How Forest Lake Boat Permits Work

Private boats on Forest Lake require a City permit.

Missouri State Parks' current boating page also publishes the permit prices and motor restrictions, which removes some ambiguity found in older tourism summaries.

Current Forest Lake boat-permit fees

As checked in September 2026, Missouri State Parks lists:

Private boat	Daily permit	Annual permit
Motorized	$5	$45
Nonmotorized	No fee	No fee

The same page says a City permit is required on all private boats.

It also says a decal showing the permit number and year must be placed on the port side of the transom.

Because fees can change, check the current State Parks or City permit page before purchasing.

Where do you get the permit?

The City directs boaters to Parks & Recreation and its online registration system for Forest Lake boat permits.

The City Knowledge Base lists Parks & Recreation at 660-627-1485 for permit questions.

Private boat access is also associated with the Thousand Hills State Park marina and paved boat ramp near the dining lodge.

The current motor rule is 90 horsepower maximum

Missouri State Parks currently says inboard and outboard motors over 90 horsepower are not allowed to operate on Forest Lake.

The same current boating page says personal watercraft are not allowed.

That is the rule to follow rather than older third-party wording suggesting an engine over 90 horsepower could simply be idled.

A City permit is not a substitute for state requirements

The Forest Lake permit is a local lake-use requirement.

It does not replace Missouri rules that may apply to:

• vessel registration or titling;
• required safety equipment;
• operator requirements;
• fishing permits.

Those are separate questions.

Do not automatically apply this permit to Hazel Creek Lake

Forest Lake and Hazel Creek Lake are both City water-supply reservoirs, but their boating rules are not identical.

Hazel Creek currently allows only electric motors under MDC's cooperative-area regulations. The City FAQ specifically identifies the Forest Lake boat permit requirement.

For Hazel Creek access and management, see Hazel Creek Lake: A Guide for Kirksville Residents.

For fishing rules at Forest Lake, see Fishing at Forest Lake Near Kirksville.