These Are the Free Entrance Days for the National Parks in 2024
Mark your calendars.
Each year, outdoor enthusiasts await the announcement of which days travelers will be granted free entrance to national parks. And it appears Santa Claus came early this time around, as the NPS just delivered the ultimate gift for adventurers, sharing which days national park entry fees will be waived.
The days where guests gain free entrance are: 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); and November 11 (Veterans Day.)
“The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a public statement. “National parks are places that awaken the senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and foster joy.”
It’s important to note that the entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.
If you can’t make it to the scheduled free days, not to worry. The National Parks System will still offer the annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that normally charge an entrance fee.
There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth-grade students, and disabled citizens. You can check out the NPS website for more details.