Passes
Many recreational activities in Superior National Forest are free to the public. However, some places do charge a nominal recreation fee.
- Hiking and dispersed camping on the Forest is free, and no permit is required, except for in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
- Some developed recreation areas do have day use fees which help us maintain the sites. We offer a variety of recreational passes and permits.
Not sure what pass you need? Read below or click on one of the links for more information on the types of passes available on the Superior.
Which Type of Interagency Pass do I Need?
These passes 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.
There are annual (1 year) or Lifetime passes available. Select one to see more about which passes are available.
Annual Passes Available
Interagency passes are good for one (1) year.
Lifetime Passes Available
Available passes that are good for the lifetime of the passholder.
Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area Permits
Reserved, Walk-up and Self-Issue Permits
Permits are required year-round for all day and overnight visits to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Different types of permits and related fees may apply, depending on the date, point of entry, mode of travel, and nature of your group.
Research Applications
All research activities on the Superior National Forest or within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness must submit a research application.
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
Purchase Interagency Passes by visiting a Forest Service Office
Find a Location
Interagency Passes can be purchased from other federal agencies. Find one near you.
Why Do I Need a Pass?
Many recreation activities in the Superior National Forest are available at no cost to the recreational user.
Where developed recreation areas are concerned, however, there is a cost to operating these areas that is recouped through the use of day use fees.
To provide an affordable alternative for frequent visitors to the forests, or for folks who make their National Forests a destination for a week's vacation, we offer a variety of recreational passes and permits that help you save money on day use fees.
How Are Fees Used?
Ninety-five percent of fees paid through the Recreation Enhancement Act stay local to help the Forest maintain high quality recreation facilities and trails and:
- increased field patrols by wilderness rangers/portage crews; wilderness maintenance for trails, portages, campsites; increased visitor contact by interpreters and other education projects;
- area-specific maps, brochures, travel planners, etc.; specific campsite cleanup and human waste removal; special field projects like boardwalks, weed removal, campsite restoration;
- volunteers supporting the wilderness program;
- administration of outfitter guides and cooperators;
- wilderness character monitoring and possible mitigation actions;
- safety advisories & training (blow down events, fires, etc.);
- maintenance of entry point facilities (kiosks) and access to entry points (ramps);
- permit reservation system support;
- support of emergency medical and rescue services; and special orders, like fire, or other emergency closures.