Lassen Volcanic National Park Shifts to a Fully Cashless Payment System

Starting May 1, Lassen Volcanic National Park will implement a fully cashless fee system, accepting only mobile or electronic payments for entrance and permit fees. Payment methods will include credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment apps.

The cashless transition will extend to self-registration pay stations, often referred to as “iron rangers,” for entrance fees and campgrounds at remote locations like Butte Lake. Here, visitors must provide credit card information instead of cash. To prepare for visits to remote areas, it is advised to purchase a Lassen 7-Day Entrance pass or a Lassen Annual pass in advance through https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74470.

Alternatively, the America the Beautiful Pass, granting access to all national park sites and other federal lands, can be purchased ahead of time from the USGS Store at https://store.usgs.gov/pass. Campground reservations for Lassen Volcanic can be made through Recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2803.

Lassen Volcanic Superintendent Jim Richardson emphasized the importance of entrance fees as a revenue source for enhancing visitor experiences in national parks. The fees contribute to road and facility repairs, trail improvements, accessible exhibit installations, visitor and park resource protection, and more.

The cashless system benefits parks by reducing the time staff spend managing cash, increasing available fee revenue to support essential projects and visitor services. Furthermore, it improves accountability and minimizes risk.