Recreation Passes

National passes cover recreation fees found at federal recreation areas such as national forests and grasslands. They also can be used at national parks, wildlife refuges and other federal lands. They cover the use of facilities and services at many day-use sites on US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. There are several pass options to consider. Visit recreation passes to learn about the variety of pass options available to you.

Fee-Free Days

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. The 2020 dates are:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Jan. 20, 2020

President's Day: Feb. 17, 2020

National Get Outdoors Day : June 13, 2020

National Public Lands Day : Sept. 26, 2020

Veterans Day: Nov. 11, 2020

About Recreation Fees

The Forest Service offers places for hiking, biking, skiing, nature viewing, scenic drives, and for gathering forest products such as mushrooms, firewood, and Christmas trees. Many of the facilities and services associated with these opportunities are free. However, some do require fees or permits to help maintain, manage and improve your national forests and grasslands. Requirements may vary. The best place to start to find the answers is on your destination forest or grassland website.

Recreation Fee Types

Recreation fees, authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, enables federal land management agencies to reinvest the following types of fees back into the recreation sites: