that align with their interests and needs.

The Recreation Passport itself is an affordable annual pass for Michigan residents, costing $14 for vehicles and $7 for motorcycles when purchased with license plate renewal through the Secretary of State. Non-residents can also purchase the Recreation Passport, with annual and daily pass options available.

By purchasing the Recreation Passport, not only do residents gain access to a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, but they also contribute to the maintenance and improvement of these spaces. The funds from the Recreation Passport go directly towards sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation system and natural resources.

Passport fees for non-residents

The Recreation Passport is required for motorized vehicle access to Michigan's state parks, recreation areas, state-managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, and other outdoor spaces. The passport is an easy, affordable way for non-residents to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan.

Non-residents can purchase the Recreation Passport at any state park, recreation area, or online. The passport is valid until 31 December of the year it was purchased.

• Annual non-resident: $40
• Daily non-resident: $11
• Towed motor vehicle (only if being used): $8

A $5 convenience fee is charged for vehicles/motorcycles when purchased at a park or outside of their annual renewal. This is not applied to non-resident passes.

Frequently asked questions