North Dakota Christmas Tree Permit 2026: Prices and Dates

Q: Do you need a permit to cut a Christmas tree in North Dakota?

Yes, on public land. Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest) sells Christmas tree cutting permits. Forest Service: "Cutting areas include Sheyenne National Grassland, Little Missouri National Grassland, and Denbigh Experimental Forest."

Q: Can fourth graders get a free Christmas tree permit in North Dakota?

The Every Kid Outdoors pass is the way in on national forests, and the national forest permit page says how to redeem it. Green Mountain National Forest, on Recreation.gov: "Every Kid Outdoors pass holders are also eligible for a free holiday tree permit through their local National Forest."

1

Forest selling permits

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest)

$5

Price per tree

2026 season

Oct 8, 2026

On sale

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest)

Free

Fourth graders

with an Every Kid Outdoors pass

Forest by forest

Where to get a Christmas tree permit in North Dakota

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest)

2026 season

USDA Forest Service

Price: $5
Tallest tree: 12 feet
On sale: Oct 8, 2026
Cutting: Nov 15, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026
Where to buy: Recreation.gov

Cutting areas include Sheyenne National Grassland, Little Missouri National Grassland, and Denbigh Experimental Forest.

Dakota Prairie Grasslands Christmas Tree Permit, USDA Forest Service, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Trees can be up to 12 feet with a stump of 6 inches or less.

Tree Height: 12 feet maximum

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest). Read it at the source

The Grand and Cedar River National Grassland is closed to cutting.

Excluded areas are all portions of the Grand and Cedar River National Grassland.

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest). Read it at the source

Limber pine may not be cut.

Limber Pines are not allowed for cutting with this permit.

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest). Read it at the source

Keep away from trees visible from major roads, campgrounds and other well used areas.

Do not cut trees visible from major roads, in campgrounds, or in other well-used areas.

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest). Read it at the source

Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, Denbigh Experimental Forest) permits on Recreation.gov

Every Kid Outdoors

The free Christmas tree permit for North Dakota fourth graders

A fourth grader with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can get a free Christmas tree permit from a national forest. The pass is free from the Every Kid Outdoors program, and the permit is redeemed on Recreation.gov with the pass number.

Every Kid Outdoors pass holders are also eligible for a free holiday tree permit through their local National Forest. To obtain a free holiday tree permit, visit Recreation.gov to apply using the Every Kid Outdoors pass by checking the box indicating you have a pass and entering the pass or voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).

Green Mountain National Forest, on Recreation.gov. Read it at the source

A small child in a knit hat rides a sled beside a cut fir tree on a snowy forest track, an adult and a dog walking ahead — A family tree on its way out of the Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming. The forest shared this photo to remind fourth graders that the Every Kid Outdoors pass brings a free tree permit. “Christmas tree - Bighorn National Forest - December 2017”, US Forest Service, Public domain

North Dakota Christmas tree permit questions

Do you need a permit to cut a Christmas tree in North Dakota?

How much is a Christmas tree permit in North Dakota?

When do North Dakota Christmas tree permits go on sale?

When can you cut a Christmas tree in North Dakota?

Where do you buy a Christmas tree permit in North Dakota?

Can fourth graders get a free Christmas tree permit in North Dakota?

How tall a Christmas tree can you cut in North Dakota?

What are the rules for cutting a Christmas tree in North Dakota?

Christmas tree permits in other states

Pick your own in North DakotaFarm seasons for berries, apples and pumpkins in North Dakota.First snow in North DakotaWhen the first measurable snow usually falls, city by city.Christmas tree permits by stateEvery forest's price and dates in one table, with the free fourth grade permit.

Tall snow covered conifers lining a snowy forest road under a bright blue sky — Fresh snow on the conifers of a Pacific Southwest Region national forest in November 2024, the week the region reminded families that its tree permits sell on Recreation.gov. “Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Christmas tree permits are availiable online at Recreation (20241116-FS-ASA-55)”, Region 5 Photography, Public domain

Compiled September 22, 2026. Every price, date and rule above is republished from Dakota Prairie Grasslands Christmas Tree Permit, USDA Forest Service and the other forest pages linked beside each quote, read on September 22, 2026. Prices, dates and cutting areas change each fall, so the forest’s page is the one to check before a trip. Every state is in the national Christmas tree permit guide.