San Bernardino National Forest

Passes & Permits

Passes and permits are required for some Forest activities. These permits help us to provide quality recreation opportunities, to insure distribution of visitors in sensitive areas such as wilderness, and to regulate activities such as removal of firewood and other products.  You must comply with local fire use restrictions and guidelines at all times.

Adventure Pass / Recreational Use Fees - Portions of the San Bernardino National Forest and Designated Recreational Sites do require a fee / pass - Where to buy, where it is needed and other great information.

Campfire Permits - You can help protect the forest from wildfires by knowing and following rules for the safe use of fire. You must obtain a California Campfire Permit if you plan to build a campfire in a yellow post site or use a stove, unless you are in a developed recreation area (campground or picnic area). Remember, wood and charcoal fires are never permitted outside yellow post sites, picnic areas or campgrounds on the San Bernardino National Forest.

Permits are available free-of-charge at offices of the San Bernardino National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, and CAL FIRE. Remember that regulations governing campfires are specific to each National Forest and change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit check with the Forest Service for current campfire restrictions. If you smoke outside a vehicle, be sure you do so within a cleared area at least three feet in diameter.

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits - Christmas tree farms and lots are a viable industry in southern California and opening the forest to Christmas tree cutting could have a negative impact on the industry. Because of this and other issues, our policy is to not provide this opportunity on the San Bernardino National Forest at this time.

Fern Collecting Permits - The San Bernardino National Forest will not be offering fern permits this spring and summer in the Lake Arrowhead or Skyforest area. The Forest is still actively processing fire-killed trees in the fern picking areas and have not finished clearing dead trees and hazards for public safety. Due to the impacts of the wildfire and tree removal process, we ask that the community help by allowing the ground another season to heal before fern picking resumes.  The ferns are popular with many Asian American visitors, who consider the young fiddlebacks a delicacy. Contact the Arrowhead Ranger Station at (909) 382-2782 for more information.

Film & Photography Permits (Commercial Use) - The San Bernardino National Forest permits commercial filming & Photography on public lands. Like other commercial uses of National Forest System lands (NFS) and resources, commercial filming & photography require a Special Use Permit issued by the District Ranger.

Prior to the issuance of the permit, the Forest Service will determine if there are any environmental concerns in the proposed shoot location. The Forest Service may deny permits for filming that depict practices prohibited on NFS lands (i.e. operating vehicles off of road, maintaining an illegal campfire, littering, etc).

The Forest Service encourages use of environmental messages and depiction of environmentally sound practices in connection with the filming. Staff will work  Visit the Inland Empire Film Commission website for more information

Firewood / Fuelwood Collecting and Gathering - Please visit our Fuelwood page

Other Forest Products - Those wishing to collect seeds, pine cones, plant specimens, and other forest products are required to obtain a permit before removing anything from National Forest land. The permit will tell you where you may collect and any restrictions which may apply.  Contact the Ranger Station in the area you would like to visit to find out how to obtain your permit. Be sure to plan ahead, as some permits require advance notice.
 
Prospecting & Mining - Please visit our Prospecting and Mining page

Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) Fee Information - Visit our National Fee information website

Rock Collecting - The San Bernardino National Forest does not issue permits to collect rocks for personal use.

Wilderness Permits - All Wilderness Areas except Santa Rosa and Bighorn Mountain, require a free Wilderness Permit for day hiking and camping. The Permits can be reserved up to 3 months in advance.  The number of people admitted to the Wilderness is limited-on some summer weekends Wilderness areas fill to capacity well in advance. The best advice is to plan ahead. Please contact the local Ranger Station for the area you plan to visit:

San Jacinto Wilderness - Idyllwild Ranger Station

San Gorgonio Wilderness - Mill Creek Ranger Station 

Cucamonga Wilderness - Lytle Creek Ranger Station