How to Visit National Parks (and Other Parks) For Free
We love our National Parks here at Backpacker’s Pantry: coast to coast, some of America’s greatest landscapes are protected for all to enjoy. That said, there’s a cost involved. While we’re often happy to pay a small price to help with the management and upkeep of these landscapes, we also know that this isn’t always affordable for everyone, and who doesn’t appreciate a deal? That said, here are a handful of different ways you can visit National Parks for free.
National Parks
Free Entrance Days: Every year, the National Park Service offers several fee-free days. These include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January)
- National Park Week (April)
- Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary (August)
- National Public Lands Day (September)
- Veterans Day (November)
National Park Free Annual Pass Programs:
- Every Kid Outdoors: All fourth graders can get a free annual pass that allows them and their families to visit National Parks for free. This is a federal program nationwide. All you have to do is complete a short educational activity on the website, and you’re on your way. Learn more on the Every Kid Outdoors website.
- Active-Duty Military Passes: Active duty military members and their dependents can get a free annual pass via the interagency America The Beautiful Pass, which can be “bought” (for free) here. This covers National Parks and other federal recreational lands and sites.
- Veteran Lifetime Passes: Military veterans are eligible for free lifetime National Park passes. All that’s needed is one of the following documents, presented at the entrance of the park: Unexpired Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement), Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, Veterans designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or identification card. Learn more about free access to National Parks for veterans here.
Other ways to get into National Parks for free:
Volunteer! Many parks offer free entry to volunteers. The National Parks Service has a webpage dedicated to connecting volunteers to opportunities. This is a great way to not only access the parks for free but to give back.
Tips For Visiting National Parks, Especially on Free Days
Fee-free days for National Parks mean a lot of excitement, which can also mean a lot of crowds. This shouldn’t discourage you from going, but it’s important to prepare accordingly.
- Arrive early or late, avoiding the busiest times of the day
- Some parks require reservations - check ahead and familiarize yourself with the reservation system
- Pick a lesser-known park to visit, this is a great time to explore
How to Visit State Parks for Free
State Park Free Days: Many states have specific days when entry to state parks is free. You can check your state’s park website for details, or we have several popular states listed below.
Library Programs: This is one of our favorite, and often lesser-known, ways that people can get out and enjoy public lands for free - through your local library! Some libraries offer free or discounted passes to local state parks that you can check out, just like a book or audiobook.
Free State Park Days by State
California State Parks Free Days
Certain days offer free admission, such as California State Parks Day in June and the annual Earth Day in April.
- Adventure Pass: 4th graders can obtain a free pass for entry to 19 select state parks throughout the year.
New York State Parks Free Days
- First Day Hikes: Free entry is often available on January 1st for guided hikes.
- I Love My Park Day: Held in May, this day includes volunteer opportunities and often free or reduced entry.
Texas State Parks Free Days
- Texas State Parks Free Fishing Day: Held annually in June, allows free fishing in state parks without a license.
- State Parks Free Entry: Certain holidays, such as Veterans Day, may offer free entry.
Washington State Parks Free Days
- Discover Pass Free Days: Several free days throughout the year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Earth Day, National Trails Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
State Parks Free Days Oregon
- State Parks Day: Typically the first Saturday in June with free entry and camping.
- Green Friday: The day after Thanksgiving, entry fees are waived.
Colorado State Parks Free Days
Select days throughout the year, including the first weekend in June for National Trails Day and Colorado Public Lands Day in May.
Virginia State Parks Free Days
Free entry on certain days, such as National Public Lands Day in September and Veterans Day in November.
Michigan State Parks Free Days
- Free ORV Weekends: Two weekends a year where ORV license and trail permit fees are waived.
- Free Fishing Weekends: Two weekends a year, typically in February and June, where fishing license fees are waived.
Florida State Parks Free Days
Certain holidays, such as Earth Day and Veterans Day, often offer free entry.
Pennsylvania State Parks Free Days
Some state parks offer free admission on select Sundays during the year.
Minnesota State Parks Free Days
The DNR typically offers several free entry days each year, often including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Get Outdoors Day in June, and the day after Thanksgiving.
New Jersey State Parks Free Days
- Free Fishing Days: Several days throughout the year when fishing licenses are not required.
So, as you see, there's a number of different ways to get free entry to National and State Parks! In addition to these parks and natural spaces, there are many free public lands that you can visit like National Forests, State Forests, Department of Natural Resources lands, and other natural areas. So, don't let entrance fees hold you back from enjoying the great outdoors.
