Free National Park Days 2026 — When to Visit Free

The National Park Service waives entrance fees at all 400+ parks on 5 designated days each year. With entry fees ranging from $15-$35 per vehicle at premium parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite, planning visits around free days can save families significant money. Here are the 2026 free entrance dates and additional strategies for free or reduced park access year-round.

2026 Free Entrance Days

The National Park Service designates five entrance fee-free days annually. For 2026, these include: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January), the first day of National Park Week (April), Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19), the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August), and Veterans Day (November 11). On these days, the vehicle entrance fee is waived at all fee-charging parks — though recreation fees, camping fees, and some special activity fees still apply. Check nps.gov for confirmed 2026 dates as they're announced annually.

America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for Year-Round Free Access

For frequent park visitors, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80/year) provides unlimited entrance to all National Parks for one year — the single best national park value available. At $80 for a vehicle pass covering up to 4 adults (or a family), two visits to major parks like Yellowstone ($35 entry) pays for the pass entirely. The pass also covers National Forests, BLM sites, and other federal recreation areas. Available at any park entrance station or at store.usgs.gov/pass.

Free Passes for Specific Groups

Several groups receive free lifetime or annual passes. Active military and their dependents receive free entrance on all visits. US veterans and Gold Star families receive a free lifetime pass. US citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities receive a free lifetime Access Pass ($80 one-time fee was eliminated). Fourth graders and their families receive free park access all year through the Every Kid Outdoors program at everykidoutdoors.gov.

• 5 free entrance days annually — check nps.gov for exact 2026 dates
• America the Beautiful Annual Pass — $80 for all parks all year
• Active military — free entrance every day, no pass needed
• Veterans — free lifetime pass available
• 4th graders — free access for the entire school year via everykidoutdoors.gov
• 400+ parks without entrance fees — many parks never charge admission

Parks That Are Always Free

Of the 400+ units in the National Park System, many don't charge entrance fees at all. The entire National Mall in Washington DC including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and World War II Memorial is always free. Many National Seashores, National Parkways, National Recreation Areas, and historic sites have no entrance fee. Plan a national parks itinerary that includes free parks alongside fee parks visited on free days to maximize experiences across your travel budget.