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Permits

Campfire Permits

Campfire Ring

Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires, portable gas stoves, and portable lanterns outside of designated recreation sites. Campground permits are free and available at all USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or CAL FIRE offices OR online (printer required)

Remember to check fire restrictions before you go!

Wilderness Permits

sgmnm-hiking

Wild areas and even Congressionally-designated wilderness can be found within an hour's drive of downtown Los Angeles. These are areas set aside by Congress, where people can experience the solitude of some of the nation's most beautiful places in the United States.

Forest Product Permits

Stack of cut firewood

Collecting products on National Forest System lands for commercial and private use requires a forest product permit. Commonly requested permits are for mushroom gathering, posts, poles, rails, and pinecones.

Event/Commercial Permits

Do you want to use Forest Service land for personal or business purposes? 

The USDA Forest Service authorizes the private use of National Forest Service land through permits for a variety of reasons, including special events (e.g., wedding), other group activities, recreation-oriented events (e.g. runs/races), recreation cabins, ski areas, resorts, outfitter guides (including pack stations), communication sites, filming and photography, etc. 

What are special-use authorizations? 

A special-use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, term permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of agency land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time. 

When do I need a special-use permit? 

  • If you will need to occupy, use, or build on Forest Service land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long-term.
  • If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
  • If an activity on those lands land involve individuals or organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.

Before special use permits are issued, the USDA Forest Service must determine that the proposed use complies with all management plans and laws, that there is a demonstrated need for the activity, and that the use is appropriate on National Forest System lands. Special use permits are a temporary authority.

For information about event permits please call or email Angela Stever for more information at 661-269-2808, ext.249, or angela.stever@usda.gov

For general information visit our National Special Uses website.

For specific information on how to obtain a permit on the Angeles National Forest, contact your nearest USDA Forest Service Office.

More information on different permit authorizations coming soon...

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How to obtain a special use permit

Special Use Permit Types

Last updated May 20th, 2025