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Recreation Passes & Permits
Purchasing a Pass
You can purchase federal recreation passes online or at a National Forest office near you. Contact the office you plan to visit by phone in advance to ensure passes are available and in stock.
*Please note, we no longer sell recreation passes at the Eastern Region Regional Office located at 626 E. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202.
- Purchase an Interagency Recreation Pass From USGS
- Find a National Forest office in the Eastern Region
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 2025 dates are:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20, 2025
- National Get Outdoors Day June 14, 2025
- Juneteenth June 19, 2025
- National Public Lands Day September 27, 2025
- Veterans Day November 11, 2025
More on the Types of Fees Allowed by the REA
Standard Amenity Fees
Standard amenity fees are day use fees, often covered by a day or annual pass. Each site or area must contain six "amenities" which are things like picnic tables, trash receptacles, toilets, parking lots, interpretive signing and security.
Examples
- Picnic areas
- Developed trailheads
- Destination visitor centers
Expanded Amenity Fees
These amenities provide specific services to individuals or groups that require higher costs for maintenance.
Examples
- Campgrounds
- Highly developed boat launches and swimming areas
- Cabin/lookout rentals
Services like electrical hookups, dump stations, special tours, transportation systems and reservation services are considered expanded amenities.
Special Recreation Permits
These amenities provide specific services to individuals or groups that require higher costs for maintenance.
Examples
- Shooting ranges
- Special events
- Specialized trail systems
Recreation permits may be required when extra measures are needed to protect natural or cultural resources. Recreational permits may include:
*indicates special use permits may be required.
- Off Highway Vehicle (OHV)
- River Access
- Wilderness Access
- Rifle Ranges
- Groomed Cross Country Ski Trails
- Group Activities*
- Recreational Events*
Recreation permits are available from local Forest Service offices.
