Passes

Most national forest system lands are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Entrance and user fees may be charged at some areas. ENTRANCE FEES are required for entering designated federal recreation areas such as National Parks and National Monuments. Entrance fees can be paid each time you visit a forest or grassland, or you can use a special pass, including the America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes. The America the Beautiful interagency passes include the Annual Pass ($80), Annual Senior Pass ($20), Lifetime Senior Pass ($80), Access Pass (FREE), Annual Military (FREE) and Lifetime Military Pass for Gold Star Families and Veterans (FREE). 

For more pass information and to purchase online, visit the USGS Pass Information page.

All Kisatchie National Forest district offices and the supervisor's office may issue America the Beautiful passes. Please call ahead before visiting the office of your choice. It is always a good idea to contact the office before traveling far distances to insure passes are available. All offices are closed during Federal holidays.

The day use and trail use passes entitle you to unlimited day use in participating fee areas forest-wide for one year from month of issue. Recreation day-use fee areas include picnic areas, swim beaches, and boat launches. (Does not cover fees for overnight use.) Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Golden Age Passport, and Golden Access Passport holders are eligible for a 50% discount on the KNF Annual Day-Use Pass at expanded amenity fee sites. 

Note: The Interagency Annual Pass  ($80)  is not accepted at Kisatchie National Forest or National Forest and Grasslands in Texas sites at this time.

All Kisatchie National Forest district offices and the supervisor's office may issue day-use and trail-use passes. Please call ahead before visiting the office of your choice. It is always a good idea to contact the office before traveling far distances to insure passes are available. All offices are closed during Federal holidays.

Recreation fees, authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, enables federal land management agencies to reinvest the following types of fees back into the recreation sites:

Standard Amenity Fees

Examples: Picnic areas, developed trailheads, destination visitor centers

Pass Coverage: Yes.  Pass coverage does vary at concessionaire-managed sites

Expanded Amenity Fees

Examples: Campgrounds, highly developed boat launches and swimming areas, cabin or lookout rentals (where applicable). Services like hookups, dump stations, special tours, transportation systems and reservation services.

Pass Coverage:  No.  However, holders of Senior and Access Passes do receive a 50% discount for single family campsites.

Special Recreation Permits

Examples: Shooting ranges, special events, specialized trail systems

Pass Coverage: No. However, some exceptions do exist.

Fee revenues make a difference.

Recreation fees have become an important source of revenue used to improve the visitor experience and recreation opportunities in national forests and on other federal lands.

The funds raised are critically needed to improve facilities and infrastructure and to provide an enhanced level of service, all of which have a direct impact on the visitor. The majority of proceeds from recreation fees and passes goes right back into maintaining and improving the things you use most like bridges, buildings, trails, boat ramps, and visitor centers. See how your fees have made a difference in this national report.
 
Accomplishments by Forest