Passes
The Lincoln National Forest offers many free activities such as hiking, biking, camping, birding, scenic drives and more, but some locations require a fee to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities you enjoy.
Recreation Fees and Freebies
You may need to pay a recreation fee depending on which sites you plan to visit. You will know a site has a fee because it will be listed on each recreation site's webpage.
Does the site you plan to visit charge a fee:
- Check the site's recreation page
- Identify the fees section
- Fees are listed in the "fees" section
Recreation passes cover the fees at day-use sites that have standard amenity fees (day-use fees)
Day-use site examples (fees covered by passes)
- picnic sites
- fishing areas
- recreation complexes
- trailheads
- observation areas
Sites not covered by passes
Sites that charge expanded amenity fees such as:
- campgrounds
- highly developed boat launches and swimming areas
- cabin or lookout rentals
- concessionaire fees
There are several ways to pay the day-use fee to help maintain facilities and resources.
- Pay each time you visit the site (at a drop-box on site)
- Purchase a site-specific pass, like the Enchantment pass
- Buy an Interagency Pass
The Forest Service waives day-use fees at most recreation sites on certain days of the year. We encourage you to use this opportunity to explore new sites on federal lands nationwide.
For the current list visit Fee-Free Days.
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 Lincoln National Forest accepts two types of recreation passes, which can be purchased at our offices.
New Mexico Travel Only
This pass covers the fee at dozens of recreation areas in five New Mexico National Forests for $40. Order your pass from a local office.
Nationwide Travel
These "interagency passes" provide access to 2,000 recreation areas managed by federal land management agencies. Free and discounted passes are also available.
Free Passes for Volunteers
Volunteers come together to be part of something greater than themselves. The perform crucial work that will make an impact now and for generations. Volunteers are eligible for the New Mexico Enchantment Pass and a Volunteer Pass accepted by six federal land management agencies (Interagency Pass).
Volunteer 24 hours
- Volunteer 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 Lincoln National Forest!