Rules, Regulations and Policies

General Reminders

• Quiet hours are 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
• Call Addison's contact station at 248-693-2432 or Groveland's contact station at 248-634-9811 with any issues, including noisy neighbors. If the contact station is closed, call Oakland County Sheriff Dispatch directly at 248-858-4950.
• Visitors are welcome from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. No visitor entry after 9 p.m. Overnight vehicles are required to register at the contact station for a parking pass that allows after hours entry.
• Campsites are limited to immediate family or up to four unrelated persons ages 18 years and older. Maximum of two tents or one camper and one tent per site.
• When parking, the tongue of trailer hitch must face the road, but not go into the road.
• Site fee includes two vehicles, only two vehicles allowed per site.
• •If trailers do not fit into site parking pads, they must be moved to the Day Use/Overnight Vehicle lot with overnight permit. See the contact station for details.
• Fire pits are for firewood only; do not put trash, pallets, brush or limbs into the fire pits. Portable firepits are not permitted.
• Help keep the park clean by placing all trash into the proper receptacles. Addison Oaks dumpsters are in Areas A and C, across from the shower buildings, and at the dump station. Recycling centers are near dumpsters in Areas A and C. Groveland Oaks dumpsters are located by the dump station, Section C restroom building, day use parking lot, behind the mini golf course and beside the camp store restroom building. On site trash pickup is not provided.
• All gray/wastewater must be disposed of at the designated dump station(s) per the Oakland County Health Division Sanitary Code Section 4.1.
• Portable waste tanks may only be connected to a camping unit while in the process of emptying on-board holding tanks. Campers must be present and in view of portable tanks during the emptying process. Portable showers and portable toilets are not permitted.
• No hose splitters are allowed to be attached to any water spigot or hose per the Oakland County Health Division.
• Golf carts other than those used due to a disability are prohibited for use in campgrounds, including the campground roads and pathways. Please stop at the contact station to get a pass for any eligible carts.
• Refrigerators and other large electrical appliances are not permitted outside of trailers.
• Mail/packages may not be sent to the campground.
• Please do not cut or damage trees.

Check-in and Check-out Information

• Check-in time for all campsites, cabins and yurts is 3 p.m. (early check-in based on availability-please call ahead).
• Check-in unavailable after 9 p.m. daily.
• Campsite check-out time is 1 p.m.
• Cabin and yurt check-out time is 1 p.m. - please notify contact station 30 minutes prior to leaving for inspection.

For Your Safety

• Children under 12 may not be left alone in the campground.
• Do not feed birds or other wildlife at any time - this includes bird feeders attached to or around RVs and trailers.
• Cats and dogs are welcome, but must be kept inside or on a 6-foot leash - animals may not be left unattended and are not allowed at or in cabins or yurts, and owners or caretakers must pick up all dog droppings.
• Hammocks are permitted but may not be permanently attached to trees or campground fixtures.
• Clotheslines must be removed at sundown.

Cancellation Policy for campsites, cabins and yurts

• $10 Reservation Modification/Cancellation Fee.
• Fee applies to cancellation of an existing reservation, the modification of existing reservation dates or the change of sites, cabins and yurts under an existing reservation.
• If notice of cancellation is received seven or more days prior to the beginning of the reservation, all charges will be refunded, minus the cancellation fee. If less than seven (7) days before reservation, one half of the rental/camping fees are refunded, minus the cancellation fee. There will be no refunds or modifications after 3 p.m. on the day the reservation starts.

General Pet Policies

• Persons may bring dogs on Commission Property if they are on a leash (not longer than six feet) or if they are confined to a tent or camping trailer, consistent with campground rules.
• All dogs must have a current license.
• Maximum of two dogs per patron.
• Owners or caretakers must clean up all dog droppings.
• Unruly dogs are prohibited on Commission Property. Unruly dogs are defined as dogs that are not controllable by their owners or caretakers, dogs which physically attack or bite another dog or human (when not provoked), or dogs which physically pin other dogs to the ground (when not provoked).
• All dog bites must be reported immediately to the Park Supervisor or a law enforcement office, who will contact Oakland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. The dog must then be confined until the law enforcement officer or Commission staff arrive at the scene.

Dog Park Rules

• Dogs must be on leash when entering and exiting the dog park. Owners must carry a leash with them at all times while in the dog park.
• Maximum of two dogs per patron.
• Dogs must have a current license, up-to-date vaccinations and respond to voice commands.
• Shock collars, metal pinch/choke collars or collars with metal links are not allowed in the dog park.
• No dogs under four months of age allowed in the dog park.
• Small dog area is for dogs 16” tall or less.
• Owners or caretakers assume full responsibility for all dogs brought onto Commission property.
• Dogs must be accompanied and supervised by an adult (age 18 or older) at all times. Dogs must never be left unattended in the dog park.
• Children, ages 12 and under, must be accompanied and closely supervised by a parent or adult present inside the dog park, at all times.
• No food - human or animal - is allowed in the dog park.
• Dogs in heat may not enter the dog park.
• Owners or caretakers must clean up dog droppings; bags are provided on site.
• Dogs are not allowed to dig in the dog park. Owner must fill in any holes.
• Communal water bowls and pools may not be brought to or left at the dog park.
• Dogs exhibiting any signs of illness should be kept at home and away from other dogs.
• Unruly dogs are prohibited on Commission property. Unruly dogs are defined as dogs that are not controllable by their owners or caretakers, dogs which physically attack or bite another dog or human (when not provoked), or dogs which physically pin other dogs to the ground (when not provoked).
• All dog bites must be reported immediately to Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 248-858-4950, who will contact Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. The dog must then be confined until the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office or park personnel arrive at the scene.
• Failure to obey these rules is a violation of Public Act 261 and may result in a misdemeanor citation issued by Oakland County Sheriff Office deputies.

Please note that only Class 1 e-Bikes with pedal assist only with no throttle are allowed on our trails. High-speed e-Bikes that can travel at 20 mph or faster, along with Sur-rons, are not permitted. If you have any questions, please contact the park directly.

Hunting

• Firearms Hunting - The use of firearms for hunting is prohibited unless approved by the Commission. All hunting will be in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and regulations promulgated by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. All hunters must also abide by any additional Rules established by the Commission.
• Archery hunting - Archery hunting shall be in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and regulations promulgated by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Archery hunting for white-tailed deer is permitted at Rose Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks-North, Addison Oaks-East, Orion Oaks and Lyon Oaks (day-use area only) during Michigan Department of Natural Resources archery seasons for Oakland County. Any additional archery hunting opportunities will be approved by the Commission and posted on the OCP website and within designated areas of specific parks.
• Safety zones - 450-foot safety zones for residential/commercial areas are signed and strictly enforced on Commission Property.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted within or upon Commission Property in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and regulations promulgated by Michigan Department of Natural Resources in such areas designated for such purposes.

• Ice fishing - Ice fishing is permitted on Commission Property, at your own risk. The Commission assumes no liability for injuries sustained while ice fishing. All shanties must comply with the laws of the State of Michigan and regulations promulgated by Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
• Upper Bushman Lake at Independence Oaks County Park - North has been designated as a Special Regulation Catch-and-Release-Only Fishery by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division. Anglers can catch fish, but must release them back into the lake to support this high-quality fishery. The 31-acre lake has limited spawning habitat and had little to no fishing pressure historically so without the order, Upper Bushman Lake would be over-harvested and would not perform at its biological potential.

Trapping

Trapping of animals is not permitted on Commission Property, unless otherwise advertised by the Commission. All trapping will be in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and regulations promulgated by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. All trappers must also abide by any additional Rules established by the Commission.

• Beaver trapping occurs by invitation lottery only during nuisance conditions as determined by the Oakland County Parks Natural Resources Management Team.

General Golf Policies

• All alcoholic beverages taken on the course must be purchased from Oakland County Parks or the Food and Beverage Operator. No coolers may be brought on the premises, unless cooler is for medical purposes.
• Picnicking or recreational play, other than golf, is prohibited, unless approved in advance by OCP. This includes, but is not limited to, skateboards, roller blades/skates, cyclists, joggers, walkers, etc. or any other type of non-golf activity.
• No more than one golfer shall play out of each golf bag. Players must have their own clubs. Rental golf clubs are available at each course.
• Strollers and non-golfing walkers are not permitted.
• Non-golfing walkers are not permitted.
• Spectators are not allowed on the golf courses unless approved by the Park Supervisor for a golf event. A waiver may be required for golf event spectators.
• Bluetooth speakers are allowed but should not be disruptive to other golfers or groups.
• It is the responsibility of each player to replace divots, rake and smooth sand bunkers, and repair ball marks or other damage on the greens.
• Shoes worn must be appropriate for golf. No metal spikes, soft spike golf shoes only.
• Shirt and shoes must be worn at all times.
• In the interest of all, players must play without delay, and all groups must keep their place on the course

Golf Play

• Accepted local rules of play and etiquette will govern play at all times.
• Golfers under the age of 12 must be accompanied by at least one adult per group.
• All players must be registered with the starter before playing any part of the golf course.
• All players must have a current receipt or valid daily ticket in their possession during play.
• When sufficient players are registered, four persons will be scheduled in each playing group on the first (1st) and/or tenth (10th) tee, as applicable.
• No more than four golfers per playing group.
• Unless prior permission is given, golfers will tee off only between the appropriate tee markers.
• OCP may pair up groups to make a foursome, especially during prime times.
• Golfers may be encouraged, or when necessary, required to play from tees appropriate to skill level or handicap in order to maintain pace of play.
• Practice “READY” golf: 2 hours, 15 minutes for nine holes and 4 hours, 30 minutes for 18 holes.
• Rainchecks issued due to inclement weather only in dollar amounts. Rainchecks are only issued for unanticipated weather events. No rainchecks issued to golfers that tee off when it is raining or rain is imminent.

Golf Cart Policy

• No vehicles, other than golf carts or equipment supplied by OCP, shall be permitted.
• No more than two bags and two riders are permitted on a cart.
• Golfers requesting to ride solo shall pay the full cart rate. Solo requests are dependent on cart availability.
• It is the responsibility of each golfer to be familiar and comply with rules and regulations covering the use and operation of golf carts. Failure to observe such rules and regulations could result in the denial of golf cart use and/or playing privileges.
• All players renting a golf cart must sign the Golf Cart Rental Agreement waiver prior to cart being issued.
• Non-golfing riders must ride on a cart with a paid golfer and pay the current standard cart rate.
• All children must be able to ride unassisted with a passenger on a golf cart. Child safety seats and booster seats are not allowed on golf carts.
• Renters and operators of carts must be 18 years of age or older. A valid driver’s license is required to rent a golf cart.
• Juniors are allowed to ride for free with a paid adult cart rental during valid junior rate periods.
• Carts must be kept on cart paths near greens and tees, and at least 10 feet away from sand bunkers, when not on paved cart paths.
• A 90-degree cart policy may be enforced at each course, when appropriate.
• Golf carts are not allowed in parking lots.
• Golfers with accessibility needs can rent an ADA cart or be issued a Blue ADA flag or placard to mount on a standard rental cart.

Golf Bike Policy

• No vehicles, other than golf carts or equipment supplied by OCP, shall be permitted.
• No more than one bag and one rider are permitted per bike.
• It is the responsibility of every golfer to be familiar and comply with the rules and regulations covering the use and operation of golf bikes. Failure to observe such rules and regulations could result in the denial of golf cart use and/or playing privileges.
• All players renting a golf bike must sign the Golf Bike Rental Agreement waiver prior to cart being issued.
• Renters and operators of golf bikes must be 18 years of age or older. A valid driver’s license is required to rent a golf bike.
• Renters acknowledge that it is recommended to wear a helmet to operate the golf bike and assume all risk of not wearing a helmet or other protective gear. Helmets are not available at the golf courses.
• Golf bikes must be kept on cart paths near greens and tees, and at least 10 feet away from sand bunkers, when not on paved cart paths.
• A 90-degree cart policy may be enforced at each course, when appropriate.
• Golf bikes are not allowed in parking lots.

Walk-In Policy

• Availability for walk-in golfers is not guaranteed without a tee time.
• Golfers who do not have a reserved starting time must register with the Pro Shop prior to play.
• Golfers without reservations who are at the course and ready to play may register as a single or in groups of two, three or four.
• If fewer than four players, golfers may be paired with other golfers to make a foursome in order to maximize tee times. A single player may be sent out alone only if no other golfers are available and there is an open time.

Tee Time Policy

• Starting time reservation requests for daily play will be accepted up to 7 days in advance of playing date desired. Requests may be made in person, by phone or online.
• Tee times will be made only for groups of two, three or four players and openings in a group may be filled by park staff or through openings online. Reservations will not be accepted for a single player unless filling a spot in another group that has a vacancy. Single player tee times cannot be made online.
• OCP staff reserves the right to pair groups together to make a foursome.
• A maximum of four (4) tee times per person is allowed, and that person must be a member of the group for which the reservation is made.
• The name of the person making the reservation will be recorded on the Tee Sheet opposite the time assigned. On the day of play, the starter will permanently record all players as they check in and payment of fees are verified.
• It is recommended that golfers check in at least 15 minutes prior to their start time. Late check-ins may result in a delay or loss of tee time. A reservation may be forfeited if the golfer does not check in by the assigned starting time. A reservation may also be forfeited when only one member of a group having a reserved time is present 10 minutes prior to starting time.
• Tee times are not transferable to another player. If a tee time is canceled, the time will be open to reserve through the tee time process.
• If, for any reason, a course is closed for the entire day, all golf play reservations for that day will be canceled.

While enjoying our Oakland County Parks and Nature Preserves, please help us steward these beautiful and important spaces. Oakland County is a proud Leave No Trace Community Member and encourages the public to practice these Leave No Trace Principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Learn our park rules and read park maps before leaving the trailhead, prepare for weather and environmental conditions (mosquitoes, muddy trails, etc.)
2. Travel on Durable Surfaces: Please stay on designated park trails at all times for your safety and the integrity of our natural spaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Always use pet waste bags, trash and recycling cans and bathroom facilities provided in convenient locations across our park system
4. Leave what you find: Please take pictures and memories of our natural spaces but don't leave with flowers, seeds, mushrooms or other pieces of nature
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: OCP only allows campfires within our existing campgrounds in designated areas. Campfires are not allowed anywhere else within the park system
6. Respect Wildlife: Don't approach or feed wild animals and encourage pets to do the same
7. Be Considerate of Others: Keep our parks beautiful and serene for all visitors

Metal detectors are allowed in the picnic and general park areas. With approval from the Park Supervisor, metal detectors are allowed in beach areas when the beach is closed to the public. Metal detectors are allowed at the campgrounds during the closed season.

Please review these key riles before visiting Holly ORV Park.

• Vehicles should not be louder than 94 dBa when measured 20 inches from the exhaust pipe at approximately half the vehicle's rated RPMs. All vehicles are required to have a muffler and spark arrester containing baffles meeting the established United States Forest Service specifications. Holly Oaks ORV Sound Testing Protocols
• Tickets will NOT be refunded if vehicles do not pass a sound check at the park. Please test your vehicle prior to purchasing your tickets. There are many sound meter apps that can be downloaded to your phone and several options for sound meters on Amazon for under $20.
• Operators under the age of 16 are allowed to ride dirt bikes and quads in the park but MUST SHOW their DNR ORV Safety Training Certificate. Please bring the certificate to the park so staff can verify.
• Quads should only have one rider/driver unless there is a manufacturer dedicated back seat.
• Please follow posted speed limits. Oakland County Sheriff's Deputies may pull over and ticket those speeding on park roads.
• The operator of any type of vehicle must present an operator's or chauffeur's license or ORV safety training certificate upon the demand of any law enforcement officer or state or Commission staff.
• All Persons entering or using the ORV Park shall comply with all posted regulatory, directional signs and these Rules, and operate a vehicle in the directional pattern established and marked within the ORV Park.
• Persons entering the ORV Park must obtain and display a valid ORV Park vehicle entry permit and a Michigan ORV License and Trail Permit.
• Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages is not allowed at any time in the ORV Park, including parking lots.
• Remote-control cars/vehicles can only operate within the designated remote-control vehicle area.

The purpose of the Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) policy is to address the use of OPDMDs by individuals with mobility disabilities on trails or pathways located on properties owned and operated by OCPRC and properties managed by OCPRC under a lease, easement or use agreement. 

Based on the criteria set forth in the federal regulation, OCPRC staff completed a comprehensive assessment and review of each trail and pathway on OCPRC property to determine which types of OPDMDs are appropriate for use on each route. Information provided herein describes the types of OPDMDs that are authorized for use on OCPRC trails and pathways. 

View the Oakland County Parks OPDMD Policy

With approval of the 2024 millage request, there is no charge for Oakland County residents to enjoy Oakland County day-use parks and dog parks.

There will continue to be fees for pay to play attractions such as golf courses, Red Oaks Waterpark, campgrounds and Holly Oaks ORV Park.

Guests who are not Oakland County residents are asked to pay a $12 daily entry fee or a $50 annual fee to help maintain and improve the parks. Daily or annual park entry fees can be purchased by clicking here prior to visiting the following parks:

• Addison Oaks County Park near Rochester
• Groveland Oaks County Park in Holly
• Highland Oaks County Park in Highland
• Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston
• Lyon Oaks County Park and Lyon Oaks Dog Park in Lyon Township
• Orion Oaks County Park and Orion Oaks Dog Park in Lake Orion
• Red Oaks Dog Park in Madison Heights
• Rose Oaks County Park, near Holly

Please Note: There is no physical permit associated with the Non-Resident Seasonal Entry Fee as it is tracked by license plate number.

Guests may take still photographs or video or audio recordings on Commission Property without first obtaining a written permit/agreement, unless any of the following apply:

• The photographs or recordings are being taken for the purpose of advertising a product or service.
• The photographs or recordings involve professional or amateur casts, props, models or crews, other than bona fide news media personnel covering a news event that cannot be covered at any other time or at any other location.
• The project requires access to Commission Property that is closed or restricted to the public.
• The project carries substantial risk of damaging Commission Property, disrupting other persons, disrupting Commission operations or compromising public health and safety regulations already covered by law.

Also, please note:

• Oakland County Parks may take photos or videos of program participants and park users. Please be aware that these photos will be used for marketing purposes and may be used in brochures, flyers, ads and other marketing materials. Photos may also be posted on OCP’s website, social media pages and shared with the media.

Notwithstanding any other Park Rule, service animals are allowed in all areas of Commission Property, except, subject to and in accordance with state or federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Key rules before you visit:

• Make sure you have tickets or call ahead to see if tickets are still available as Red Oaks Waterpark does sell out several times a season. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online or at the waterpark. Once the park is at capacity and tickets are sold out, no more tickets will be available for that day.
• Keep glass containers and alcohol at home. While Red Oaks Waterpark does allow guests to bring in their own food, glass and alcohol are not allowed in the park.
• Chairs, toys and sporting equipment are not allowed at the waterpark.
• Bring proper swimming attire. Street clothes are not allowed in the water.
• Don't forget sunscreen and be sure to drink plenty of water.
• Be sure to follow all the rules and listen to park staff. Read the complete list of Red Oaks rules.