Passes & Permits

PASS INFORMATION

The federal government established the "America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass" in January 2007. When obtained, these passes allow the public to enter federal fee areas without additional charge. This is very convenient when traveling to several areas that charge an entrance fee.

Southern Sierra Pass (Annual or Daily)

Areas (pink) where the Southern Sierra Pass can be used.

The Southern Sierra Pass can be purchased from Forest Service Offices, or from local vendors. The pass can be used at both the Lake Isabella High Impact Recreation Area (HIRA), and at Camp 9 as a day pass.

(One pass) The Daily Southern Sierra Pass is $10/per vehicle.
(One pass) The Annual Southern Sierra Pass is $50/year.
(One pass) One additional vehicle pass will be available for $10 with the purchase of the Annual pass.

Other Passes Interagency passes that will also be accepted in the area include the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, the Senior Pass, and the Access Pass. The Golden Age and the Golden Access will also be accepted. Free Days: 3 days are available each year to recreate at both the Lake Isabella HIRA, and Camp 9 (as a day pass) ; National Trails Day (June, the first Saturday), Public Lands Day (September 27), and Veterans Day (November 11) .

Annual Pass

The Annual Pass is an annual entrance pass to those federally-operated parks, monuments, historic sites, forests, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges which charge entrances fees. These passes are $80 and may be obtained in person or online at the USGS Store.

Senior Pass

The Senior Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to those federally-operated parks, monuments, historic sites, forests, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges which charge entrances fees. These passes are $10 and must be obtained in person and proof of eligibity (62 years of age or older) is required.

Access Pass

The Access Pass is a free lifetime entrance pass to those federally-operated parks, monuments, historic sites, forests, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges which charge entrances fees. These passes must be obtained in person and proof of eligibility (documentation showing a permanent disability or blindness) is required.

Volunteer Pass

The Volunteer Pass may be earned by donating 500 hours of service on a cumulative basis.

Click here for more info on these passes!

PERMITS INFORMATION

River Use Permits

On the Upper and Lower Kern Runs, the Forest Service provides an annual permit which is free of charge. Boaters need to pick up these permits in person at a Forest Service office in Kernville, Lake Isabella or Bakersfield.

For the Forks Run, the Forest Service operates an advance reservation service because of the popularity for this stretch of river. There is a $2.00 charge for this service.

Campfire Permits

A California campfire permit is required for a fire outside a designated recreation site. A permit is available free-of-charge from any Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Bureau of Land Management office. Go to our Campfire Permit page for information on how to obtain a campfire permit.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559 and 3571

Road Use Permits

Commercial Use of Forest Development Roads is regulated under the authority of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Regional Forester Order 98-2 prohibits commercial haul on a Forest Development Road without a permit or written authorization.

Firewood Permits

To cut firewood for personal use on National Forest and BLM lands you must have a Personal Use Firewood Permit. At $10.00 per cord, you can purchase a permit for no less than two cords ($20) for each purchase and no more than ten cords ($100) (total for year). Beginning March 15,2007, customers can purchase an 8-month wood permit which can be used from April 1-November 30, 2007. Permits are available at Dunlap, Kernville, Lake Isabella, and Springville Forest Service offices.

Keep your permit on the dashboard of your vehicle where it is visible through the windshield. Fill out the bottom portion of the permit at the cutting site before you haul each load. Travel together when hauling wood in more than one vehicle for the same permit. To cut firewood for someone else (third party), authorization must be approved when purchasing the permit. A lost or stolen permit cannot be replaced or the fee refunded.

Wilderness Permits

A permit is required for overnight visits to the Golden Trout Wilderness. These permits are free of charge and may be obtained at one of our offices. One permit is required per trip per group. If you choose to have a campfire you will need a campfire permit. These may also be obtained free of charge at the same time you obtain your Wilderness permit. Permits for overnight visits to other wilderness areas or for day use are not required but we ask that you sign the register at the trailhead.

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