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Passes & Permits
There is no entrance fee for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The Forest is open year-round for a variety of recreational activities and uses. However, there are fees at campgrounds and day use areas that are operated by the Forest's concessionaire from May to September. A few campgrounds are operated by Forest Service staff during the summer. The Forest Service also keeps some areas open before and after the concessionaire's full service season.
Before you plan an activity on the forest, please be sure to check whether or not you need a permit or pass. Permits are not required for hiking on the Forest. Common activities that that may require a permit include wood cutting, mushroom picking, rock collecting and cutting a Christmas tree.
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Recreation Passes
On the GMUG, Interagency Recreation Passes such as the annual, senior, access, military and volunteer pass can provide a discount on campsite fees (excluding group sites). Passes do not provide discounts associated with day use fees.
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Forest Products
Information about fuelwood/firewood permits, along with details about plant collection, gathering forest items, minerals, holiday greens for decorations and Christmas tree permits.
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Special Use Permits
Special use permits may be required for your commercial or non-commercial activity such as weddings, filming, photography, outfitters & guides, and commercial events.
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Other Permits
For information on snowplowing, water transmission, road and utility right-of-ways, research, and other permits, please contact the appropriate District office.
Most national forests and grasslands are open, free of charge, for your use and enjoyment. Fees may be charged and permits required for some activities and locations. Commercial Road Use Rules and Road Use Permit Requirements are in effect on the GMUG National Forests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When you are gathering edible material (morels, etc.) for your own consumption
- When you are camping in a dispersed area
- When you are at a site that doesn't require a reservation or fee
- When you are building a campfire on National Forest System lands, you can collect a reasonable quantity of wood for the campfire without a permit
Learn more about special-use permits and how to apply
- For some recreation activities
- Collecting fuelwood
- Special Use Permits are required for commercial and non-commercial use of NFS lands, including:
- Easements for electrical and utility lines
- Roads to access private property bound by National Forest lands
- Oil and gas pipelines, wells or holding tanks, etc.
- Minerals
Please contact the appropriate Ranger District office for more information on the permits required.