Vilas park user permits go on sale Tuesday

Park user permits, following an updated user fee structure established for the 2025 season in Vilas County, go on sale Tuesday, April 1.

In 2023, Vilas County implemented a user access fee for all vehicles accessing county parks and landings. From May 1 through Oct. 31 of each year, all vehicles accessing county parks and river or lake access landings are required to purchase a daily or seasonal use permit. The fees generated from these permits support improvements and maintenance of the county parks and landings.

An updated fee structure has been established for the 2025 season to include the permit cost, service charge and tax into a flat fee. Additionally, a new 3-day permit (consecutive days) is being offered for those utilizing Vilas county parks and landings.

Due to the required validation process, Disabled Veteran Permits are only offered on an annual basis and any individual who qualifies for the fee exemption is encouraged to register for the annual permit to receive the fee waiver. Daily, 3-day, and seasonal passes can be purchased on-site at each park and landing location through a user’s mobile device by following the instructions on the location’s posted signage.

Resident, commercial operator, and nonresident seasonal permits may also be purchased online at vilascountypermits.com through an application and check-out process. The website also contains information regarding the permitting system and offers customer assistance through e-mail and telephone support. Permits may also be purchased at the Vilas County Forestry, Recreation and Land office located at 2112 N. Railroad St. in Eagle River.

The following is a list of facilities where a permit will be required: Boot Lake, Buckatabon Lake, Eagle Lake, Lake of the Hills, Hunter Lake, Muskellunge Lake, Pickerel Lake, Snipe Lake, McLeod Lake, Snyder Lake, Torch Lake, Tamarack Flowage, Buckatabon Creek, River Road, Rummels Road, Tamarack Springs, Doctor Oldfield Memorial Park, Heart Lake Road, County Highway K river landing, and the Vilas County Shooting Range.

More information on permits, locations, and fees can be found by visiting vilascountypermits.com or by contacting Parks and Recreation Supervisor Todd Bierman at 715-479-5160.