Passes

You do not need a permit to enter or recreate in designated Wilderness. We do not take reservations for camping or picnicking sites.

The Forest sells America the Beautiful Federal Recreational Lands passes. These can be used at any federal park for discounts or sometimes free benefits, depending on the location. 

America the Beautiful (ATB) Passes are part of the federal interagency pass program and provides reduced rates for frequent visitors to federal recreation areas. The program includes the Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation.  

Types of Interagency Passes

• Annual Pass
• Senior Pass
• Access Pass
• Annual Military Pass
• Every Kid Outdoors
• Annual Volunteer Pass

Purchasing a pass

1. Order through the U.S. Geological Survey online or by phone (888) 275-8747.
2. Purchase a pass in person at your local Shawnee National Forest office.
3. Passes can be purchased from other federal agencies. Find one near you.

Big changes are here – the America the Beautiful Passes are going digital!

Digital Annual Passes will be available for purchase through Recreation.gov beginning November 20, 2025, at 12pm ET, making it easier than ever to plan trips and visit [insert facility name]! Digital Annual Passes allow you to:

• Easily access, store, and manage your pass alongside other reservations in one centralized location
• Save your pass directly to your mobile wallet on your mobile device for ease of access once you arrive

This modernization is part of the federal government’s Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act to simplify and enhance public access to federal lands.

We are hard at work to make navigating these changes as smooth as possible for our visitors, as we transition through the new year. We appreciate your patience as we lay the groundwork for a more connected, visitor-friendly future.

Stay tuned for other passes in the America the Beautiful Pass series (Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, Military Annual, Military Lifetime, Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade, and Access) going digital in January 2026! 

Purchase a Pass through Recreation.gov