Park and Vehicle Permit Information

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. Permits are also honored in Anoka and Carver County parks.

Vehicle permits are not required at 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, or on the first Saturday of June, which is "Explore Your Parks Day" in Washington County.  

  1. Vehicle Permit Information
  2. Permits for Military Veterans
  3. Free Tuesdays

Purchase a Vehicle Permit

Vehicle permits can be purchased at park offices including Big Marine and Lake Elmo Park Reserves, St Croix Bluffs Regional Park, Public Works North Shop Facility, Washington County License Centers and Service Centers. Electronic Pay Stations or Honor Boxes are available at each park entrance. Vehicle Permits can also be purchased online by clicking here.

Daily Permit$7
Annual Permit$30
Second Annual$20 (for same household - must be purchased at same time as first permit)
Bus* Daily$20
Bus* Annual$100

*A vehicle capable of transporting more than 15 passengers is considered a bus.

Electronic Pay Stations

In June 2018, pay stations were installed in Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Pine Point Regional Park, and Big Marine Park Reserve. In spring 2019, additional pay stations were installed in Point Douglas Park and Square Lake Park. These pay stations only accept credit cards, and sell both daily and annual permits. If an annual permit is purchased, the receipt must be mailed or brought into a Park Office to be redeemed for a vehicle sticker. Please follow directions on the machine and on the printed receipt.