Oakland County Parks Annual Passes Available for Sale, Free to Eligible Residents
(Oakland County, Nov. 7, 2023)
Oakland County, MI – Oakland County Parks (OCP) Annual Vehicle Permits for 2024 are on sale now. Buy today to enjoy access to eight day-use parks that provide year-round fun for the rest of 2023 through Dec. 31, 2024.
The cost for the Annual Vehicle Permit remains at $30 for residents and $48 regular rate. In addition to park entry, vehicle permit holders receive free parking at the Oakland County Fair on the grounds of Springfield Oaks County Park on two Oakland County Parks Days.
The permit provides access to Addison Oaks County Park north of Rochester, Groveland Oaks County Park in Holly (April-September), Highland Oaks County Park in Highland, Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston, Lyon Oaks County Park in Lyon Township, Orion Oaks County Park in Lake Orion, Red Oaks Dog Park in Madison Heights and Rose Oaks County Park in Holly.
Permits may be purchased online, by mail and in person at many locations throughout Oakland County. For a list of locations or to purchase online, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
With voter approval of the 2020 Oakland County Parks and Recreation millage replacement and increase, OCP provides a free Vehicle Permit to eligible individuals, including:
- Oakland County residents ages 62+. Residents must provide valid documentation, such as a driver’s license, to verify residency and age
- Active military. Current U.S. military personnel must present a U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Card for one of the following military personnel classifications: U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or National Guard; U.S. Military Cadets; or U.S. Active Reservists (do not need to be deployed)
- Veterans of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard must provide proof of documentation, such as a valid Michigan driver’s license with veteran designation; an Oakland County, state, or federal Veteran ID Card (VIC); or form DD214, DD256, DD257, or NGB22
- Individuals of any age with a permanent physical, mental or sensory impairment disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Persons with permanent disabilities are requested to provide documentation of permanent disability status, which may include a state-issued disability parking placard; proof of disability income; or letter from a physician. If documentation cannot be provided, the applicant will need to fill out and sign a Free Vehicle Permit Request form to provide credible assurance. Guardians or caregivers of a person with a permanent disability may request the free Vehicle Permit on behalf of the individual
A long-term free Vehicle Permit will continue to be issued for eligible individuals. It offers access to trails, dog parks, fishing docks, playgrounds, beaches (seasonally) and other amenities through Dec. 31, 2029, eliminating the need to reapply each year.
Annual Vehicle Permits can be purchased at specific parks as well as at local stores and community locations. Free Vehicle Permits are not available at all sales locations. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for a complete list of in-person sales locations.
While a mail-order application can be downloaded at OaklandCountyParks.com, active military must obtain their free Vehicle Permit and show their Common Access Card in person, as these cards are not legally allowed to be photocopied.
Annual Vehicle Permits and free Vehicle Permits shall be non-transferable and must be affixed to a vehicle windshield to be valid. Limit of one free Vehicle Permit per eligible person, per year. Discounts on Annual Vehicle Permits are also available for a second permit for another vehicle in the same household and groups. See instructions for attaching and removing permits at OaklandCountyParks.com.
Permits do not allow for free entry to facilities and programs that have a separate fee, including, but not limited to: Red Oaks Waterpark, Waterford Oaks Wave Pool, campgrounds, Holly Oaks ORV Park, golf courses or special events and programs. It is also a separate purchase from the Joint Parks Perks pass with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Recreation Passport for the Michigan State Parks as no portion of the OCP Annual Vehicle Permit fee can be applied to these other two permits.
The following locations are always open to the public free of charge: Catalpa Oaks County Park, Red Oaks Nature Center, Springfield Oaks County Park and Waterford Oaks County Park. Park entry will also be free at Pontiac Oaks County Park, which becomes the 15th Oakland County Park effective Oct. 4.
For more information about rates, discounts and free permits for eligible individuals, visit OaklandCountyParks.com, call 248-858-0916 or e-mail info@oaklandcountyparks.com.
For more information about Oakland County Parks, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and X.
