Rules For Visitors

Welcome to the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands! 

As a visitor to the national forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the the natural environment, ensure the health and safety of visitors, and promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience for all visitors.

Regional foresters and forest supervisors may issue orders that close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises. These orders will be posted in each district office and the forest supervisor's office so visitors can become familiar with them. Visitors can also view all current orders on the Special Orders webpage.

Please be careful! You are responsible for your own safety. Look for natural hazards and dangers when you are in the forest. If you hike off trails or swim or dive in streams or lakes, you do so at your own risk.

Any search and rescue efforts must be initiated by the local sheriff's office. Please let friends and family know where you are going, when you are expected to be back and the local sheriff's office number in the county you plan to visit.

All visitors and users of the National forests are subject to Federal Regulations. The points of conduct listed here are generally included in and enforceable through Federal Regulations. All of the regulations are published in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are on file at all Forest Supervisor and District Ranger offices. Violation of orders and regulations is subject to punishment by a fine or imprisonment. 

Authority: 16 USC 551, 7 USC 1011(f).

State traffic and game laws apply to National Forests unless otherwise specified.

Audio Devices

  • Operate any audio device, such as a radio or musical instrument, so that it does not disturb other visitors.

  • A permit is required for operating a public address system in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over a body of water.

Business Activities

  • Permits are required for any commercial activity.

Campfires

  • Obey restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times.

  • Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose.

  • In undeveloped sites, a fire ring of rocks must enclose campfires. Do not leave a campfire unattended.

  • Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. You are responsible for keeping fires under control.

Camping

  • Camping is allowed throughout the districts in both developed and undeveloped sites. 

  • There is a 14-day stay limit anywhere in the Forest.

  • Vehicles MUST be parked in established sites. 

  • You may camp outside of developed campgrounds if you do not cause any resource damage and keep your vehicle within one vehicle length of main roads.

  • Use picnic sites, swimming beaches, and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

  • Campgrounds and other recreation sites can be used only for recreation purposes. Permanent use or use as a principal residence without authorization is not allowed.

  • In campgrounds, camp only in those places specifically marked or provided.

  • At least one person must occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up, unless permission has otherwise been granted by the District Ranger.

  • Do not leave camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours without permission from the District Ranger. The federal government is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.

  • Remove all personal property and trash when leaving.

Fee Areas

  • You must pay a fee to use certain developed sites and facilities. Fee areas are clearly signed or posted as requiring a fee.

  • Where fees are required, you must pay them before using the site, facility, equipment, or service furnished.

Fireworks and Firearms

  • Possessing, discharging, or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device is prohibited (Order RO2-2018-02).

  • Firing a gun is not allowed: a) within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; b) across or on a road or body of water; c) in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged.

  • Hunting is allowed in the forest and state regulations apply on national forest land.

General

The following is NOT allowed without a permit:

  • Transplanting trees, shrubs or plants from the national forest.

  • Cutting or removing fuel wood

  • Cutting and removing boughs

  • Cutting and removing Christmas trees

  • Removing rocks, soil, vegetative matter or any natural matter

  • Removing any forest product or natural feature

  • Occupying national forest land leased for residential purpose

  • Posting, placing or erecting any notice, advertising material or sign

Geocaching

 

  • Geocaching is not permitted in congressionally designated Wilderness Areas per FSM 2320, or in any other nationally designated areas such as national scenic areas, historic or scenic trails.

  • Geocaching is permissible in all other general forest areas provided there is no natural resource damage or vandalism to government facilities.

  • Geocaching is not permitted within areas designated as national historic landmarks, sites, or pre-historic sites.

  • Natural resources are not to be disturbed, nor are they allowed to be removed from NFS lands. That includes disturbing soil or digging, removing vegetation, disturbing natural features, etc. Avoid sensitive areas like wetlands or streams.

  • Do not disturb or remove historical artifacts or features. 

  • Geocaching shall not interfere with other permitted activities such as outfitter and guide designated campsites.

  • Motorized vehicle use and parking must comply with PSICC travel regulations and Motor Vehicle Use Maps. 

  • Geocaching via horseback is not permitted in developed recreation sites other than those designated for equestrian use.

  • Geocachers are not required to have a permit provided they comply with all other FS regulations and policy concerning group size and fees.

  • Please label geocaches as such to avoid any confusion or safety concerns.

Operation of Vehicles

  • Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to the National Forests unless otherwise specified.

  • When operating vehicles of any kind, do not damage the land or vegetation or disturb wildlife. Avoid driving on unpaved roads or trails when they are wet or muddy.

  • Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving, unless areas or trails are specifically marked for them. Park only in marked parking areas.

  • Do not block, restrict, or interfere with the use of roads or trails.

  • Obey area and trail restrictions on use of trail bikes and other off-road vehicles.

  • No vehicle parking is allowed behind barriers.

Pets and Animals

  • Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites.

  • Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas.

  • Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instruction.

Property

  • Do not carve, chop, cut or damage live trees.

  • Preserve and protect your national forests.  Leave natural areas the way you find them.

  • Enter buildings, structures, or enclosed areas in national forests only when they are expressly opened to the public.

  • Native American heritage sites, old cabins, and other structures, along with objects and artifacts associated with them, have historic or archeological value. Do not damage or remove any historic or archeological resource.

  • Private property is found within the boundaries of the Pike and San Isael National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Do not damage or destroy public or private property. Respect the property and rights of others.

Public Behavior

  • Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

  • No fighting or boisterous behavior.

  • Keep noise at a reasonable level. Please be considerate of fellow visitors.

Sanitation

  • Throw all garbage and litter in the provided containers or take it with you when you leave.

  • Garbage containers, when provided, are reserved for the use of visitors to the national forest, not visitors to or owners of private lands or lands under permit.

  • Wash food and personal items away from drinking water supplies. Use water faucets only for drawing water.

  • Prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes, streams and other water.

  • Use toilets properly. Do not throw garbage, litter, fish cleanings, or other foreign substances in toilets and plumbing fixtures.

Wilderness

  • Motor vehicles and motorized equipment are not allowed in wilderness areas.

  • Preserve the wilderness - "Leave only footprints, take only pictures."