You may want to plan a few trips in 2025. America’s national parksYou can save money on your trip by using a variety of different strategies.
Buying the cheapest possible model is the best way to save money. America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The $80 card covers the entrance fees and standard amenities for all federal recreation sites including national parks for an entire calendar year. While only one person can use the card—pass holders are required to show photo ID—it covers everyone in a private vehicle or four per person fees.
There are also other methods to get into the parks for no cost. Here are all the ways to visit national park for free in 2018. From using volunteer passes to planning trips around free entrance days.
Free Entrance Days 2025
During certain times of the calendar year, all National Park Service sites which charge an entrance fee are free. The remaining free days for 2025 are listed below.
- National Public Lands Day on September 27
- November 11: Veterans Day
It’s important to note, however, that other fees, like reservation fees or timed entry, may still be applicable at some of the sites.
Military service members and veterans
Outside of visiting on the above days, there are several other ways you can enter national parks free of charge—one of which is with a military ID. All U.S. veterans and military personnel, including their dependents can visit U.S. parks for free. Gold Star Families (families that have lost a member of their family while on active duty) are also eligible.
Americans and U.S. Residents with Permanent Disabilities
The free admission is also available to U.S. residents or citizens with disabilities. America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass. The pass is free, but you’ll need to provide a photo ID that’s valid and proof of permanent disability. Documentation of permanent disability can be provided by a local doctor, by a federal agency like Social Security Disability or by a state agency.
Every Kids Outdoors program
As part of the Every Kid Outdoors The program allows fourth-grade U.S. students, and any family members travelling with them, to enter national park for free. Valid for the entirety of the school year—from September through August—the pass must be printed from the Every Kid Outdoors website. Parks do not accept digital versions. You can print the passes for your fourth-grade students if you are a teacher.
The Volunteer Pass
Volunteer Passes will be the only way to access national parks free of charge in 2025. The annual pass is available to anyone who has volunteered at least 250 hours in a recreation area managed by the federation. Note that these hours of volunteer work do not need to be logged on National Park Service-managed land. The pass can be obtained if you have done volunteer work on land managed or supervised by the Bureau of Land Management or USDA Forest Service.
