Buzz
National parks offer incredible opportunities to connect with nature, whether you love leaf-peeping or stargazing. While many parks are free to enter, some locations require fees, ranging up to $35 per vehicle or $20 per person. Here are some cost-saving strategies for visiting National Park Service (NPS) sites with entrance fees this year.
Invest in an America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass
According to the outdoor resource Bearfoot Theory, purchasing an $80 America the Beautiful Pass is a smart choice if you intend to visit multiple federally-managed locations within a year. This pass provides access to over 2000 sites, including national parks, monuments, and forests. It covers entrance or standard amenity fees for the pass holder and includes up to four adults at per-person fee parks, as well as all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee locations.
Opt for Campsites Over Park Hotels and Restaurants
While campsites aren’t free, they typically cost between $5 and $30 per night at most national parks, making them far more economical than hotel stays (particularly on-site accommodations
Patrick J. Endres/GettyImagesCheck Eligibility for Special Entry Discounts for You or Your Family
Seniors aged 62 and older can access any national park for free with a Senior Lifetime Pass. This pass requires a one-time payment of $80 and provides lifetime entry to NPS sites. Pass holders can also bring up to three guests for free or as many as can fit in their personal vehicle.
Fourth graders can obtain a special pass to the National Park System through the Every Kid Outdoors program. This initiative allows fourth graders and their families (up to three adults and children under 16, if the fee isn’t per-vehicle) to visit national parks for free during the school year. Kids simply need to complete an online diary entry about their outdoor interests, print the pass, and present it at the park entrance for complimentary access.
Explore National Park Monuments
According to the Travel Channel, visiting one of the over 100 monuments managed by the National Park Service is a cost-effective alternative. Unlike popular parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, these sites often have minimal or no entrance fees.
Leverage Volunteer Programs for Savings
The Travel Channel recommends volunteering at a nearby national park as a fantastic way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without paying admission fees. Whether you’re drawn to roles like campground host, preserve caretaker, or other positions, the National Park Service website lists various opportunities to get involved.
Tashdique Mehtaj Ahmed/GettyImagesUse the Shuttle Service
To save on vehicle admission fees, which can reach up to $35, consider parking outside the park and taking a shuttle to the entrance. While a pedestrian entrance fee may still apply, it’s significantly lower than the cost for vehicles.
Plan Your Visit on Free Entrance Days
On free entrance days, all NPS locations eliminate admission fees, though additional costs like timed entry or reservation fees may still be required. Here are the key dates to mark on your calendar for the rest of 2025:
- April 19: Kickoff of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Commemoration of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 27: Celebration of National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Honoring Veterans Day
