Know Before You Go

Enjoy the Outdoors

Your national forests and grasslands provide a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. Some sites require a modest recreation fee to help provide the services and facilities at the site.  To help you get the most of our your experience, read these helpful tips:

• Camping

• Driving

• Electric Bicycle Use

• Fishing

• Hiking

• Hunting

• Mountain biking

• Off-highway vehicle touring

• Recreation Fees and Passes

• Responsible recreation

• Shooting

• Tree-cutting

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or Drones

• Wildflowers

• Wildlife photography

Stay Safe

The beauty and peacefulness of the forest may make you feel carefree, but you must remain vigilant for potentially dangerous situations.

• Caves

• Crime

• Food

• If you get lost

• Mines

• Safety

• Smoke/fire

• Sun Safety

• Ticks

• Trees

• Water safety

Brave the Elements

The weather can change suddenly and dramatically. Be prepared by monitoring weather conditions before you set out for the day. 

• Avalanches

• Floods

• Hail

• Heat

• Heat.gov - National Integrated Heat Health Information System

• Hurricanes

• Hypothermia

• Lightning

• Tornadoes

• Wind

Respect Wildlife

We share the outdoors with a variety of animals who make the forest their home. Remember, these are not pets. Keep a safe distance from them and be careful not to disturb their habitat.

• Bats

• Bears

• Mountain lions

• Snakes