The last fee-free day in 2023 for the USDA Forest Service will be on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, in recognition of our Nation’s veterans.
All day-use fee sites on National Forests and Grasslands in the Rocky Mountain Region, such as Chimney Rock National Monument on the San Juan National Forest, Arapaho National Recreation Area on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Fish Creek Falls on the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests, Toadstool camping area and parking lot on the Pine Ridge Ranger District, and the fishing pond and gravel parking lot and main camping complex on the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands will be free to all visitors on Veterans Day. Fees for camping, cabin rentals, or other permits still apply, and fees will continue to be charged at day-use fee sites operated by concessionaires, unless individual managers choose to participate.
The USDA Forest Service offers six fee‐free days throughout the year to encourage Americans to explore the outdoors and visit their public lands: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, National Get Outdoors Day in June, Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day in September, and Veterans Day.
“The Rocky Mountain Region is a great place to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing,” said Frank Beum, Regional Forester.
As with all recreational activities, visitors should consider best-practices to stay safe. Know before you go! Be prepared with the appropriate clothing, gear, food, and water before venturing out in winter conditions. Check the status of roads and trails at your destination. Be aware of weather and avalanche conditions before heading into the backcountry. Numerous online resources and interactive maps are available to help plan your outing. For the latest updates and information on how to stay safe in avalanche country, visit avalanche.org. For additional outdoor safety tips, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go.