Recreation Passes & Permits

Camping Permits

Sites in our most popular campgrounds may be reserved ahead of time, while sites at our other campgrounds are available only on a first-come, first-served basis.   All sites in Lynx Lake Campground can be reserved, with any unfilled sites open for walk-in visitors.  Most sites in Alto Pit, Hilltop, Potato Patch, Yavapai, and White Spar Campgrounds may be reserved, but there are several sites in each of these campgrounds that are set aside for walk-in visitors.  Sites at Lower Wolf Creek, Powell Springs, Mingus Mountain, and Hazlett Hollow Campgrounds are available only on a first-come, first-seerved basis.  Group campgrounds and picnic sites are available only by reservation.  Reservations are made through a contracted vendor. Please see each site's webpage for more information.  

Self-Serve Pay Stations

Cash: Self-seve pay stations are installed at all campgrounds and day-use sites that require a permit.  Please note that exact change is required at self-serve pay stations as change is not available on-site.  

Credit Card: Automated fee machines are available at Thumb Butte Day-use Site, Lynx Lake North Shore and Lynx Lake South Shore where 1-day passes may be purchased.  These day passes are valid at all day-use sites on Prescott National Forest.

Standard Amenity Fee Recreation Passes

The Prescott National Forest Passes,Interagency Passes, and Every Kid in a Park Passes are valid at all Prescott National Forest standard amenity fee sites. The Interagency Passes are valid nation-wide at federally operated standard amenity fee sites and also cover entrance fees at National Parks. The Interagency Annual Pass program eliminates the need to purchase separate passes on different national parks and forests across the nation.

Prescott National Forest Passes

Prescott National Forest Passes cover all standard amenity fee sites on the forest.  They are available for purchase at the Bradshaw, Chino Valley, and Verde Ranger Stations.

• Annual Pass (Sticker) $40 - Second Family Member additional Annual Prescott National Forest Pass (Sticker) $10.
• Four Month Pass $20 -  Second Family Member additional Annual Prescott National Forest Pass (Sticker) $10.
• Day Pass $5 (Available at site.) - Payment of the fee at one site entitles that vehicle to park at any standard amenity fee site within the Prescott National Forest during the same day without paying an additional fee.  Please note that exact change is required.

Interagency Passes

To purchase passes online visit the USGS web site.  Interagency passes are also available at the Prescott National Forest's Bradshaw, Chino Valley, and Verde Ranger Stations.

• Annual Pass $80
• Senior ($10, $80 starting 8/28/17) and Access (Free) Passes - If you have a permanent disability or are over the age of 62, you may be eligible for an Interagency Senior or Access Pass. 
• Volunteer Pass (Free)

Every Kid in a Park: Free Passes for 4th Graders and Their Guests

Every Kid in a Park Passes are free to fourth graders and cover all standard amenity fee sites.  For information on how to obtain a pass, visit the Just for Kids webpage.

Accomplishment Reports

The majority of proceeds from recreation fees goes right back into maintaining and improving the things you use most like bridges, buildings, trails, boat ramps, and visitor centers. (MORE)