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Reservations & Permits
Vehicle Permits
All vehicles entering a Washington County Park must display a daily or annual vehicle permit, including vehicles belonging to registered campers and picnic shelter users. No drop-offs allowed. The annual vehicle permit is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The annual permit is valid in Washington County parks and Anoka County parks.
Vehicle permits are not required along the Hardwood Creek Trail or at the Historic Courthouse. Vehicle permits are also not required in any park on the first non-holiday Tuesday of each month, Earth Day, the second Saturday in June for National Get Outdoors Day, and the Friday after Thanksgiving. Learn more about free admission days in our parks.
If you've been taking pictures in Washington County Parks, submit your photos for a chance to be featured on the county's annual 2024-2025 vehicle permit. Find more details on the Photo Contest.
Reservations
Campground and picnic pavilion reservations begin in January for the upcoming season. Make a reservation.
For your enjoyment, and that of others, please observe all park ordinances (PDF).
Purchase a Vehicle Permit
Vehicle permits can be purchased at a variety of locations.
- Park Offices:
- Big Marine Park Reserve (park office is open seasonally).
- Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
- Historic Courthouse.
- Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
- St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.
- Public Works North Shop Facility.
- Purchase a vehicle permit online.
- Washington County License Centers & Service Centers.
- Electronic Pay Stations.
Electronic Pay Stations
Electronic pay stations are installed in all parks, either outside the Park Office at park entrances or near the parking areas. Both daily and annual permits are available for purchase. Only credit cards are accepted. Please follow directions on the machine and on the printed receipt. If an annual permit is purchased from the Electronic Pay Station, the receipt must be mailed or brought into a Park Office to be redeemed for a vehicle sticker.
Types of Permit | Cost |
---|---|
Daily Permit | $7 |
Annual Permit (valid 12 months from month of purchase) | $30 |
Second Annual (For same household, and must be purchased at same time as first annual. Not available online at this time.) | $20 |
Bus* Daily | $20 |
Bus* Annual | $100 |
*A vehicle capable of transporting more than 15 passengers is considered a bus.
Washington County will issue a free annual or daily vehicle permit to:
- Any veteran with a service-connected disability.
- The spouse of a currently deployed military personnel.
- The surviving spouse of a military personnel who is receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
- Military personnel on leave or having left active duty within the past 90 days.
Those seeking to obtain a free permit must present at least one:
- A veteran identification card showing a service connected disability.
- A copy of an official Department of Veterans Affairs determination letter listing an individual’s percentage of disability.
- Department of Defense Deployment Orders.
- An employer notification letter from the Department of Defense listing dates of deployment.
- Proof of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
To obtain an annual vehicle permit sticket, please visit a Park Office (Big Marine Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Historic Courthouse, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park).
Contact Parks
-
Washington County Parks
A division of the Public Works Department
Phone: 651-430-4300
Email StaffBig Marine Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8200Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8226Historic Courthouse
Phone: 651-275-7075Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8370Pine Point Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8200Square Lake Park
Phone: 651-430-8200Point Douglas Park
Phone: 651-430-8240