America’s Best Idea…the National Parks…Even Better When they’re Free!

Mark your calendar! Entrance fee-free dates for 2020

August 25th - National Park Service Anniversary

The National Park Service reminds us that our national parks are places for everyone to have fun, reconnect with nature and history, and build a sense of ownership and stewardship toward the environment . Many of the 417 national parks, seashores, monuments, memorials and other protected lands never charge an entrance fee. But more than 100 U.S. parks that normally do charge fees will be free to the public on August 25th to celebrate the National Park Service's Anniversary.

If you're planning a trip that includes multiple national parks, you might consider the $80 annual pass that provides entrance to all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and many other Federal lands -- more than 2,000 in all. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is offered free to all active duty military members and their dependents.

Other fee-free days in 2020 are September 26, National Public Lands Day; and November 11, Veterans Day. During those special dates, entrance fees and tour fees are generally waived, although camping and concession fees may not be.