The only thing better than visiting the hundreds of beautiful national parks across America is doing so for free.
The National Park Service has designated six free admission days for all U.S. national parks in 2024. On this day, you can visit the national park without paying admission fees (which range from about $3 per person to $35 per vehicle). Once in the country, you will still need to pay for activities such as camping, boat launches, special tours, and transportation. However, these free entry days to national parks are a great opportunity to save money on a visit to one of the country’s most beautiful places when money is tight.
Related: America’s Best National Parks You Should Visit At Least Once (Or Twice)
Of the 425 national parks, more than 300 are free to visit, while 109 currently charge an entry fee. National parks are generally affordable and their fees help maintain them, but the expense can add up, especially if you stay overnight or visit multiple parks in one trip. there is.
Either way, NPS offers free days like this to encourage more people to get outside and enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
Arches National Park, Utah.Jordan Siemens/Getty Images
For ideas about nearby parks to visit, visit FindYourPark.com (or EncuentraTuParque.com).
Also, call the national park visitor center before you arrive to find out if there are any special activities scheduled on free days, the best areas to avoid the crowds, and tips on parking and getting there by public transportation. You can also. park.
Related articles: I went to one of the least visited national parks in the United States.Here’s why I already want to go back
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit during this year’s national park free period.
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When are the national park free days in 2024?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Itai Minovita/Getty Images
This year there will be six days of free admission for all national park visitors.
January 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day April 20 – First day of National Parks Week June 19 – June 18 August 19 4 – Great American Outdoors Day September November 28 – National Public Lands Day 11 – Veterans Day
Related: Recommended places to stay near Zion National Park
Other ways to visit national parks for free
Zion National Park, Utah.Good Brigade/Getty Images
In addition to free days, certain visitors may be able to obtain a free annual or lifetime pass that covers admission and standard daily fees for U.S. national parks.
This pass is valid for the passholder and all passengers in a personal vehicle (for sites that charge a fee per vehicle) or for the passholder and up to three adults for sites that charge a fee per person. Covers admission for (16+). Children 15 and under are admitted free to the park, where a fee must be paid per person.
military annual pass
Active-duty U.S. military members and their dependents, as well as members of the Reserve and National Guard, can apply for a free Military Annual Pass. You can apply for a pass online or in person at some federal recreation sites.
Military Lifetime Pass
With the Military Lifetime Pass, Gold Star families and U.S. military veterans can visit national parks for free. You can apply for a pass online or in person at some federal recreation sites.
4th class pass
Fourth-graders in the United States, including 10-year-old homeschoolers and independent learners, can apply for a free pass that is valid through their fourth-grade school year and the following summer (September through August). To obtain a pass, you must first visit her website at Every Kid Outdoors and print a paper voucher.
You can bring your paper voucher to any valid paid federal recreation site and exchange it for an official 4th grade annual pass. This pass allows free admission for all children under 16 and up to 3 adults.
access pass
Access passes are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. You can apply for a pass in person, online or by mail. The Access Pass is a lifetime pass that provides free admission and discounts on select amenities such as camping, swimming, interpretive services, and boat launches.
volunteer pass
Volunteers who have completed 250 hours of service at a federal agency participating in the Interagency Pass program can apply for an annual volunteer pass. Eligible participants should contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
conclusion
All national parks will waive admission fees on six specific days throughout 2024, so now is a good time to start planning how to take advantage of these days. A complete list of participating parks and national monuments can be found here.
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