Passes
Many recreation activities in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are available at no cost to the recreational user.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest charges day-use fees at most developed beaches, boat launches, picnic areas, and trailhead parking areas. Where applicable, signs are posted to inform visitors.
Campers who have paid fees to stay at a developed campground can enjoy free access to associated facilities, such as a beach or boat launch. However, campers must pay an additional day-use fee when visiting a recreation site that is not a part of the same campground complex.
Consider your plans for the year when choosing a recreation pass. Each option below provides day-use access for all passengers in your personal vehicle. Passengers in commercial buses must pay a per-person fee.
What Passes Are Available?
Day Passes
Just visiting for the day? The Forest provides payment envelopes on site where day-use fees are required. Simply write your information on an envelope, enclose your $5 payment, and drop the envelope in the payment box. Make sure to reserve the perforated tag for display in your vehicle.
Annual Passes
Forest and Interagency passes are good for one (1) year.
- Annual Forest Passes - Only good on the Chequamagon-Nicolet National Forest.
- Interagency Passes - Good at any Forest Service, National Park, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Fish and Wildlife Service sites that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee.
Available for purchase by anyone for $30.00. Good for April 1 to March 31.
How to Order
Please mail your form and check or money order to an Office. Make checks/money-orders out to "USDA Forest Service". Allow 7-10 days to receive your pass.
More Information
This pass is accepted at Forest Service operated: Trailheads, boat/canoe launches, picnic areas and other "day use" recreation sites. This pass does not cover camping fees and is not accepted at Concessionaire operated sites.
Available for purchase by anyone for $80.00. Good for 1 year from date of purchase.
More Information
Visit the National Website for information on what the pass covers, what it doesn't cover and what types of sites it can be used at.
Senior Annual Pass
Anyone 62 or older can purchase the Senior Annual Pass for $20.00. Good for the full calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).
More Information
Learn more about Senior Passes on the USGS Site.
Military Annual Pass
Available at no cost for Active Military and their dependents ($10.00 shipping fee). Good for 1 year from date of purchase.
Active Military must show a Common Access Card/Geneva Conventions ID Card. Dependents must show a Uniformed Services ID Card - DD Form 1173.
Available at no cost for 4th Graders/4th Grade Teachers/Homeschool and free-choice learners 10 years of age. Good for the duration of the 4th grade school year through the following summer (Sept- Aug).
Create and Print Voucher Online
More Information
Visit the Ever Kid Outdoors website for information on what the pass covers, what it doesn't cover and what types of sites it can be used at.
Digital versions of the paper pass (such as on smart phones or tablets) will not be accepted. You must have a printed voucher from the Every Kid Outdoors website.
Lifetime Passes
Available passes that are good for the lifetime of the passholder.
Lifetime Senior Pass
Anyone 62 or older can purchase the Senior Annual Pass for $80.00. Good for pass holder's lifetime.
More Information
Learn more about Senior Passes on the USGS Site.
Access Pass
Available at no cost ($10.00 shipping fee) for anyone that has been medically determined to have a permanent disability. Good for the pass holder's lifetime.
More Information
More information on the Access Pass is available on the USGS website.
Military Lifetime Pass
Available at no cost for Veterans and Gold Star Families ($10.00 shipping fee). Good indefinitely.
- Veterans: Provide serial number from ID card on the fee payment envelope.
- Gold Star Families: Download and print a voucher from the National Park Service website.
Gold Star Families as defined by DoD are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces. The paper voucher itself can serve as the pass.
Where can I Buy A Pass
Buy Online
Order Interagency Passes through the U.S. Geological Survey online or by phone (888) 275-8747.
Buy In Person
Order any pass by calling any Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office.
Find a Location
Interagency Passes can be purchased from other federal agencies. Find one near you.