Home, Home on the Range

Definitions

Concessionaire / Concessioner: An individual or a private company that is under permit or contract to operate a business on Federal land (i.e., campground, parking lot, ice cream stand, boat launch).

Domicile: A person may have more than one house or live in multiple locations, but has only one domicile. A domicile is a permanent residence - the place where a person returns to even though s/he may temporarily reside elsewhere.

Entrance Fee: Fee charged to access lands managed by National Park Service or Fish and Wildlife Service.

Standard Amenity Fee: Fee charged for use of Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, and Reclamation sites that have a combination of basic amenities - picnic tables, trash receptacles, toilets, developed parking, interpretive signing, and security.

Expanded Amenity Fee: Fee charged for "the extras" that aren't basic entrance or standard amenity fees. Examples include: camp grounds, boat launches, cabins, and guided tours.
Special Recreation Permit Fee: Fee charged for special facilities and services such as rock climbing permits, commercial and vending use, off-road vehicle use, competitive and special events, organized group activities, and individual or group use of special areas.

Non-Commercial Vehicle: Passenger car, van, pick-up truck, converted school bus, recreational vehicle, etc., used to enter a Federal recreation site for non-commercial purposes.

Validation: Pass expiration date punched and pass signed by pass owner(s).

Pass Owner: Person or two person(s) whose signatures are on the back of the Pass. American the Beautiful Senior Pass
Where can I get a Senior Pass?
You can buy a Senior Pass in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office. See Site Locations that issue the Senior Pass.
You can buy a Senior Pass via mail order from USGS. Mail-order applicants must submit a completed application, proof of residency and age, the $20.00 ($10.00 fee for the Senior Pass, and an additional document processing fee ($10) to obtain a pass through the mail. Once the application package is received the documentation will be verified and a pass, with the pass owner's name pre-printed on it, will be issued to the applicant.
Senior Pass applications are processed and shipped within 3-5 business days from the day they arrive at USGS. Transit time varies, and is dependent upon the service selected:
• USPS - typically 5-10 business days
• FedEx Ground - typically 3-5 business days
• FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days
• FedEx Overnight - typically 1 business day
If you need your pass within 15 days or less, it is recommended that you either obtain your pass at the first site you visit, or request expedited shipping services for your order.
What is the Senior Pass?
A $10.00 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.
At many sites the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).
See Senior Pass Benefits section.
Who qualifies for the Senior Pass?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 years or older. (You must have turned 62 before you can buy the pass).
NOTE: Owning property or paying taxes in the U.S. does not automatically qualify you for a Senior Pass. You must be a permanent U.S. resident, or a U.S. citizen with identification such as U.S. Driver's License, Green Card or U.S. Passport.
Are Golden Age Passports still valid?
Yes, Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime.
If my spouse was the pass owner and s/he passes away, does the Senior Pass automatically transfer to me?
No. The Senior Pass is not transferable.
Where can I use my Senior Pass?
Please contact a site directly if you have a question about pass acceptance and fees.
The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Senior Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s) are charged.

Bureau of Land Management http://www.blm.gov

Bureau of Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov

Fish and Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov

USDA Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us

National Park Service http://www.nps.gov
In addition, the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Senior Pass for entrance or camping discounts.
Why is the US Army Corps of Engineers accepting Senior Passes but not selling them?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) was not included in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, which gave agencies the authority to create the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Although the Corps will not sell or issue the passes, the Corps will accept the Senior Passes or Golden Age Passports as proof of eligibility for age-related discounts. More information may be found at: http://www.CorpsLakes.us/fees. Senior Pass Use
Who is admitted with a Senior Pass?
The Senior Pass admits pass owner/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.)
Note: Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership.
If I have more than four people in my car, how many passes do I need?

One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle".

At "per person"; sites, the applicable fee will be charged for each additional person.
My family is traveling in two vehicles; will one Senior Pass let all of us into the site?
No. Only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee, or must have (or buy) a second pass.
What about motorcycle drivers who purchase a Senior Pass?
A Senior Pass permits entrance for one motorcycle.
What if I forgot to bring my Senior Pass?
You can either buy another Senior Pass with proper documentation, or pay the applicable Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s).
What if my Senior Pass is lost, stolen or damaged?

If lost or stolen, you'll need to buy another one.

If damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification.
How do I show my pass at a site that doesn't have an entrance station?
At Federal recreation sites that don't have entrance stations you need to display your pass or show proof of pass ownership to compliance officers via one of the two following methods:
HANGTAGS
A pass can either be displayed on your rearview mirror using a free hangtag or on your dashboard with the signature side showing. Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and is not valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass.
DECALS
If you own an open-topped vehicle (jeep, motorcycle, etc.) you may obtain a free decal to attach to your vehicle that will serve as proof of payment at sites that don't have a staffed entrance station.

Decals are issued on annual basis, even for owners of lifetime Senior/Access passes

Decals are NOT valid for entry at staffed entrance sites - you MUST show your pass

Decals must be obtained in person and you must show the following: your Pass, driver's license and vehicle registration. The name on all three documents must match.

All sites that issue passes issue free hangtags
Can I use my Senior Pass at state parks or local city/county recreation sites?
No. The Senior Pass is valid only at participating Federal recreation sites. Visit http://www.recreation.gov for information about Federal recreation sites. top Senior Pass Benefits Please contact a site directly if you have a question about pass acceptance and fees.
Does the Senior Pass include any discounts at Federal Recreation sites?
At many sites the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).
What are the discount guidelines?
The pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Therefore, the discount program for the Senior Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands.
In general discounts are honored as follows:

Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass owner, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass owner's party.

Campsites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged separately, there is no discount. The discount may apply if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.

Group Campsites and Facilities: (including, but not limited to, group facilities, picnic areas or pavilions): There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass owner receives a discount; others using the site pay the full fee.

Guided Tours: The pass offers discounts on some guided tours. Only the pass owner receives a discount if one is offered.

Transportation Systems: (Inquire Locally)

Concessionaire Fees: (Inquire Locally)

Special Use Permit Fees: (Inquire Locally)
Does my Senior Pass provide any discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores or gift shops that are located in the Federal Recreation sites?
No. The Senior Pass does not cover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift stores.

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices
Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html
Page Contact Information: usgsstore@usgs.gov
Page Last Modified: January 09, 2013

Copied from
http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html 2013-12-17 15:54:33






Greenbelt Ranger Station near the campground closed until Further Notice

The Greenbelt Ranger Station near the campground is Closed until further notice. The Greenbelt Park Headquarters will be open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Visitors to the campground can stop by the Park Headquarters for assistance.

Deer Alert

Deer are in abundance throughout the park. Staff has seen many deer eating acorns along Park Central Road. Please use extreme caution and look out for deer at all times. Please do not feed the deer. This park is their home and have plenty to eat.
Fees & Reservations
a picture of RV's arriving at the Campground fee booth
A picture of Recreational vehicles arriving at the campground fee booth

Greenbelt Park campground fee booth
Check in and register at the fee booth located at the entrance of the campground. When fee booth is closed, please use the self-registration brown envelope. Cash and checks only.
The campground fee is $16. Remember that 80% of the fees go to Greenbelt Park.
The campground is open all year round.
The campground is on a first-come, first serve basis in the offseason. Note that the campground has never filled up in the off-season.
Reservations are for Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend only.
The Greenbelt Park campground will accept cash or checks only.
Please click the following for Summer campground reservations from Thursday May 23 through Monday September 2, 2013.
We recommend reservations for the Memorial Day weekend and the July 4th week.
We use recreation.gov so you will be directed to their website for Greenbelt Park campground
Annual pass
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Annual Pass - Cost $80.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Annual Pass
This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park headquarters or by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass

Greenbelt Park does not have an entrance fee so this pass is not applicable at Greenbelt.
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass. - Cost $10.
This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
This pass does apply to the Greenbelt Park campground fee reducing the campground fee from $16 to $8.
Access Pass America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Access Pass - Free.
This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
This pass does apply to the Greenbelt Park campground reducing the fees from $16 to $8.
Volunteer Pass America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Volunteer Pass - Free
This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Learn about volunteer opportunities in Greenbelt Park under the Support Your park link on the left hand side.
Since this pass applies to entrance fees, this pass does not apply to Greenbelt Park since we do not charge an entrance fee.

For the former pass program passes:
Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram
These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass.

Golden Age Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass
Golden Access Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass
All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.
Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may be found at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html