I will be picking up people that will be at the park but will not be going in myself. Do I have to pay to get into the parking lot? Or is there a special place for picking up people inside the park?

it's been years since I had to be picked up...and they used to have a spot specific for this that they tore down. The road leading up to the park has a turn around to go back out before you get to the place to pay for parking, they could walk there to meet you. Also there is cabelas and some restaurants just off the parking lot they could meet you at.

There should be a drop off lane

I believe there is a drop-off lane

Unless they walk off the grounds, you'd need to pay for parking.