Passes & Permits

Not sure if you need a pass or permit? Read below or click on one of the links for more information on the types of passes and permits available on the Huron-Manistee National Forests

What Pass/Permit Do You Need?

• Recreation Passes and Permits

  

  Learn about recreation passes including day, annual and lifetime recreation passes, the cost and how to purchase one. Low-cost and free passes for fourth graders, people living with disabilities, senior citizens, and military. Au Sable River Primitive Camping and Pere Marquette/Pine River Watercraft permits.

  Find Your Pass

• Forest Product Permits

  

  Find out more about obtaining a fuelwood/firewood permits and Holiday tree tags.

  Buy Your Permit

• Event/Commercial Permits

  

  Special Use Program overview and application forms for water transmission, road and utility right-of-ways, research, etc. Includes information on deadlines for event and commercial permits.

  Learn More

• Noncommercial Road Use FAQ

  

  Frequently asked questions about other permits, including noncommercial road use.

  Read More

Do You Need a Pass or Permit?

When DON'T You Need A Permit?

• 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 Recreation Enhancement Act 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.

When DO You Need A Permit?

• For some recreation activities:
  • At most day use sites such as trailheads, picnic areas and river access sites
  • Reserving a campsite
  • When riding an ATV, OHV or Motorcycle on National Forest System motorized trails
• For 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