Parks Rules and Regulations

These Rules and Regulations apply to all improved and unimproved county parks.

For More Information:

Pets | Bicycles | Horses | Camping | Hunting | Other Parks Rules & Regulations | Open Space Lands Rules & Regulations

Pets

Many people enjoy walking the family pet along trails or taking their pet to a beach. In order to accommodate this use while respecting the rights of other park users, Ottawa County Parks has the following rules regarding pets.

Pets must be on a leash (6 feet or shorter) at all times and owners must clean up after pets as necessary.

From October 2 through April 30, pets are allowed in all County Parks (except the Rosy Mound Natural Area) excluding buildings, play areas, equestrian trails and groomed cross country ski trails. Dogs are also allowed on beaches (except Rosy Mound) during this period.

From May 1 through October 1, dogs are allowed ONLY on designated hiking trails in the following parks. During this period, pets are not allowed in other parts of these parks (including beaches) or in any other County Park.

  • Grand River Park
  • Grose Park
  • Hager Park
  • Hemlock Crossing/Pine Bend
  • Kirk Park (not allowed on beach)
  • Musketawa Trail
  • Pigeon Creek Park (not allowed on horse trails)

Dogs are not allowed at the Rosy Mound Natural Area any time of year.

Dogs are currently allowed (on-leash) year 'round at the Crockery Creek Site and the Upper Macatawa Conservation Area. Be aware that bow hunting (by special parks permit only) is also permitted on these two properties.

Pets are allowed off-leash and year 'round on Open Space Lands. Be aware that hunting is also permitted on Open Space Lands (see Open Space Lands for details on hunting on each property).

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Bicycles

Bicycles are allowed only on designated bike trails at Pigeon Creek Park and Grand River Park. Bicycles are not allowed off trails or on trails when covered by snow. Bikes are also allowed on the Musketawa Trail. A free Bicycle The Lakeshore brochure and Musketawa Trail brochure is available from the county parks office.

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Horses

Pigeon Creek Park and the Musketawa Trail are the only county parks that allows horses. Horses are allowed on designated trails at Pigeon Creek Park from March 1 through November 30, if weather and trail conditions permit. Because of cross country skiing, horses are not allowed at Pigeon Creek Park during the winter. For trail conditions at Pigeon Creek, call the county parks office.

Horses are also allowed on the Musketawa Trail.

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Camping

Individual and family camping is not permitted in any Ottawa County Park. A year' round Group Camp Area at Pigeon Creek Park can be reserved in advance by groups from recognized organizations. Fees are on a per night basis.

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Hunting

Park rules prohibit hunting and trapping in all improved Ottawa County Parks. See Open Space Lands and Undeveloped Parks for information on hunting on other parks properties. A hunting brochure is also available by calling the parks office at (616) 738-4810.

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Other Park Rules and Regulations

There is no alcohol allowed in any Ottawa County Park, Open Space Lands or other park properties.
Motorized vehicles are not allowed in any Ottawa County Park , Open Space Lands or other park properties. (Snowmobiles are allowed on the Musketawa Trail when conditions are satisfactory). Fires are permitted only in grills and designated fire pits. No beach fires.

A complete list of park rules and regulations is posted at each park or is available by calling the county parks office.

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