Christmas Tree Program

Christmas Tree Program

Available November 25th - December 24th 2022

Taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition.
Check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree. The cedar tree program also helps Land Between the Lakes maintain open lands and promotes diverse wildlife habitat.

Obtaining and Displaying Your Permit

  • Permits available ONLINE ONLY, November 25 through December 24, 2022.
  • Go to the CampLBL site and set up an account to obtain your free Christmas Tree Permit.
  • If you have made camping reservations or purchased a permit at Land Between the Lakes online in the past, log in to your account.
  • Complete, print, and sign your permit.
  • Display permit in windshield of vehicle while looking for your cedar tree.

Selecting and Cutting Your Cedar Tree

  • A permit entitles a family to cut one cedar tree. Cedar trees may be cut anywhere in Land Between the Lakes except:
    • Within sight of US68/KY80
    • Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
    • Cemeteries
    • Facilities, including the Elk & Bison Prairie
    • Nature Watch Areas
    • Campgrounds
    • Timber sale areas
    • Other mowed areas
  • Read cutting guidelines provided on the website before you cut your tree.
  • NO CUTTING OF CHRISTMAS TREES ALONG THE TRACE or 68/80
  • ONLY CUT CEDAR TREES
  • While most of Land Between the Lakes was unaffected by tornado damage, there are significant areas of damaged timber. Care needs to be taken when recreating in and around these areas. Beware of loose overhead limbs as well as logging operations.

Area Maps:

Know the difference between Pine trees and Cedar Trees

Note the similarity between pine and cedar trees. The Christmas tree permit is only for cedar trees less than 10 feet tall with stumps less than 4 inches tall.