Passes & Permits
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National Recreation Passes
National passes cover entrance fees found a federal recreation areas such as National Parks and wildlife refuges. They also cover the use of facilities and services at many day use sites on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. There are several pass options to consider. To make the best choice on which pass to purchase, you should think about your recreation plans for the next year.
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Forest Product Permits
A permit may be required to collect and remove forest products such as firewood, Christmas trees, boughs, decorative material, edible materials, mushrooms, plants, trees, shrubs, posts, poles, minerals, sand, soil, rock, and gravel.
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Campfire Permits
Campfire Permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves outside of designated recreation sites. These are free and are available at all Forest Service, BLM, or CAL FIRE offices, or online (printer required). Remember to check for fire restrictions before you go!
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Wilderness Permits
Recreation permits may be required when extra measures are needed to protect natural or cultural resources. Wilderness Permits and California State Campfire Permits are required for trips into the following wilderness.
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Commercial Filming and Photography
Commercial filming and photography may take place on National Forests. Like other commercial uses of National Forest System lands or resources, commercial filming and photography requires a Special Use Permit.
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Special Use Permits
Special Use Permits grant certain rights or privileges to occupy and use a specific area and contain specific terms and conditions that the permit holder must follow. They include activities such as group gatherings that have 75 or more people, outfitting and guiding, weddings, bicycle races, recreation organized events, recreation residence permits, road use permits, easements, etc.
Fee-Free Days
On 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 2021 dates are:
- January 17, 2022 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- February 21, 2022 - President's Day
- June 11, 2022 - National Get Outdoors Day
- September 24, 2022 - National Public Lands Day
- November 11, 2022 - Veterans Day