INDIANA – Outdoor enthusiasts can now gear up for the new year as the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has officially released 2026 state park passes and permits. Starting today, residents and visitors can secure their access to Indiana’s diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and trails.
The 2026 permits—which include annual entrance passes, lake permits, off-road cycling permits, and horse tags—are available for purchase through three convenient channels:
- In-Person: At all state park property offices.
- On-Site: At park front gates during normal operating hours.
- Online: Through the official DNR retail website.
For the 2026 season, a Resident Annual Entrance Pass is priced at $50. This pass allows a non-commercial vehicle, its driver, and all passengers to enter any state park or reservoir property without paying a daily gate fee.
Indiana residents aged 65 and older are eligible for the Golden Hoosier Passport, which remains a significant value at $25. This specialized pass offers the same benefits as the standard annual entrance pass but at a discounted rate for the state’s seniors.
In addition to standard entry, frequent users of specific park amenities are encouraged to pick up their specialized permits early:
- Lake Permits: Required for all private watercraft used on state park lakes.
- Off-Road Cycling Permits: Essential for those hitting the mountain bike trails.
- Horse Tags: Necessary for all horses entering state park properties.
Purchasing these passes early not only ensures a full year of outdoor recreation but also provides vital funding for the maintenance and preservation of Indiana’s natural heritage.
