Before you plan an activity on the Forest, please be sure to check whether or not you need a permit or pass.  Most national forest system lands are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment.

Recreation Passes

Most national forest system lands are open and free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Day-use and camping fees may be charged at some areas. Discounts for day-use and camping may be available through Interagency passes, such as the America the Beautiful Interagency Senior Pass (annual and lifetime) and the Interagency Access Pass (for those with a disability). Also available are the Interagency Annual Pass, the Fourth Grade Pass, the Military Pass and the Volunteer Pass. More information is available here.

Special Uses

Each year, the Forest Service receives individual and business applications for authorization for use of NFS land for such activities as water transmission, agriculture, outfitting and guiding, recreation, telecommunication, research, photography and video productions, and granting road and utility rights-of-ways. The Forest Service carefully reviews each application to determine how the request affects the public's use of NFS land. Normally, NFS land is not made available if the overall needs of the individual or business can be met on nonfederal lands.

Permits are required to use National Forests lands when there is commercial gain, or when there is an impact on the Forest. Information on permits for commercial filming, outfitting and guiding, etc., can be found at the National Forest Service Contracts and Commercial Permits Website.

Special Use Process Brochure

Accomplishment Reports

The 2013 Recreation Accomplishment Report provides informaton on accomplishments that have been provided with recreation fees on the Ouachita National Forest. 

Southern Region Accomplishment Report