RECREATION USE PASS HELPER
Figure out whether you need a pass, and exactly where to buy one — it's never sold online. Free, no sign-up.
Your plans
Boat launches and the Little Hole National Recreation Trail require a Recreation Use Pass. It's never sold online — only at kiosks and local vendors.
Self-Pay Kiosk at the Launch
Recommended for youAlready headed to the water? Pay right at the boat launch or trailhead.
When it works: Available any time at self-pay fee stations posted at major boat launches and the Little Hole trailhead.
- Drive to your chosen boat launch or the Little Hole trailhead parking area.
- Look for the self-pay fee station — a kiosk with envelopes and a deposit slot.
- Fill out an envelope with your vehicle information and check the Day, Week, or Annual box.
- Pay with exact cash (kiosks don't make change) and deposit the envelope.
- Tear off the dated stub and display it on your dashboard.
Two ways to get your Recreation Use Pass
Self-Pay Kiosk at the Launch
Recommended for youAlready headed to the water? Pay right at the boat launch or trailhead.
When it works: Available any time at self-pay fee stations posted at major boat launches and the Little Hole trailhead.
- Drive to your chosen boat launch or the Little Hole trailhead parking area.
- Look for the self-pay fee station — a kiosk with envelopes and a deposit slot.
- Fill out an envelope with your vehicle information and check the Day, Week, or Annual box.
- Pay with exact cash (kiosks don't make change) and deposit the envelope.
- Tear off the dated stub and display it on your dashboard.
Buy Ahead in Town
Coming from Manila, Dutch John, or Vernal first? Buy your pass before you reach the water.
When it works: Available during business hours at local vendors and Forest Service offices — a good backup if a kiosk is out of envelopes or you don't have exact cash.
- Stop at a local vendor in Manila, Dutch John, or Green River, or a Forest Service office (the Flaming Gorge NRA office in Manila or the Ashley National Forest headquarters in Vernal).
- Tell them which pass you need — Day, Week, or Annual — and pay by cash or card.
- Keep your receipt or pass with you for the rest of the trip.
- Display it on your dashboard whenever you park at a boat launch or the Little Hole trailhead.
Flaming Gorge Recreation Use Pass FAQ
How do I get a Flaming Gorge Recreation Use Pass?
Buy one at a self-pay kiosk in a boat launch parking area, or ahead of time from a local vendor or Forest Service office in Manila, Dutch John, or Vernal. It is not sold online, so plan to buy one in person before you need it.
Do I need a pass just to camp at Flaming Gorge?
No — campground fees are separate and paid directly at the campground (or through its own reservation system), not through the Recreation Use Pass. The pass only covers access to major boat launches and the Little Hole National Recreation Trail.
What if the self-pay kiosk is out of envelopes or I don't have exact cash?
Buy your pass ahead of time from a local vendor or Forest Service office instead — they typically accept cash or card. It's worth doing this before you reach the launch if you're not carrying small bills.
Do I need a pass to visit Flaming Gorge Dam or the Red Canyon Visitor Center?
No — visitor centers, the dam, and scenic overlooks don't require the Recreation Use Pass. It's only required at major boat launches and the Little Hole National Recreation Trail.