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Recreation Passes & Permits
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.
How to Buy
For your convenience, there are three ways to purchase a recreation pass.
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Order Interagency Passes through the U.S. Geological Survey online or by phone (888) 275-8747.
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Order any pass by calling any Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office or the Visitor Center.
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Interagency Passes can be purchased from other federal agencies. Find one near you.
Day Pass
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.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good For? |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone | $5.00 | Day of Visit |
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.
An annual sticker provides year-round access to day-use sites on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good For? |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone | $30.00 | April 1 to March 31 |
Forms
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.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone | $80.00 | 1 year from date of purchase |
For 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.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone 62 or older | $80.00 | for pass holders lifetime |
| Anyone 62 or older | $20.00 | 1 year from date of purchase |
For 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.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Active Military and their dependents | $0.00 | 1 year from date of purchase |
| Veterans and Gold Star Families | $0.00 | Indefinetly |
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.
Active Military must show a Common Access Card/Geneva Conventions ID Card. Dependents must show a Uniformed Services ID Card - DD Form 1173.
- 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.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good for? |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Graders/4th Grade Teachers/Home school and free-choice learners 10 years of age | $0.00 | Sept. to Aug. of 4th Grade school year |
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.
Lifetime Passes
Available passes that are good for the lifetime of the passholder.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone 62 or older | $80.00 | for pass holders lifetime |
| Anyone 62 or older | $20.00 | 1 year from date of purchase |
For 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.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone with a disability | $10.00 | for pass holders lifetime |
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.
| Who Can Buy | Price | How Long is it Good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Active Military and their dependents | $0.00 | 1 year from date of purchase |
| Veterans and Gold Star Families | $0.00 | Indefinitely |
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.
Active Military must show a Common Access Card/Geneva Conventions ID Card. Dependents must show a Uniformed Services ID Card - DD Form 1173.
- 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.
Must provide documentation of disability from a licensed physician or a Federal Agency such as the VA to receive this pass
Alerts & Warnings
- Forest Road 139 Closed over Shmuland Creek From Storm
- Valhalla Recreation Area Closed 6/18 - 8/1/2024 for site improvements
- Sections of FR 164 closed to vehicles until 8/1/2024 for culvert replacements
- Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center closed 6/3-30, 2024
- Recreation areas, trails, and roads open after recovery from 2019 windstorm
- Delayed- Moose River bridge closed to vehicular traffic 4/29 to 5/3
- Black Lake Campground To Re-Open 7/1/2024
- Prescribed Burning Planned for FY2024
- Closure on Forest Road 1666 (Black Lake Road) for motorized vehicles
- Safety reminders for hunting season
- Aquatic Invasive Species decontamination required at Lake Owen and Two Lakes