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Recreation Passes
By purchasing a pass, you help us increase the quality of all visitors experiences at recreation areas around the forest and to enhance the protection of your National Forest's natural resources.
Who Needs a Pass?
Most White Mountain National Forest lands are open and free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Certain developed sites require payment of a recreation fee. Other sites, including forest campgrounds and a couple recreation sites are managed by concessionaire and are not covered by the recreation pass. These areas may require additional fees.
Types of Passes on the White Mountain NF
Annual Pass
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Valid 1 year from date of purchase
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Cost: $30.00
Annual Household Pass
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Valid 1 year from date of purchase
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Cost: $40.00
Daily Pass
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Valid for 1 day, specified at time of purchase
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Cost: $5.00
In addition to the White Mountain National Forest passes, additional nation-wide passes are recognized on the Forest. Holders of the Interagency, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes are not required to purchase a White Mountain pass.
How to obtain a White Mountain National Forest recreation pass:
Day passes can be purchased at self-serve pay stations on sites where pay stations are maintained.
Annual passes can be purchased in the following ways.
- From a variety of local vendors
- Online
- At WMNF offices
- At our Information center
You can also print an order form and send a completed copy to us (allow 10 days turnaround time for mail orders).
Passes bought at our offices can only be purchased using cash or check or credit card.
Additionally, White Mountain Forest Annual Passes are awarded to those individuals who complete 16 hours of volunteer service on the Forest. Contact your local District Ranger's office for details.
Using a Pass
Day pass pay stations are self-serve. Fill out the pass and return your portion to your vehicle and display it prominently on the dash of your vehicle
Annual passes and Interagency pass should display the card on the dash of the pass-holder's vehicle while parked at a fee site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What laws impact how fees are collected on National Forest lands.
Recreation fees are authorized via the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
How are recreation fees spent?
Ninety-five percent of fees paid through the Recreation Enhancement Act stay local to help the Forest maintain high quality recreation facilities and trails.
Which sites on the White Mountain National Forest are maintained by someone other than Forest Service staff?
The following sites are maintained by Concessionaire: