Effective January 1, 2024, the Resident Recreation Passport fee will increase from $13 to $14. This is to satisfy a provision to keep pace with inflation. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources does not set the cost of the fees, it is driven on the basis of the Detroit Consumer Price Index.

It is important to note there is an extra $5 fee if the passport is not purchased at the time of the plate renewal at the DMV and is purchased at the parks instead. The only exception to this extra fee is if you buy it at Belle Isle Park.

DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson said “Approximately 97% of state parks funding is generated by user fees” making the Michigan state-managed parks almost entirely self-supporting.

The fee supports state park infrastructure and operations. This includes trail and campground maintenance and other improvements to outdoor areas. Keep in mind that in addition, 10% of these funds goes to local communities for “park development and improvement projects” according to the DNR.

The passport is good for admission all year long at 103 Michigan state parks and recreation areas, 1,300-plus state-managed boating access sites, and 140 state forest campgrounds.