Passes
The Carson National Forest offers many free activities such as hiking, biking, camping, birding, scenic drives and more, but some locations require a fee or pass to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities you enjoy.
Recreation Fees
Day Use Fees
You may need to display a pass or pay a recreation fee when visiting some day use sites that offer amenties and services. They include trailheads, fishing areas and picnic areas.
- Passes are accepted at sites managed by Carson National Forest staff.
- Passes are not accepted at sites managed by a concesionaire.
The following sites require a fee or pass:
| Site | Pass Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Canjilon Lakes | Yes |
| Columbine Trailhead | No |
| Echo Amphitheater | Yes |
| Hopewell Lake | No |
| Middle Fork Trailhead @ Santa Barbara Campbround | No |
| Shuree Ponds | No |
Overnight Fees
Fees are charged at many campgrounds and at all group shelters/cabin rentals.
- A 50% discount is available for single family campsites are available for senior and access passholders at concessionaire-operated campgrounds (Golden Age and Golden Access passholders are grandfathered in).
- The discounts does not apply toward double sites, group sites/shelters, amenities or additional services such as electric, sewer and firewood
Checking for Fees and Discounts
- Go to the site's recreation page.
- Check the "fees" section.
There are several ways to pay a fee to help maintain facilities and resources.
- Pay each time you visit the site (at a drop-box on site)
- Use a pass, like the Enchantment Pass.
- Pay ahead of time if the site is available on Recreation.gov.
The Forest Service waives day-use fees at recreation sites managed by the Forest Service on certain days of the year. We encourage you to use this opportunity to explore new sites on federal lands nationwide.
2025 Fee-Free Days
- 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
Applicable Sites
- Canjilon Lakes*
- Echo Amphitheater
*May not be accessible on fee-free days when winter conditions are present.
The Best Recreation Pass for You
If you travel often, a recreation pass may save you money instead of paying onsite each time. The best pass for you depends on how often you'll visit and other criteria.
The Carson National Forest accepts two types of recreation passes, which can be purchased at our offices:
Enchantment Pass
For New Mexico travel only: This pass covers the fee at dozens of recreation areas in five New Mexico national forests for $40. Get a pass at a Carson National Forest office.
Interagency Passes
For nationwide travel: Interagency passes provide access to 2,000 recreation areas managed by federal land management agencies. Free and discounted passes are also available.
Get a Pass
Locally
Visitors can obtain passes at most Carson National Forest offices. The following statewide and interagency passes are available:
- Enchantment
- America the Beautiful
- Senior Annual and Lifetime
- Military Annual and Lifetime
- Access
- 4th Grade
Call ahead to make sure passes are in stock!
Nationwide
If you're not local to the Carson National Forest, most passes, with the exception of the Enchantment Pass, are available at other federal land offices. Check with your local national land management unit (e.g. national park, national forest, etc.).
Some passes can be obtained online through the United States Geological Survey:
Free Passes for Volunteers
Volunteers come together to be part of something greater than themselves. They perform crucial work that will make an impact now and for generations. Volunteers are eligible for the New Mexico Enchantment Pass and an interagency Volunteer Pass accepted by six federal land management agencies.
- Volunteer for 24 or more hours in New Mexico National Forests.
- Receive a free Enchantment Volunteer Pass.
- This pass is managed by the USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region.
- Volunteer 250 hours at Federal recreation lands nationwide.
- Receive a free Interagency Volunteer Pass.
- This pass is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Why Purchasing a Pass Locally Matters
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814) states that 95% of Recreation fee revenues are retained locally by the national forest unit, where the fee is paid.
The fee revenue is used for the repair, maintenance and facility enhancement directly related to visitor enjoyment, visitor access and health and safety at recreation fee sites. Learn how recreation fees are reinvested into the Carson National Forest!