Free access to national parks in 2024: What days are they, and which ones have free access?
The National Park Service added an extra free entrance day in 2024 to visit any of the 107 national parks that charge admission, raising the number to six.
The US National Park Service manages 428 national parks in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and US Territories. The vast majority of those are admission-free but over 100 charge visitors for an entrance pass. Those fees range from $20 to $35 per vehicle, but some may have different rates charging per person or type of vehicle.
Those planning to visit a national park that charges admission in 2024 who are looking to save some money will be happy to know that the National Park Service added an extra Free Entrance Day for this year. There are now six days that visit when fees will be waived. Some Americans can visit the US national parks for free year-round.
Free access to national parks in 2024: What days are they, and which ones have free access?
There are 107 national parks listed that charge an admission fee. You can check the National Park Service’s website to see at which ones you will have to pay to visit. The webpage also provides additional information as to the exact fees, services available and if the park is currently open.
| January 15: | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr |
| April 20: | First day of National Park Week |
| June 19: | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| August 4: | Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act |
| September 28: | National Public Lands Day |
| November 11: | Veterans Day |
Those who are planning to go on a great American road trip and visit several national parks may want to consider getting your hands on an annual pass. The standard price for everyone is $80 but there are special passes for certain groups.
Veterans and Gold Star families can get a free annual pass along with currently serving military personnel or their dependents. So too can those with a medically determined permanent disability and US 4th graders or home school equivalent.
Those age 62 or older can get an annual pass for $20 or a Senior Lifetime pass for $80. You can check the National Park Service Website for more details.