National forest service annual pass
- Thread starter Jostr
- Start date
Enthusiast III
- 2,403
- First Name
- Rem
- Last Name
- Wyatt
- Member #
5349
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KN6HMC
- Service Branch
- USMC
I had my Veterans ID card and got the same card you got last time I was in Death Valley.
I was dissapointed that the annual pass does not provide 1/2 price at N.F. Campgrounds. I was informed it is only the senior and disability passes that offer it. There is much confusion as it is an interagency pass. The N.F. Ranger station told me one thing and Recreation.gov told me something different. I’m east of the Mississippi so not a lot of admission discounts. I am still glad to support the parks.
Enthusiast II
To go into a national forest is free, National Park are different.
The US Forest Service is ran by the Department of Agriculture
The US Park Service is ran by the Department of Interior and the Interior also runs the BLM
In the Forest you can stay in a UNDEVELOPED camp site (dispersal) for free up to 2 weeks and at a develope (has an outhouse) will cost you.
Parks will cost you and have more restrictions.
BLM has alot of differanat rules that I am not up on.
The National Park Pass will get you in free or at 1/2 cost but there are a lot of differant stipulations on that to and to many to go into here. Just know that with a park pass don't plan on it covering everything. But if you hit a lot of "parks" it will pay for itself in a year.
The US Forest Service is ran by the Department of Agriculture
The US Park Service is ran by the Department of Interior and the Interior also runs the BLM
In the Forest you can stay in a UNDEVELOPED camp site (dispersal) for free up to 2 weeks and at a develope (has an outhouse) will cost you.
Parks will cost you and have more restrictions.
BLM has alot of differanat rules that I am not up on.
The National Park Pass will get you in free or at 1/2 cost but there are a lot of differant stipulations on that to and to many to go into here. Just know that with a park pass don't plan on it covering everything. But if you hit a lot of "parks" it will pay for itself in a year.
Enthusiast III
- 1,146
- First Name
- Earl
- Last Name
- Gilbert
- Member #
22993
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WRFT263, HAM:
My GF and I went up to Acadia National Park a couple weeks ago to get our Veteran's pass. We figured there was a better chance there than at the WMNF. Nope, drove the 3.5 hours to Bar Harbor and they didn't' have any passes, but it was nice driving around the parts of the park that was open with no tourists. We got there when the tide was low, so we drove out to Bar island. Its a rough drive on fully inflated tires, haha.
Jordan Pond was closed, but it wasn't crowded at all
Even Sand beach was empty of tourists
We then picked another day and drove to WMNF and the Saco Visitor's center and picked up the Veteran's passes. It saved us the annual pass fee of $45 we've been paying the last 10 years as we worked on our NE67 hiking list.
Being a Veterans, the GF and I already get free Maine State park passes, except for 4, which are privately run State parks.
Jordan Pond was closed, but it wasn't crowded at all
Even Sand beach was empty of tourists
We then picked another day and drove to WMNF and the Saco Visitor's center and picked up the Veteran's passes. It saved us the annual pass fee of $45 we've been paying the last 10 years as we worked on our NE67 hiking list.
Being a Veterans, the GF and I already get free Maine State park passes, except for 4, which are privately run State parks.
I'll try and hit Parker River this week. If not I guess I'll make a trip to Saco for my America the Beautiful pass
Enthusiast III
- 1,146
- First Name
- Earl
- Last Name
- Gilbert
- Member #
22993
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WRFT263, HAM:
Sorry, Saco River Ranger station
White Mountain National Forest - Saco Ranger District
White Mountain National Forest - Saco Ranger District
www.fs.usda.gov
Sorry, Saco River Ranger station
White Mountain National Forest - Saco Ranger District
White Mountain National Forest - Saco Ranger Districtwww.fs.usda.gov
Right. I understood Saco. There happens to be a river and wetland area in Newburyport, Massachusetts run by the feds called Parker River. I stopped by there today at lunch as it's only half hour from work, and submitted my request for the America The Beautiful pass. Should get it in a week or so. I'll chime in here when I do.
Thanks!
Traveler III
- 1,747
- First Name
- Chris
- Last Name
- March
- Member #
22057
- Service Branch
- Army Airborne Ranger
So, I can use my Vets card to get into NF or other places for showing my card? Am I getting this right??? TOO COOL!!! HOO-AH!!!
Advocate III
- 5,584
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Rose
- Member #
20990
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- W7FSB
- Service Branch
- US ARMY Retired
No... your VA card is not an access pass..you must have the proper documents to either take into a National Park (and hope due to Covid 19 they issue you the card) or go to America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes | USGS Store and get your pass.
Parker River in Mass was not issuing in the spot. I could either go to the online store MRose listed, or send a check (made out to USFWS) and self addressed stamped envelope to the Parker River station and wait for them to send it back. I spoke with someone on the phone, and although the station and visitors center were technically closed, I opted to drive there and drop it in thier mailbox, cutting down transit time.
Those Frogs and UDT know everything, they have lots of time to research.
So, ok...I received my America the Beautiful pass in the mail. I opened the envelope today and was excited to see a card with a guy skiing on a mountainside, and a small authenticity chip shaped like a compass!
Although...the picture on the website is of a guy walking in the Redwood Forest. Well, who knows. The picture on the card could vary, right?
Nope. I was disappointed when I flipped the card over and saw that the card expires the end of this month, this year.
Although...the picture on the website is of a guy walking in the Redwood Forest. Well, who knows. The picture on the card could vary, right?
Nope. I was disappointed when I flipped the card over and saw that the card expires the end of this month, this year.
Seems there was a clerical error over at Parker River. Understandable. Their visitor center has been closed a year, so they likely just dealt one off the top of the deck, not realizing it was set to expire on the punch date of THIS year. So I called them and left a message. Hopefully we can get this sorted out.
Not one to gamble and leave things to chance, and knowing we have a holiday on Monday, I drove to my local REI and purchased another America the Beautiful pass, for another $80, just to make sure I have a valid one in-pocket by the time we leave on a trip.
Last edited:
So, those of you who are right now sending away for, or ordering online, these ATB passes, do double check when you get it hat the expiration date is at least as far off as this month, 2022. The guy walking in the Redwood Forest is the visual you want. If you receive a card with a skier on it, make a call.
Enthusiast III
- 1,146
- First Name
- Earl
- Last Name
- Gilbert
- Member #
22993
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WRFT263, HAM:
I just checked my Military pass. It expires next year, but it's the man in Redwood forest.
Well, this past Monday I got a call from Denise over at the Parker River in Newburyport MA. She was so apologetic and said she was sending another card out right away.
I've already got the new card, and have sealed the expiring one in an included envelope back to her, for accountability purposes.
I just wanted to point out good service wherever I find it, and Denise at Parker River in Newburyport is that person.
At this point, I have two valid passes because I bought one at REI in case the new one disnt arrive on time. But I can always give it to a friend
I've already got the new card, and have sealed the expiring one in an included envelope back to her, for accountability purposes.
I just wanted to point out good service wherever I find it, and Denise at Parker River in Newburyport is that person.
At this point, I have two valid passes because I bought one at REI in case the new one disnt arrive on time. But I can always give it to a friend
