Passes
The Forest Service provides places for numerous recreation activities like hiking, biking, camping, OHV riding, boating and target shooting. Many of the facilities and services associated with these opportunities are free. However, some do charge fees to help maintain, manage and improve these facilities. Some of these fees can be paid onsite using fee envelopes (cash or check only) or the the Recreation.gov mobile app, while others must be paid in advance by purchasing a recreation pass.
2026 "Fee-Free" Days
The Daniel Boone National Forest will waive recreation fees (including Daniel Boone National Forest pass requirements) at recreation sites, except concession-operated sites and reservable group-use areas, on the following dates:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
- Presidents' Day Weekend: February 14-16, 2026
- Memorial Day: May 25, 2026
- National Fishing and Boating Week: June 6-7, 2026
- National Get Outdoors Day: June 13, 2026
- Independence Day: July 4, 2026
- Constitution Day: September 17, 2026
- National Public Lands Day: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday: October 27, 2026
- Veterans Day: November 11, 2026
Your Fees at Work
The Federal Recreation Enhancement Act requires at least 80% of recreation fee revenue be reinvested into local site operations and maintenance on the unit where collected. Every pass you purchase and campsite you reserve is a direct investment in recreation on the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Daniel Boone National Forest Recreation Pass FAQs
A standard Daniel Boone National Forest recreation pass must be displayed on or in any motorized vehicle that occupies a space in the pass restricted areas below.
- Alfrey, Bangor, Bee Rock, Claylick, Clear Creek, Craigs Creek, Flatwoods, Grove, Holly Bay, Laurel Bridge, Leatherwood, Longbow, Marsh Branch, Poppin Rock, Scott Creek and Warix Run boat ramps.
- Appletree, Keno and Whitman Branch shooting ranges.
- Natural Arch Recreation Area.*
- Billy Branch Picnic Area.*
- Backcountry camping in the Red River Gorge between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
An OHV Daniel Boone National Forest recreation pass must be displayed on any OHV vehicle or worn by any OHV driver that occupies space in the pass restricted areas below.
- Redbird Crest OHV Trail System.
- White OHV Trail System.
* Any America the Beautiful Interagency Pass may be substituted for the Daniel Boone National Forest recreation pass at Natural Arch Scenic Area and Billy Branch Picnic Area.
Standard Daniel Boone National Forest recreation passes may be purchased as a hang tag or sticker for $5/1 day; $7/3 day; $50/annual.
OHV Daniel Boone National Forest recreation passes may be purchased as an OHV Decal or rider wrist band for $15/1 day; $60/annual.
Annual passes expire December 31 of the year purchased; 1-day and 3-day passes expire at noon on the day after the last day of the pass. No refunds.
Forest passes are available for purchase by cash, check or card at Daniel Boone National Forest district offices. Passes are not available at the Supervisor's Office in Winchester, KY. They are also available at many local pass vendors.
On the Daniel Boone National Forest, all America the Beautiful Interagency Passes cover fees at Natural Arch Scenic Area and Billy Branch Picnic Area. The America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes also provide a 50% discount on standard Daniel Boone National Forest recreation passes when purchased from a Daniel Boone National Forest office.
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series “America the Beautiful” passes provide reduced rates for frequent visitors to federal recreation areas. Passes are valid at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation. The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass series includes the Annual Pass, Access Pass, 4th Grade Pass, Volunteer Pass, Military Passes and Senior Passes.