Permits
The Forest Service offers places for hiking, biking, skiing, nature viewing, scenic drives, and for gathering forest products such as mushrooms, firewood, and Christmas trees. Many of the facilities and services associated with these opportunities are free. However, some do require fees or permits to help maintain, manage and improve your national forests and grasslands.
In general, you can purchase many of these passes and permits at any Forest Service office near you. It's recommended that you call to confirm availability.
Campfire Permits
You must have a campfire permit to use a stove, lantern, charcoal barbeque, or wood campfire outside of a developed campground or recreation area. The permit is your agreement to follow the campfire restrictions and regulations in effect.
Desolation Wilderness Permits
Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation Wilderness.
Mokelumne Wilderness Permits
Permits are mandatory for entry into the Mokelumne Wilderness year round for overnight use. The permit system allows the Forest Service to inform visitors of their responsibilities for preserving the wilderness resource, gather important recreation use data, and to limit use where necessary.
Sno Park Passes
Sno-Parks are fun and safe locations for winter recreation. Ski, snowshoe, snow play, or snowmobile with friends or family.
Forest Product Permits
Collecting and removing forest products requires a permit. Forest products include items; such as, firewood, Christmas trees, edible material, decorative material, minerals, plants, and other woody material.
Special Use Permits
Certain types of uses of public lands require "Special Use Authorizations". These include commercial activities, such as filming, guiding, and events. Road uses are also special uses which may be commercial or non-commercial.