There are no entrance fees to visit Dane County Park properties, however some activities require a reservation or a permit. See our complete list of Activities Requiring Permits. Dane County Parks offers the following methods to purchase a permit. Some purchase methods may not be available for all permit types or at all locations.
1) Purchase online.
For permits that are available to purchase online, enter your mailing and credit card information and you will receive an annual permit in the mail. An email or printed receipt will serve as a daily permit and can be used as proof of annual permit until the physical permit arrives in the mail. Click on the link below to purchase.
2) Purchase at a park and/or trailhead using an electronic pay station. View locations by clicking on the Map button or individual links below.
These pay stations offer visitors the option to pay by credit card (cash and check are not accepted at the pay stations). Visitors will receive a printed receipt which serves as the daily permit. If an annual permit is purchased, the printed receipt will be valid for 30 days and should be mailed to Dane County Parks, 5201 Fen Oak Dr; Madison, WI 53718 so that a validated plastic permit can be mailed to you.
The use of electronic pay stations was suggested by park patrons as way to provide a more convenient and secure system than the self-registration envelopes that were previously used.
3) Contact Dane County Parks Office.
You may contact us by phone at (608) 224-3730 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday). For reference see our list of Activities Requiring Permits or Park Permit Application (PDF) if you prefer not to order online
