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Permits

National Recreation Passes

2025 America the Beautiful Passes Stack - Card Image 500x350

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.

Adventure Passes

2026-2028 Adventure Passes

Wherever you live in Southern California, you're just a short drive away from a spectacular wildland adventure - recreating in the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino National Forests!

Wilderness Permits

Young hiker on the PCT - card image

"Wild" areas can be found within an hour plus drive of downtown San Bernardino. These are areas set aside by Congress to remain untouched - where people can experience the solitude of some of the nation's most beautiful country.

Fuelwood Permits

Fuelwood Card Image

Collecting products on National Forest System lands for commercial and private use requires a Forest Product Permit. Commonly requested permits are for mushrooms, posts, poles and rails, and pinecones.

Special Use Permits

Card image for special uses filming crew

Certain types of uses of public lands require "Special Use Authorizations." These include commercial activities, such as filming, guiding, and events.

Campfire Permits

Campfire Card Image

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!

Recreation Residences

Recreation Residences

Summer homes, also referred to as Recreation Residences, have a long tradition on the San Bernardino National Forest. These cabins are not available for rent to the general public.

Research and Collection

Research & Collection

We consider research one of the many allowed uses of public land; however, because National Forests are managed for multiple use, a permit is required to conduct research on Forest Service managed lands. Depending on the type of research you are doing, it may also require a permit.

Outfitter and Guides

Outfitter and Guides Horseback Riding

Information for forms and other information on Outfitter and Guide permits on the San Bernardino National Forest. Also, the type of activity you are doing may also require insurance.

Non-Wood Forest Products

Manzanita

Those wishing to collect products such as seeds, pine cones, plant specimens, mistletoe and other forest products are required to obtain a permit before removing anything from National Forest land.

Digital Passes For Adventure Pass Fee Sites Now Available

Recreation.gov Digital Pass

The San Bernardino National Forest is now offering digital passes for recreation fee sites! Purchase a day use digital pass prior to your visit or onsite at one of our fee locations (cell coverage dependent).

Resolve your Notice of Required Fee (NRF)

Notice of Required Fee (NRF)

The San Bernardino National Forest is now offering an easier way to resolve your Notice of Required Fee. You can now book an appointment to resolve your Notice of Required Fee over the phone.

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. Click here for this year's Fee-Free Days.

Last updated March 15th, 2025