FAQ / Where can I buy a federal recreation pass?

Many federal lands can be used by citizens for recreational purposes. Entrance fees are required for access to these lands and the federal government has developed federal recreation pass programs that offer ways for citizens to save money. We have listed some of these pass programs below.

The America the Beautiful Passes:

* Annual Pass - A one-year pass that waives the entrance fees for Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Forest Service (FS), Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and National Park Service (NPS) recreational sites.
o Price: $80 Annually.
* Senior Pass - A lifetime entrance pass to federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who are age 62 or older. Also provides a 50 percent discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping and boat launching.
o Price: $10 One-Time Fee.
* Access Pass - A lifetime entrance pass to federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability, regardless of age. Also provides a 50 percent discount on some expanded amenity fees.
o Price: Free; applicants will be required to show proof of eligibility.
* Volunteer Pass - A one-year pass that waives the entrance fees for BLM, FWS, FS, USBR, and NPS recreational sites. Only available for those individuals that volunteer 500 hours or more at federal recreation sites. Only one pass may be issued per year to an individual.
o Price: Free.

These passes can be obtained in person from a participating federal recreation site or office. The Annual Pass is also available to the public by calling 1.888.ASK.USGS (1.888.275.8747), or visiting the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Online Store. Please note that the Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass may NOT be ordered online or by phone, as they require documentation and have to be obtained in person.

For more information on the America the Beautiful passes, please view the Forest Service's pass comparison chart.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will honor the America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes, giving a 50 percent reduction in camping fees to pass holders at its campgrounds. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will also accept the Senior and Access Passes as proof of eligibility for age- and disability-related discounts. However, TVA and USACE cannot issue the America the Beautiful passes.

USACE also offers an Annual Pass for the day use areas that they operate. It may not be used at areas operated by other agencies, even if those areas are located on USACE-owned property. Holders of either an Interagency Senior or Access Pass may purchase one annual pass at a 50 percent discount. For more information, please contact USACE.

Information on obtaining a pass for a state or national park is also available.

Please note: The NPS will allow visitors free entry during three weekends this summer to encourage Americans to visit national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park. The fee waivers — on June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009 — will apply to more than 100 national parks across the country that usually charge entrance fees. Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Finally, you may also wish to view information on making camping reservations for recreational facilities.

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