If one of the goals you’ve set for 2026 is to see more national parks or to spend more time outdoors, you’re far from alone.
In 2024, a record 331.9 million people visited U.S. national parks—and preliminary data from 2025 suggests it exceeded that record. But if you want to visit the U.S.’s most spectacular natural sights without breaking the bank, there are actually several different ways you can visit the parks for free or at a very low cost.
In 2025, there were a few changes to the existing pass systems that are important to flag. In November, a new policy went into effect that charges international visitors an additional $100 per person to enter the 11 most popular national parks. Guests from abroad will also not be able to take advantage of any of the fee-free days outlined below.
For those planning to visit multiple parks this year and who don’t qualify for any of the free passes below, there is a more cost-effective option, though it is not completely free. U.S. residents can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for $80. The pass covers entrance and amenity fees at properties managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The pass covers a full year of admission and is available for $20 for Americans aged 62 and up—for international visitors, however, the pass costs $250. You can purchase them at the National Park website or in-person.
Now, let’s get into the ways you can enter national parks totally for free in 2026.
Free Entrance Days
This year there will be 10 free entry days at national parks. The first one is coming fast, on Presidents Day, Feb. 16.
- Feb. 16 — Presidents Day
- May 25 — Memorial Day
- June 14 — Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s birthday
- July 3-5 — Independence Day weekend
- Aug. 25 — The National Park Service’s 110th anniversary
- Sep. 17 — Constitution Day
- Oct. 27 — Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Military Pass
The Military Pass grants free annual entry to national parks for current U.S. military members and dependents. For Gold Star Families (families who have lost a loved one to active duty service) and veterans, the Military Lifetime Pass is available, which offers free entry to national parks for life. There is a $10 processing fee associated with both versions of the pass. Service members can also enter the park for free by showing a military I.D. at the entrance gates. You can learn more about obtaining the pass on the United States Geological Survey website.
Access Pass
U.S. citizens and permanent residents with disabilities qualify for the Access Pass. This is a free, lifetime pass that will grant the holder free entry to all national parks. In order to qualify for this pass, you must be able to provide a statement by a licensed physician that includes the following language: “that the ‘individual has a PERMANENT disability,’ that it ‘severely limits one or more aspects of their daily life,’ and the nature of those limitations.” You can learn more about the lifetime pass at the United States Geological Survey website.
Every Kid Outdoors Pass
Every U.S. fourth grader qualifies for the Every Kid Outdoors Pass, which allows fourth grade students and anyone in their private vehicle free entry into national parks for the year. In order for the pass to be accepted, it must be printed out. Electronic copies are not accepted. To learn about how to obtain the pass, head to the Every Kid Outdoors website.
Volunteer Pass
The Volunteer Pass requires a bit of sweat equity. For anyone who volunteers 250 hours on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, they are eligible to receive the pass. The hours must be tracked, though they don’t need to be completed in a single year in order to qualify for the pass. The Volunteer Pass is annual, meaning that you need to volunteer 250 hours per annual pass. You can find ways to volunteer at Volunteer.gov.
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