Disabled Vets: Do you have your "America the Beautiful Access Pass?"

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 15:46:36 -0400

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is free to permanently disabled Americans.

What is the Access Pass?
A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability - that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.

At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

My pass gets me through Yosemite National Park, normally a $20 fee for free. Apply for yours through this link:

https://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jul 15 at 2015 3:58 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 15:58:34 -0400

I need this.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 15 at 2015 4:00 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:00:50 -0400

Absolutely! Don't get to use it much though but that's because I'm still transitioning between two homes. Also check out your state park passes. Washington has a 40% disabled free pass. Idaho is goofy, requiring 100%. Results do vary.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jul 15 at 2015 4:01 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:01:58 -0400

I just have a distinguished veterans pass.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:14 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:14:07 -0400

Thank you, thank you, thank you. My wife and I are major travelers through the national parks and other federally protected government lands. This will be gold for us. Now, if I can just find my VA disability letter!!!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 15 at 2015 4:27 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:27:09 -0400

Thanks CW3 Kevin Storm. The website is a bit confusing though. I receive VA disability compensation. Do you know if this qualifies me for the free pass?

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 15 at 2015 5:58 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:58:21 -0400

This has gotten me half off at BLM campgrounds and I saw half off at Yosemite NP for the First Come first use camp sites. I have had mine now for about three years. We motorcycle the Sierra's and go through YNP to get there. Saves some money on those.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 15 at 2015 6:07 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 18:07:15 -0400

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/recreation/camping.html Another useful site for camping. BLM has campground in most national forests. Cost to use is very cheap, amenities may be limited. Be advised if you are looking in California Sierras you may have to look in he Carson ,NV site as some of those places are closer to Carson than to parts of CA. Check the state you plan going to first. Many of the BLM places are run by a vendor now so you can book ahead of time. I once got a spot on a lake on the 4th of July at 4pm in the afternoon...cost 14 dollars a night for a tent site. BTW the bear box is there for a reason, the site next to us had their cooler dragged away by a black bear. Location Indian Springs Lake near Marlkeeville, CA

Camping, Bureau of Land Management California

Tremendous camping opportunities can be found on public lands throughout California. These include developed campgrounds, dispersed camping opportunities and long term visitor areas.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Jul 15 at 2015 8:49 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 20:49:16 -0400

@CW2 Kevin Storm, thanks for the great information! Yet one more thing added to my list of things I need to accomplish now that I am out.

Response by SFC Joseph James made Jul 16 at 2015 2:34 AM

SFC Joseph James — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 02:34:11 -0400

Thanks I didn't know about that. I normal just tell them I live there and they let me in. Or I dress up like George Washington and demand entrance! Lol

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Jul 16 at 2015 4:53 PM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 16:53:04 -0400

I do not have that one but i get into all the state parks in TEXAS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 5:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:44:41 -0400

Thanks for the info! This was unknown to me.

Response by Maj James Pollock made Aug 11 at 2015 8:40 PM

Maj James Pollock — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 20:40:50 -0400

THANK YOU.... I did NOT know this info. :) LOL :)