How to Get Into National Parks for Free

Did you know that national parks have days when you can visit for free?

Throughout the year, there are five days when anyone can visit national parks without paying anything and without showing any special ID or pass.

Here are the days you can visit national parks for free:

January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 22, 2023: First day of National Park Week.
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 23: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day

We have several national park trips planned this year, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Keep in mind on free days, national parks may be more crowded than usual. Try to get there early.

If you miss visiting the park on these days or you prefer to visit on other days, there are a few otehr Here are some other ways to score free entry.

Free Military Pass!
A free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and US military veterans. Since Matt is a veteran, this is the pass we use for free entry.

Go with a 4th grader!
Fourth-graders can obtain a free pass for the duration of their fourth-grade school year and through the following summer (through Aug. 3). Visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov to sign up for one.

Volunteer!
People who volunteer 250 hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program can get a free pass.

The six agencies that participate are:

– National Park Service.
– U.S. Forest Service.
– U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
– Bureau of Land Management.
– Bureau of Reclamation.
– U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass
This pass is not free like the other options, but it’s discounted. It cost $80. So if you go to the parks at least 4 times in a year, since most fees are about $30 per vehicle, the pass is worth it!

Which parks are you visiting this year??