National Parks Offer Fee-Free Entry Days in 2024
In a move to encourage more people to explore and connect with nature, the National Park Service has announced that it will be offering free admission to all sites with entrance fees on specific days throughout 2024 and 2025. These fee-free days will provide an opportunity to visit national parks without paying the usual entrance fees.
The six designated fee-free days for 2024 and 2025 are as follows:
1. **January 20:** Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2. **April 19:** First day of National Park Week 3. **June 19:** Juneteenth National Independence Day 4. **August 4:** Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act 5. **September 27:** National Public Lands Day 6. **November 11:** Veterans Day
On these days, entrance fees to all National Park Service sites that normally charge admission will be waived for everyone. However, fees for amenities or activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours still apply. Many national parks do not charge entrance fees daily, but the fee-free days offer a chance to visit parks that usually have entrance charges without paying those fees.
It's important to note that reservations may sometimes be required for popular parks on busy days.
For those looking to explore more national parks beyond these free days, the National Park Service offers the America The Beautiful Pass. This pass provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, for a period of one year from the month of purchase. The pass can be used by the pass holder and up to three adults in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas.
The America The Beautiful Pass does not cover entrance fees for some sites, such as commercial tours, camping, or special recreation permits. The pass can be purchased online, at federal recreation sites, or through participating retailers.
For a comprehensive list of national parks in the United States, visit the National Park Service website. For those interested in exploring national parks in Australia, the Gammountainsguide website offers a list of national parks in that country.
These free entrance days and the America The Beautiful Pass provide a fantastic opportunity to explore or revisit national parks across the United States without the entrance fees. So, mark your calendars and start planning your next adventure today!
[1] National Park Service. (n.d.). America The Beautiful Pass. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm [2] National Park Service. (n.d.). Entrance Fees. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/findapark/fees.htm [3] National Park Service. (n.d.). Fee-Free Days. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
- Take advantage of the fee-free days at various national parks across the United States, such as on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, National Public Lands Day, or Veterans Day.
- To fully immerse yourself in the outdoors and lifestyle of national parks, consider purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass, which grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks.
- Explore further by visiting the National Park Service website for a comprehensive list of national parks in the United States or the Gammountainsguide website for national parks in Australia.
- With the America The Beautiful Pass, you and three adults can visit national parks for a year from the month of purchase, although entrance fees for some sites like commercial tours, camping, or special recreation permits are not covered.
- After exploring national parks using fee-free days or the America The Beautiful Pass, create a map of your journey, documenting the breathtaking parks with towering mountains, deserts, forests, and unique wildlife.
