National Park Free Entry Days 2026 Save money on your national park adventures! The National Park Service offers several fee-free days throughout the year when all entrance fees are waived. ## 2026 Free Entry Days - January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - April 19 - First Day of National Park Week - August 4 - Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act - September 26 - National Public Lands Day - November 11 - Veterans Day ## What's Included On fee-free days, entrance fees are waived at all 400+ National Park Service sites. This includes: - National Parks - National Monuments - National Historic Sites - National Recreation Areas ## What's NOT Free - Camping fees - Still must be paid - Tour fees - Guided tours still cost money - Concession fees - Lodging, food, activities - Permit fees - Backcountry permits, climbing permits - Parking fees - Some urban parks charge parking ## Planning Tips for Free Days Arrive Early: Free days attract huge crowds. Gates open at dawn - be there. Make Reservations: Popular parks like Yosemite require timed entry reservations even on free days. Book months ahead at Recreation.gov. Consider Alternatives: If your target park is too crowded, have backup options. Lesser-known parks nearby often have no crowds. Bring Cash: Some entrance stations don't accept cards, even though entry is free you may want parking or other services. ## Annual Pass Alternative America the Beautiful Pass: $80/year If you'll visit parks more than twice, the annual pass pays for itself: - Covers entrance fees for entire vehicle (driver + all passengers) - Valid at 2,000+ federal recreation sites - One pass covers two adults (kids under 16 always free) - Senior Pass (62+): $80 lifetime or $20 annual - Military/Veterans: FREE Break-even: Two visits to $35 parks = pass pays for itself ## Best Parks to Visit on Free Days Avoid (Too Crowded): - Yosemite - Grand Canyon - Yellowstone - Zion - Rocky Mountain Good Choices (Manageable Crowds): - Great Basin, NV - North Cascades, WA - Congaree, SC - Guadalupe Mountains, TX - Theodore Roosevelt, ND ## Save Even More - Pack lunch - Concessions are expensive - Camp outside park - National Forest campgrounds nearby are cheaper - Visit midweek - Even on free days, weekdays have fewer crowds - Early morning wildlife - Best viewing before 9am Find national parks near you in our state directory or explore our hidden gems collection.