Passes

To make the best choice on which pass to purchase, you need to know a bit about your recreation plans for the next year. Your best value may be a single-day pass. Or if you’re a frequent visitor to one or more recreation sites, a multi-day pass or annual pass that covers a forest or region may be more cost effective, like the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests annual Forest Passport or OHV License. 

An Interagency Annual Pass may be your best value if you plan to visit many different federal lands across the nation that include lands managed by other federal agencies. You may also qualify for the Interagency Senior passes or Interagency Access Pass. 

The following overview describes the passes accepted by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

• National Forest Annual Pass
• Annual OHV Special Recreation Permit
• America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

An annual pass is a great value and helps contribute to the great outdoors and sustains recreation opportunities on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests - #ItsAllYours!  

Purchase a National Forest Annual Pass or an Annual OHV Special Recreation Permit at a local office  - however, please call to confirm availability (supplies are limited).

Learn more about projects on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests made possible by recreation fees. See also nationwide reports.

National Forest Annual Pass

If your recreation plans only include visits to Georgia's national forests, purchase the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests' Annual Pass for $25.00.

A great value, the National Forest Annual Pass provides access for one year to many fee sites at popular recreation areas, trailheads, day-use areas and beach sites, shooting ranges and boat launches on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Single-day use fees at these sites can range from $3 to $15 or more.

The National Forest Annual Pass is different from the Interagency Annual Pass and may only be used on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

Volunteers may earn a National Forest Annual Pass by performing 20 hours of volunteer work in coordination with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Just be sure to contact a local district office before you start to put in your volunteer time! All volunteer work and hours must be obtained under an official volunteer agreement.

For more information, visit a local district office or call 770-297-3000.

The National Forest Annual Pass is accepted at the following locations:

Note: The Forest Passport is NOT accepted at concessionaire operated sites: Brasstown Bald Visitor Center, Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, Morganton Point Recreation Area, Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, Lake Russell Recreation Area or Lake Rabun Recreation Area.

Annual OHV Special Recreation Permit 

If you like to ride motorized trails, purchase a $50.00 annual Annual OHV Special Recreation Permit, which helps maintain OHV trails on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Several trails are open only to vehicles less than or equal to 50" wide. Please see the official Motor Vehicle Use Map or each trail website for detailed information.

Motorized trails close when conditions are wet to prevent trail damage and erosion into streams. Check the status of your favorite trail or Call Before You Haul. For more information, visit a local district office or call 770-297-3000.

Please follow Tread Lightly principles to keep roads and trails sustainable. Learn more about Behaving Responsibly in  the Woods - #ItsAllYours - care for the land!

The National Forest OHV Pass is accepted at the following locations:

Note: These trails are designated for the purpose of off-highway or off-road riding. All other Forest Service Roads open to highway-legal motorized use are not OHV trails. These public roads often serve as emergency access routes to private residences and provide critical access for managing public lands. For complete details, please see the OHV Rules and Regulations. 

Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated routes and trails impassable for extended periods. Designated areas may contain dangerous or impassable terrain. Operating a motor vehicle on National Forest System roads, trails, and lands carries a responsibility to know and follow all applicable traffic laws, while also showing concern for the environment and other forest users. The misuse of motor vehicles can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of any designated road, trail, or area. Operators of motor vehicles are subject to State traffic law, including State requirements for licensing, registration, and operation of the vehicle in question. 

America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass 

One of the most popular recreation passes is the America the Beautiful interagency annual pass. This pass allows you to enter many federally operated recreation sites across the country where per-person entrance fees are charged.

Learn more about the interagency passes available for:

Seniors

4th Graders

Disabled Persons | Disabled Veterans

Current Military and Veterans

Gold Star Family Members: Gold Star family members can access the Gold Star family voucher here.

Recreation sites on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests that accept the Interagency Annual Pass:

Discounts may be available to Senior or Access Pass holders.

• Cost: $80 annual pass
• How to purchase:
  • In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes),
  • By phone at: 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), extension 3 (Hours of operation are: 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time)
  • Online—Buy now from the USGS store!
• Non-transferable
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Annual Pass (USGS website)
• Find more information from federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Annual Pass:
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The America the Beautiful Access Pass grants free lifetime entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. This includes National Forests like ours!

Benefits for Camping

While the Access Pass grants free entry to the National Forest, it also provides a 50% discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees. This often includes camping fees at many campgrounds within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

How to Find Campgrounds and Use Your Pass

We have numerous developed campgrounds that charge fees. You can find a list of these campgrounds here or on www.Recreation.gov. Some popular campgrounds include:

• Lake Conasauga Campground
• Lake Russell Recreation Area and Campground
• Morganton Point Campground
• Lake Winfield Scott Campground
• Desoto Falls Recreation Area
• Cooper Creek Campground
• Deep Hole Recreation Area
• Oconee River Campground
• ...and many others!

Check Campground Details

Once you've identified potential campgrounds, check their details on Recreation.gov. Look for information on fees and whether the Access Pass discount is applicable. It's best to check the specific campground's policy as not all amenity fees are discounted.

Make Reservations (if needed)

Many campgrounds in the National Forest allow or even require reservations, especially during peak seasons. You can make reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service - 1 (877) 444-6777. When making a reservation, indicate that you are an Access Pass holder.

Present Your Pass

When you arrive at the campground, be prepared to show your Access Pass to the campground staff. You may also need to show a valid photo ID to verify ownership of the pass.

Important Considerations

Dispersed Camping: The Access Pass does not apply to dispersed camping, which is free throughout most of the National Forest. Dispersed camping involves setting up camp outside of developed campgrounds and typically has no facilities. Be sure to understand and follow all regulations for dispersed camping.

Concessionaire Operated Sites: Some facilities and services within the National Forest, including some campgrounds, may be managed by private concessionaires. The Access Pass may not be valid for discounts at these sites, so it's always best to inquire directly.

Group Sites and Special Permits: The Access Pass typically does not cover fees for group campsites or special recreation permits.

Pass Holder Present: Generally, the pass holder must be present to receive the discount on camping fees.

By using your Access Pass, you can enjoy discounted camping at many of the beautiful campgrounds within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Remember to plan ahead, check specific campground policies, and be ready to present your pass upon arrival.