ORV Operation on State-Owned Lands

ORV operation is prohibited on state-owned lands, except on roads, trails, or areas designated for this purpose.

Statewide: ORV use on designated trails is limited to vehicles with an overall width of 50 inches or less. Off-trail or off-route operation outside of a designated area is prohibited except for licensed hunters operating an ORV at speeds of 5 mph or less for the purpose of removing deer, bear, or elk. ORV operation is permitted on designated trails, routes, and state forest roads, unless posted as closed.

State Game Areas: All motorized vehicle operation is prohibited except on established roads open to the public. Some forest roads in state game areas now permit ORVs. To know more about the state game areas that permit ORVs, visit the Michigan DNR website. These areas are found primarily in the southern third of Michigan.
State Parks and State Recreation Areas: ORV operation is prohibited in all state parks and recreation areas except in designated areas of Silver Lake State Park. Five additional state parks allow ORV use from campsite or designated area to nearby ORV trails (Baraga, Bewabic, Clear, Muskallonge, and Twin Lakes).

Cross-Country ORV Operation

Cross-country ORV operation on state-owned lands is permitted only at:

Designated areas at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County
St. Helen Motorsport Area in Roscommon County
Black Mountain Scramble Area in Cheboygan County (Operation of a motorized vehicle that is greater than 50 inches in width is prohibited within the boundaries of the Scramble Area.)
Holly Oaks ORV Park in Oakland County (extra fee may apply)