
This is the first of hopefully many posts as I try to aggregate all required camping and off-roading passeses and permits required to explored each state. I'm hoping to eventually turn this into an interactive map I'm calling "TrailPass" that will make it extremely easy for everyone to explore the country, legally. If I'm missing any permits please feel free to comment down below and I'll update the list!
Arizona-Specific Passes
Arizona State Trust Land Recreational Permit
Required for camping, hiking, or driving on Arizona State Trust lands.
Cost:
$15/year for individuals
$20/year for families (two adults and children under 18)
Where to Get It: Arizona State Land Department - Recreational Permits
Arizona State Parks Pass (Optional)
Covers entry fees to Arizona state parks (useful if camping in developed state park campgrounds).
Cost:
$75/year (standard pass)
$200/year (premium pass, which includes Lake Havasu, Catalina, and other high-demand parks).
Where to Get It: Arizona State Parks Pass
Federal Passes (Highly Recommended)
America the Beautiful Pass
Covers entry fees for all national parks and federal recreational lands (e.g., Grand Canyon National Park, Saguaro National Park, and areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or U.S. Forest Service).
Cost: $80/year.
Where to Get It: National Park Service - Passes
Tonto National Forest Pass
Required for day-use areas in Tonto National Forest (some off-roading trails and camping areas fall under this jurisdiction).
Cost:
$8/day
$80/year (Tonto Annual Pass)
Where to Get It: Tonto National Forest Passes
Camping Permits for BLM or U.S. Forest Service Land
Most dispersed camping on BLM or Forest Service land is free. However, some developed campsites may require fees or permits.
Where to Get Info: Check the specific forest or BLM district website for details (e.g., Prescott National Forest, Kaibab National Forest).
Off-Roading Specific Passes
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Decal
Required for all vehicles designed for off-road use, including ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes, if they are operated on public or state lands.
Cost: $25/year.
Where to Get It: Arizona Game and Fish Department - OHV Decal
Red Rock Pass (Sedona Area)
Required for parking and accessing trails in the Red Rock Ranger District near Sedona, including some off-road areas.
Cost:
$5/day
$15/week
$20/year
Where to Get It: Red Rock Pass Program
Additional Notes
Campfire Permits: If you plan to have campfires or use portable gas stoves on federal lands, you may need a free California Campfire Permit. This applies in Arizona, too, for certain BLM or Forest Service areas.
Where to Get It: Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire
Private Land: Always check property access rules for private lands; permission may be needed from landowners.
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