Passes & Permits
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Recreation Passes and Permits
The Interagency Passes are honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees.
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Wilderness Permits
Wilderness permits are required year-round on the Sierra National Forest for all overnight trips into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Dinkey and Kaiser Wildernesses. Day-use wilderness permits are not required. Permit Reservations now on, Recreation.gov
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Forest Product Permits
Collecting and removing forest products requires a permit. Forest products include items such as, edible material, decorative material, minerals, plants, and other woody material.
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Special Use Permits
Certain types of uses of public lands require "Special Use Authorizations." These include commercial activities, such as filming, guiding, and events.
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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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Woodcutting Permits
Before you collect any firewood you are required to obtain a firewood cutting permit. Permits are available at Forest Service offices and at some seasonal offices during the summer.
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 2023 dates are:
- January 16, 2023: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- February 20, 2023: Presidents Day
- June 10, 2023: National Get Outdoors Day
- June 19, 2023: Juneteenth
- September 23, 2023: National Public Lands Day
- November 11, 2023: Veterans Day
Alerts & Warnings
- Sierra NFSafety Advisory: Road and Recreation Facilities Closure Extended
- 05-15-00-23-11-SNF-Rec-Site-Road-Trail-Closure
- Bass Lake Ranger District plans to initiate winter/spring prescribed burning
- High Sierra Ranger District plans fall/winter/spring prescribed fire projects
- High Sierra Ranger District will be changing hours of operation
- Recreation Fee Program Accomplishment Highlights 2021
- Public Meeting Creek Fire Ecological Restoration Project Video
- Seasonal Visitors Center Closure