As of 2024, the cashless fee system implemented at Lassen Volcanic National Park continues to streamline visitor experiences and support critical park projects. The transition to a fully digital payment system has proven successful in optimizing revenue management and enhancing visitor services.

To adapt to the evolving technological landscape, Lassen Volcanic National Park has expanded its range of accepted payment methods beyond credit and debit cards to include various mobile payment apps. Visitors can now conveniently use popular digital wallets and payment platforms to make entrance and permit fee transactions.

The campground is a short walk from the Butte Lake boat launch. NPS Photo
The campground is a short walk from the Butte Lake boat launch. NPS Photo

In response to visitor preferences and the ongoing trend towards online transactions, the park encourages visitors to make advance purchases of Lassen 7-Day Entrance passes or Lassen Annual passes through the official website https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74470 . Additionally, the America the Beautiful Pass, granting access to all national park sites and federal lands, remains available for advance purchase at the USGS Store https://store.usgs.gov/pass.

Superintendent Jim Richardson emphasizes the continued importance of entrance fees as a vital source of revenue for park improvements. The funds generated play a crucial role in ongoing projects such as road and facility repairs, trail enhancements, the installation of accessible exhibits, and the overall protection of visitors and park resources.

The cashless system not only contributes to efficient revenue management but also minimizes the administrative burden on park staff, allowing them to focus more on enhancing visitor experiences. This approach ensures a higher level of accountability, reduces financial risks associated with handling cash, and ultimately maximizes the resources available for critical initiatives.

As technology and visitor preferences evolve, Lassen Volcanic National Park remains committed to providing a seamless and modernized experience for all visitors while continuing to prioritize the conservation and enhancement of its natural treasures.

Original news post.

MINERAL, Calif. –- Beginning MAY 1, 2023, Lassen Volcanic National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system and only accept mobile or electronic payments for entrance and permit fees. Acceptable forms of payment will include credit and debit cards as well payment apps on mobile devices.

This transition will also occur at self-registration pay stations (often called “iron rangers”) for entrance fees and campgrounds at remote areas like Butte Lake, where visitors will need to provide credit card information instead of cash. When planning a visit to a remote area, we recommend that you purchase a Lassen 7-Day Entrance pass or a Lassen Annual pass through https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74470 prior to your visit. Alternatively, the America the Beautiful Pass, which allows entrance to all national park sites and other federal lands, is available to purchase in advance from the USGS Store at https://store.usgs.gov/pass. Campground reservations for Lassen Volcanic can conveniently be made in advance through Recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2803.

Lassen Volcanic Superintendent Jim Richardson noted “Entrance fees are an important source of revenue used to improve the visitor experience in national parks, and are used for road and facility repairs, trail improvements, installation of accessible exhibits, the protection of visitors and park resources, and more.” Moving to a cashless system allows parks to be better stewards of visitor dollars by reducing the amount of time park staff spend managing cash, thereby increasing the amount of fee revenue available to support critical projects and visitor services, as well as improving accountability and reducing risk.

Summer at Lassen volcanic National Park