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Ottawa National Forest: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (2026)

Has 2026 info 2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.

How your family can cut a Christmas tree on the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan, 2026 season. Every fact below comes from the forest's official pages, linked at the bottom.

Where can I cut?

• Forest Service land only, not private property.
• Not in designated wilderness, administrative sites, developed recreation sites, Research Natural Areas, plantations or active timber sales.
• Not within 100 ft of a lake or pond.
• Remove any branches you leave from the cleared part of roads and trails.

When can I buy a permit?

• Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.
• Cutting season: Oct 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).

How much?

• $5 per tree
• Extra fees: Not stated.

How do I buy it?

What's an online permit? It's a permit you buy on Recreation.gov, the U.S. government's official booking website. You pay there, then follow the instructions that come with your permit.

• Online at Recreation.gov.
• Call the forest for free Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

Rules to know

• How many: One tree per permit.
• Household limit not stated.
• No trees over 25 ft tall.
• Cut stumps as close to the ground as possible (within 6 in.).
• Don't cut a large tree just for the top.

Before you go

• Check this forest's official page and alerts the week you go. Rules, roads and closures can change.
• Cut only on National Forest land, never on private, state or tribal land.
• Forest roads are often unplowed. Check the weather and road conditions.
• Follow your permit's instructions for carrying, tagging or displaying it.

What to bring:

• Your permit (printed, if your forest asks you to print it)
• A hatchet, ax or saw (check your forest: some ban chainsaws)
• Warm gloves, boots and extra warm clothing
• Rope to tie your tree down
• A flashlight, first aid kit and tire chains
• Water, a hot drink, lunch or snacks (it always takes longer than expected)

Packing list based on the Forest Service's Christmas tree safety tips for the Chippewa National Forest. Before you leave, tell someone where you plan to cut.

Need firewood too? See the Ottawa firewood permit page.

Sources

• Recreation.gov: Ottawa National Forest Christmas Tree Permit (page updated: 2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026))

Data Source: Recreation.gov

Last verified: Oct 2026 (2026-10-29).

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