Passes & Permits

Although all the campgrounds listed are free of charge for camping, some are located at or near trailheads. There is no fee to camp in the campground; however, a Northwest Forest Pass is required for you to park your car within 1/4 mile of the trailhead.

It’s a good idea to pick up a pass before heading off in search of the perfect campsite. You can purchase a pass at any Forest Service Office. Prices are $5.00 for a one day pass or $30.00 for the whole year. People with Golden Age or Golden Access Passports can get their Northwest Forest Pass at half price, only $15 for the whole year, and you can use it for hiking adventures between camp trips.

For a list of businesses that sell the pass, call 1-800-270-7504 or look on the internet for www.naturenw.org. This pass covers all of Washington and Oregon states.
If you’re over 62 or disabled, you may want to check out the Golden Age Passport or the Golden Access Passport. These are lifetime entrance passes to ALL national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges administered by the federal government which charge entrance fees. Golden Age Passports are issued to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 or older, and Golden Access Passports to the disabled. They also give you a 50 percent discount on most federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, boat launching, parking, swimming sites and so on. There is a $10 one time charge for the Golden Age Passport.

If you are young and able-bodied but you use the outdoors a lot, or are planning a vacation, check out the Golden Eagle Passport which is a similar pass allowing use of ALL federal recreation areas for a $65 annual fee.These special “Passports” are available at any Forest Service or National Park office.

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