The only thing better than visiting the hundreds of beautiful national parks across the U.S. is visiting them for free.
The National Park Service has designated five fee-free days in 2023 for all U.S. national parks from coast to coast. On these days, you can visit national parks without paying an entry fee, which can range from about $3 per person to $35 per vehicle. Once in, you’ll still have to pay for activities like camping, boat launches, special tours and transportation, but these free national park admission days provide a great opportunity to save on a visit to one of the country’s most picturesque places when money is tight.
Related: The best US national parks you should visit at least once (or twice)
Of the 425 national park sites, 109 currently charge an entrance fee. While national parks are generally affordable, and the fee contributes to park upkeep, that expense can add up — especially when staying overnight or visiting multiple parks during a single trip.
Either way, the NPS offers these free days to encourage more people to get outside and enjoy the country’s most stunning landscapes.
Visit FindYourPark.com (or EncuentraTuParque.com) for ideas on nearby parks to visit.
You may also want to give the national park’s visitor center a call before you arrive to find out if there are special activities planned for the fee-free days, what areas are best for avoiding crowds and any tips on parking or public transit options for getting to the park.
Related: I went to one of the least-visited national parks in the US: Here’s why I already want to return
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit during one of this year’s free national park days.
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When are free national park days in 2023?
This year, there are five days when admission is free to all national park visitors:
- Jan. 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
- April 22: First day of National Park Week
- Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Sept. 23: National Public Lands Day
- Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Related: Best places to stay near Zion National Park
Other ways to visit national parks for free
In addition to fee-free days, certain visitors may be eligible for free annual or lifetime passes that cover entrance fees and standard day-use fees at U.S. national parks.
The pass covers entry for the pass owner and all occupants in a personal vehicle (at sites that charge per vehicle) or the pass owner and up to three adults (16 and older) at sites that charge per person. Children age 15 or under are admitted for free at parks where you have to pay by the person.
Military Annual Pass
Current U.S. military members and their dependents, as well as Reserve and National Guard members, can apply for a free military annual pass. You can apply for the pass online or in person at select federal recreation sites.
Military Lifetime Pass
With a Military Lifetime Pass, Gold Star families and U.S. military veterans can visit national parks for free. You can apply for the pass online or in person at select federal recreation sites.
4th Grade Pass
U.S. fourth graders, including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age, can apply for a free pass that is valid throughout their fourth grade school year and the following summer (September-August). To obtain the pass, you must first print out a paper voucher by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website.
You can bring the paper voucher to any valid federal recreation site that charges a fee and exchange it for your official Annual 4th Grade Pass. The pass also admits all children under 16 and up to three adults for free.
Access Pass
The Access Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. You can apply for the pass in person, online or by mail. The Access Pass is a lifetime pass that offers free entry and a discount on some amenity fees, such as camping, swimming, interpretive services and boat launching.
Volunteer Pass
Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass program can apply for an annual Volunteer Pass. Eligible participants should contact their volunteer coordinator for more details.
Bottom line
With all national parks waiving entrance fees on five select days throughout 2023, it’s a good time to start planning how you can take advantage of the day. You can see the entire list of participating parks and national monuments here.
Related reading:
Additional reporting by Liz Hund and Terry Ward.
