DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES  
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION  
STATE LAND USE RULES  
(By authority conferred on the department of natural resources by section 504 of the  
natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.504, and  
Executive Reorganization Orders Nos. 1991-22, 2009-31, and 2011-1, MCL 299.13,  
324.99919, and 324.99921)  
R 299.921 Definitions.  
Rule 21. As used in these rules:  
(a) "Camp" means any of the following:  
(i) The opening or setting up of a tent.  
(ii) The parking and occupancy of an enclosed, self-contained camping unit.  
(iii)Sleeping or occupying a sleeping bag, or sleeping in any other manner between the  
hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.  
(b) "Commercial operations" means any activity that involves, directly or indirectly, the  
buying or selling of goods or services, or the exchange or attempt or offer to exchange  
goods or services for money, barter, or for anything of value.  
(c)"Day-use area" means a specific area of a state park, recreation area, pathway, or  
state forest which is developed and maintained as an area to be used by the public for  
picnics, playground use, swimming, organized meetings, social gatherings, and  
educational displays and exhibits and has a 450-foot buffer zone around the area. "Day-  
use area" also includes all parks, recreation areas, pathways, or state forest area offices,  
out-buildings, garages, maintenance shops, museums, the 450-foot buffer zone around all  
such buildings, and any area that the department designates as a "day-use area," either on  
a temporary or permanent basis, by posting the boundaries of that area as a "day-use  
area."  
(d)"Designated" means listed in a director's order, posted with a sign or signs at the site,  
or reasonably identified for a particular use, and includes the following:  
(i) "Designated area" means an area that has been properly signed on the ground for  
cross-country ORV use.  
(ii) “Designated campsite” means a site that is identified with a site number.  
(iii) “Dispersed camping” means camping by permit on state-owned land under the  
control of the department on other than a designated area or designated campsite.  
(iv) “Designated group campsite” means an area within a designated campground with  
defined boundaries that allows for the placement of multiple camps for group camping.  
(v) "Designated route" means any road that has been properly signed on the ground for  
ORV use.  
(vi)"Designated trail" means a path or way capable of travel by a 2- to 4-wheel vehicle  
not more than 50 inches in width and properly signed on the ground for ORV use.  
(e)"Event" means a single, structured, organized, consolidated, scheduled meeting or  
occurrence on state-owned land and to which 1 or both of the following apply:  
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(i) A fee or donation is required for participation.  
(ii) The number of people involved is 20 or more individuals.  
(f) “Fireworks” means any device as defined in section 2 (i) of 2011 PA 256, MCL  
28.452(i).  
(g) "Forest road" means a forest road as defined in MCL 324.81101 (f).  
(h) "ORV" means a vehicle as defined in MCL 324.81101(o).  
(i) “Owner’s agent” means an individual authorized by the owner to act on an owner's  
behalf.  
(j) “Pathway” means a narrow recreational trail of compacted native soil or improved  
trail surface designated for non-motorized use, except for a PAMD, and properly signed  
on the ground.  
(k) "Permit or written permission" means a signed permit or signed written permission  
issued by the department.  
(l) “Personal assistive mobility device” (PAMD) means any device, including one that is  
battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by an individual with mobility  
impairment for locomotion and is considered as an extension of the individual. An  
individual whose disability requires use of a wheelchair or PAMD may use such  
equipment that meets this definition anywhere foot travel is allowed.  
(m) "Properly signed on the ground" means that a sign has been posted by the  
department to mark the location or boundary of a designated trail, route, pathway, or  
other designated area.  
(n) “Quiet hours” means the hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. during which time an  
individual may not knowingly cause noise that disturbs another.  
(o) "State forest officer" means an individual commissioned by the director under  
authority of section 83107 of 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.83107.  
(p) "State park and recreation enforcement officer" means an individual commissioned  
by the director under authority of section 1606 of 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.1606.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.922 Unlawful acts generally.  
Rule 22. On land owned or under the control of the department, it is unlawful to do any  
of the following:  
(a) Enter, use, or occupy state-owned land for any purpose where posted against entry,  
use, or occupancy, as ordered by the department.  
(b) Dispose of refuse, rubbish, trash, or garbage not resulting from the use of state-  
owned land in a receptacle provided on state-owned land.  
(c) Set a fire to the contents of a trash container.  
(d) Bury or burn refuse, rubbish, trash, or garbage.  
(e) Engage in any violent, abusive, loud, boisterous, vulgar, lewd, or otherwise  
disorderly conduct, or to lounge, sit, or lie upon a walk, road, or path obstructing the free  
passage of another individual.  
(f) Place or erect a fence or barrier, to install, construct or occupy a structure or  
modification to state-owned land, except an otherwise lawful ground blind or tree stand,  
or to enclose the land.  
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(g) Move, remove, destroy, mutilate, or deface a poster, notice, sign, marker, or any  
property of the department or any other agency of government.  
(h) Destroy, damage, or remove a tree, including a dead and downed tree and woody  
debris, shrub, wildflower, grass, or other vegetation. Except in a wildlife food plot, this  
subdivision does not apply to picking and removing mushrooms, berries, and edible fruits  
or nuts for personal use.  
(i) Solicit business of any nature; distribute or post any handbill or other advertising  
material; post a sign; paint or otherwise mark any tree or rock on any state-owned land,  
water, structure, or property, except with written permission from the department.  
(j) Possess a glass container within any state-owned land or water area that is designated  
as a bathing beach or state-owned land or water area that is regularly used for sunbathing,  
swimming, or wading.  
(k) Obstruct any road or trail in a manner that hinders public access to state-owned land.  
(l) Park a vehicle of any type in an area posted as no parking; or, where a designated  
parking area exists, to park a vehicle of any type in an area other than the designated parking  
area. If a motor vehicle is found parked on state-owned land and is found to be in violation  
of this rule, the registered owner is prima facie responsible for the violation as defined in  
MCL 257.675c(1).  
(m) Park any vehicle in or otherwise occupy a designated campsite, except by a  
registered camper or authorized visitor to a registered camper.  
(n) Hold an event including, but not limited to, a race, endurance contest, tournament, or  
trail ride, unless the event is conducted pursuant to a permit issued by the department.  
The permit may include a charge to the permittee for the use of state-owned land. The  
permit may require a performance bond and may require public liability insurance. The  
department may waive the requirement for a permit for an event if the department  
determines that the event will not require department oversight, and the event is  
anticipated to have a minimal impact on the resource or facilities and on the use of state-  
owned land by others.  
(o) Use a loudspeaker, public address system, or sound-amplifying equipment of any  
kind without written permission, except for an electronic game-calling device that is  
lawfully used while hunting, or to operate a motor, motorboat, motor vehicle, radio,  
television, generator, or any other device in a manner that produces excessive noise.  
(p) Use or operate any wheeled, motorized vehicle, except a PAMD, on state-owned  
land in the Upper Peninsula of this state, except on a designated route, a designated trail,  
a designated area, or a forest road not otherwise posted as closed to the use of motorized  
vehicles or entry.  
(q) Use or operate any wheeled, motorized vehicle, except a PAMD, on state-owned  
land in the Lower Peninsula of this state, except on a designated route, a designated trail,  
or a designated area. A wheeled, motorized vehicle that is properly registered under 1949  
PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923, may be operated on a forest road not otherwise posted as  
closed to the use of motorized vehicles.  
(r) Camp in a state park, recreation area, public access site, or designated campground  
on other than a designated site.  
(s) Camp in a designated campground or location in a state forest or state game area for  
more than 15 consecutive nights, except as provided in R 299.922(t), or to use as a  
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permanent or semi-permanent residence. To be considered a new camp, the location shall  
be not less than 1 mile from the previous camp.  
(t) Disperse camp for more than 21 days between October 1 and May 1. To be  
considered a new camp, the location shall be not less than 1 mile from the previous camp.  
(u) Camp within the native vegetation buffer of any designated natural river, as  
specified in the department’s designated natural river management plan.  
(v) Leave a campsite unoccupied for more than a 24-hour period after the camp is  
established.  
(w) Store or leave a watercraft, fish shanty, or other property on state-owned land for  
more than 24 hours. This subdivision does not apply to a lawfully occupied designated  
camping site or to a ground blind and tree stand that meets lawful requirements.  
(x) Camp on 1 designated campsite by more than 6 individuals.  
(y) For all individuals in a camp to be under 18 years of age.  
(z) For an individual under 18 years of age to register for a campsite.  
(aa) Camp with more than 1 enclosed self-contained camping unit on 1 designated  
campsite.  
(bb) Ride or lead a horse or pack and saddle animal, or any animal-driven vehicle on  
any area, except on roads that are open to the use of motor vehicles, trails, bridle paths,  
and campgrounds designated for such use by the department and on state-owned forest  
land not posted closed to such use or entry, or prohibited by an order issued by the  
department.  
(cc) Operate the motor of a vessel at more than idle speed at any boat launch ramp  
administered by the department, unless the propeller is disengaged.  
(dd) Use state-owned land for a commercial operation unless the commercial operation  
is conducted pursuant to a permit issued by the department. The department may waive  
the requirement for a permit for a commercial operation if the department determines that  
the commercial operation will not require department oversight and the commercial  
operation is anticipated to have a minimal impact on the resource or facilities and the use  
of state-owned land by others.  
(ee) Use or ignite fireworks.  
(ff) Camp in a designated parking area, except if posted to allow camping.  
(gg) Drag a state forest road with any device that disturbs the surface of the roadbed at a  
depth greater than two inches.  
(hh) Remove from state-owned land more than the aggregate total weight of 25 pounds,  
per individual per year of any rock, mineral specimen (exclusive of any gold bearing  
material), or invertebrate fossil for individual or non-commercial hobby use.  
(ii) Target shoot at any object other than paper, cardboard, clay, or a commercially or  
privately produced target designed and manufactured for the specific purpose of target  
shooting.  
(jj) Target shoot at an explosive or incendiary target.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.923 Public access sites and harbors; unlawful acts.  
Rule 23. In addition to the unlawful acts specified in R 299.922, at state-owned public  
access sites and harbors, it is unlawful to do any of the following:  
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(a) Moor or raft off a state-owned dock without having paid the docking fees authorized  
by the department.  
(b) Enter, use, or occupy during the hours of 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily where such closing  
hours are posted on the premises; or to swim, wade, or bathe where specifically  
prohibited by notices posted on the premises.  
(c) Block use of a public access site with a vessel, trailer, or vehicle, except while  
launching or retrieving a vessel.  
(d) Camp in a public access site, except on a designated campsite.  
(e) Build a fire except in a stove or grill provided by the department.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.924 Land under the control of the department other than parks, recreation  
areas, game and wildlife areas, designated campgrounds and access sites; unlawful  
acts.  
Rule 24. In addition to the unlawful acts specified in R 299.922, on land under the  
control of the department other than state parks, recreation areas, game and wildlife areas,  
designated campgrounds, and public access sites, it is unlawful to do any of the  
following:  
(a) Park any wheeled, motorized vehicle more than 50 feet from the traveled portion of a  
road, forest road, parking lot, or trail open to such vehicle use.  
(b) Use, operate, or possess a wheeled, motorized vehicle, except a PAMD, on a  
designated state forest pathway.  
(c) Possess a dog or other animal in a designated day use area, except if it is under  
immediate control on a leash not more than 6 feet in length. This subdivision does not  
apply to a dog within a designated leash-free area or to a dog being used for hunting, in  
field trials, while being trained for hunting or field trials, or for other purposes as allowed  
by the department on land under the control of the department and open to such use.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2024 MR 6, Eff. March 12, 2024.  
R 299.925 Rescinded.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.926 Game and wildlife areas; unlawful acts.  
Rule 26. In addition to the unlawful acts specified in R 299.922, on state-owned land in  
a state game or wildlife area, it is unlawful to do any of the following:  
(a) Camp between May 15 and September 10, except in areas specifically designated for  
camping.  
(b) Park any wheeled, motorized vehicle more than 50 feet from the traveled portion of  
a road, forest road, parking lot, or trail open to wheeled, motorized vehicle use.  
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(c) Operate any wheeled self-propelled or motorized vehicle, except a PAMD, including  
a snowmobile and bicycle, on other than a designated road open to the public, a trail,  
parking lot, or area properly signed by the department as being open to such use.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.927 State parks and recreation areas; unlawful acts.  
Rule 27. In addition to the unlawful acts specified in R 299.922, in state parks,  
recreation areas, forest campgrounds, and pathway trailheads, it is unlawful to do any of  
the following:  
(a) Enter or remain in a campground, outdoor center, cabin area, or day campsite between  
the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., unless the individual is a lawfully registered occupant. An  
individual shall not enter or remain in a day-use area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8  
a.m., except as posted otherwise.  
(b) Discharge an air gun, gas gun, spring-loaded gun, or slingshot; or to discharge a bow  
and arrow or crossbow, except if licensed to take game during established hunting seasons  
on state-owned land designated open to hunting under the authority of the department. This  
subdivision does not apply to a shooting range designated by the department or to a starting  
gun for a field trial. An individual shall not engage in target shooting, except on a designated  
shooting range.  
(c) Obtain a camping permit for use by a camping party of which the individual is not a  
member.  
(d) Camp for more than 15 consecutive nights in any separately administered  
campground in a park or recreation area between May 15 and September 15. If a camping  
party is required to leave a campground upon reaching the 15-night limit, the party is not  
eligible to return until 5 nights have elapsed.  
(e) Use a campground for a permanent or semipermanent residence.  
(f) Ride a bicycle of any kind, except on a pathway, road, parking lot, or a designated,  
signed bicycle trail.  
(g) Park more than 2 motor vehicles on 1 campsite or in a campground, except 2  
motorcycles may be substituted for each motor vehicle if each is operated by a registered  
camper.  
(h) Build a fire, except in a designated place.  
(i) Enter a campground, if not a registered camper, unless with permission from a park  
manager or designee. This subdivision does not apply to an individual visiting a  
registered camper.  
(j) Allow a dog or other animal within a state-owned water or land area as designated by  
park manager or designee as a bathing beach or to bring a dog or other animal, except a  
service animal for the blind, visually, or physically impaired, into an enclosed park building  
or to leave a dog or other animal unattended; or to permit a dog or other animal to run loose  
or create a disturbance unless the dog is being used in hunting, or in a field trial, or while  
being trained on state-owned land open to such use; or to fail to properly control a dog or  
other animal. Any dog or other animal found not in the possession of or under the  
immediate control of its owner or owner's agent, or any dog or other animal creating a  
nuisance or disturbance, may be removed from the park, recreation area, or state forest  
campground by the department.  
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(k) Possess a dog or other animal unless it is under immediate control on a leash not  
more than 6 feet in length. This subdivision does not apply to a dog being used for  
hunting, or in field trials, or while being trained, when upon state-owned land open to  
such use, or within a designated leash-free area.  
(l) Ride or allow a horse or other pack and saddle animal in any area, except for a  
designated equestrian trail or equestrian campground, or when in compliance with a  
permit issued for a field dog trial.  
(m) Camp without a camping permit issued by the department.  
(n) Conduct scientific research without written authorization from the department.  
(o) Camp or place a camp of any type in a designated forest campground without first  
completing the camp registration tag, depositing the payment of the posted camping fee  
in the receptacle provided, and posting the camp registration tag at the campsite. The  
camp registration tag shall be furnished by the department and be available at the  
campground.  
(p) Operate an ORV in a designated campground, except for entrance to and departure  
from a designated ORV campground or by order of the department.  
(q) Use, operate, or possess a wheeled, motorized vehicle, except for a PAMD, on a  
designated state forest pathway.  
(r) Knowingly cause any noise that may disturb another during quiet hours.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.928 Rose lake wildlife area; unlawful use of skis; area defined.  
Rule 28. (a) In addition to the unlawful acts specified in R 299.922 and R 299.926, on  
the rose lake wildlife area, it is unlawful to use skis from November 1 through January 1.  
(b) For the purpose of this rule, "rose lake wildlife area" means the state-owned lands  
and waters in sections 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 34 of T5N, R1W, Clinton  
county, and sections 17, 20, 21, 22, 28, and 29 of T5N, R1E, Shiawassee county.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.929 Violation of rules; eviction.  
Rule 29. In addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, violation of any of these  
rules may result in eviction from the state park, recreation area, access site, game or  
wildlife area, designated campground, or state-owned land for not less than 48 hours, or  
as defined by court order.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.930 Individuals exempt from rules.  
Rule 30. Department employees acting in the line of duty are exempt from these rules.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
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R 299.931 Enforcement authority; state park and recreation officer.  
Rule 31. A state park and recreation officer may enforce any of the following acts or parts  
of acts:  
(a) 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.255, 257.311, 257.624a, 257.624b, 257.649, 257.658,  
257.674, 257.710e, 257.904, and 257.904a.  
(b) 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1703.  
(c) 1931 PA 328, 750.335 and 750.335a.  
(d) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.356, 750.356a, 750.356d, 750.359, 750.362, 750.362a,  
750.363, 750.367, and 750.367c.  
(e) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.377a.  
(f) 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7403 and 333.7404.  
(g) 2011 PA 256, MCL 28.454, 28.455, 28.462, 28.464, 28.465 and 28.468.  
(h) 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.8901 to 324.8907.  
(i) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.167.  
(j) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.66.  
(k) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.50.  
(l) 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1701.  
(m) 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.80122.  
(n) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.380.  
(o) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.382.  
(p) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.135a.  
(q) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.145.  
(r) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.141a.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 299.932 Enforcement authority; state forest officer.  
Rule 32. A state forest officer may enforce any of the following acts or parts of acts:  
(a) 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.255, 257.311, 257.624a, 257.624b, 257.674, 257.904, and  
257.904a.  
(b) 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1703.  
(c) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.335 to 750.335a.  
(d) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.356 to 750.367c.  
(e) 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.377a.  
(f) 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7403 and 333.7404.  
(g) 2011 PA 256, MCL 28.454, 28.455, 28.462, 28.464, 28.465 and 28.468.  
(h) 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.8901 to 324.8907.  
(i) 1931 PA 451, MCL 750.167.  
(j) 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.51501 to 324.51514.  
(k) 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.74201 to 324.74207.  
(l) 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.81101 to 324.81150.  
(m) 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.82101 to 324.82160.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
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R 299.933 Rescissions.  
Rule 33. R 299.291a, R 299.301 to R 299.303, R 299.321 to R 299.328, R 299.331 to  
R 299.335, R 299.661 to R 299.667, and R 299.1001 to R 299.1004 of the Michigan  
Administrative Code, appearing on pages 1417 to 1425, 1438 to 1440, 1456, and 1457  
of the 1979 Michigan Administrative Code, pages 55 and 56 of the 1980 Annual  
Supplement to the Code, and pages 173 and 174 of the 1986 Annual Supplement to the  
Code, are rescinded.  
History: 2001 AACS.  
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;