How to Get Free Admission to National Parks

Spring break is almost here. Is your family planning an upcoming vacation or are you looking for new places to enjoy outdoors while social distancing? The good news is that even if you’re on a budget, it is possible to visit national parks and take advantage of everything they have to offer. Here are our tips on how to visit national parks for free.

Picture by noblige at Deposit Photos.

HOW TO VISIT NATIONAL PARKS FOR FREE

Take Advantage of Free Entrance Day at National Parks
Did you know that there several days every year when you can visit all national parks for free? If you take advantage of the free entrance day at national parks, you’ll be able to get free admission for yourself and your family. To find out the National Park Free Admission Days and to learn more, click here.

Visit National Parks With Free Admission
Did you know that many national parks don’t charge admission fees? Chances are there are many locations near you or on your vacation routes that you can visit for free (or very low cost). To see the national parks in your area visit www.nps.gov.

Free Annual Pass to National Parks for U.S. Military and Family
If you or a family member is in the military, you may qualify for an annual pass to visit national parks for free. This is for current U.S. military members and dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard as well as Reserve and National Guard members. To get this pass, request in person at a federal recreation site (see this PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes) by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID (Form 1173).

Free National Parks Annual Pass to Fourth Graders and Their Families
If you have a fourth grader, you qualify for a free annual pass to national parks. This pass is valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year through the following summer (September-August) and is available for U.S. 4th graders (including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age) with a valid Every Kid in a Park paper pass. Paper passes can be obtained by visiting the Every Kid in a Park website and can be exchanged for the Annual 4th Grade Pass at federal recreation sites that charge entrance or Standard Amenity fees (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes). Our family is particularly excited about this one and intend to take full advantage next year!

Free National Parks Pass for Disabled Individuals
If you have a permanent disability, you can qualify for free national parks pass if you are a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. You do need to provide documentation of your permanent disability and residency or citizenship. You can apply in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail. This access pass also may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services.

Free National Parks Pass for Volunteers
Want to get active and involved at your local national park? Your volunteer hours can help you earn a free national parks pass. Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that are part of the Interagency Pass Program can qualify. Contact your local federal recreation site for more information about volunteer opportunities or visit Volunteer.gov for more details.

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