If one of your resolutions for 2026 is to see more national parks or enjoy the outdoors more often, you’re not alone. America’s national parks remain among the most popular destinations for millions of visitors each year.
In 2024, a record 331.9 million people visited U.S. national parks, and early tallies for 2025 indicated that record may already have been shattered.
A Cheaper Option: America the Beautiful Pass
Before we start discussing 100% free options, let’s add the America the Beautiful Passes to our conversation. It’s not free, but it can be a great option for frequent travelers.
Pricing: $80 for U.S. residents a year
Senior price: $20 for Americans 62 and older
International visitors: $250
This pass grants access to entrance and amenity fees at lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and others. If you make multiple trips, it’s as though this pass is a free ticket into U.S. national parks over the course of the year.
Free Entrance Days in 2026
Among the simplest methods to visit U.S. national parks for free is by taking advantage of designated free entrance days. In 2026, there will be 10 free access days to which fees do not apply at all.
2026 Free National Park Days:
February 16 – Presidents Day
May 25 – Memorial Day
June 14 – Flag Day and Donald Trump’s birthday
July 3–5 – Independence Day holiday weekend
August 25 – 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17 – Constitution Day
27th October – Birthday of Theodore Roosevelt
November 11 – Veterans Day
These days are a boon for budget-minded travelers seeking free entry to U.S. national parks, although the parks may be busier.
Military Pass
Another great way to get free access (without the need for a trip) to U.S. national parks is through the Military Pass. This pass is available to:
Active-duty U.S. military members
Dependents of military members
Veterans and Gold Star Families can also get a Military Lifetime Pass to receive free access to life. There is a nominal $10 processing fee, but the savings add up. Free admission is often as easy as presenting a valid military ID at the front gate.
Access Pass for Visitors with Disabilities
U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States who have a permanent disability may be eligible for an Access Pass (formerly known as the Golden Access Pass).
Applicants must provide a doctor’s verification that the person has a permanent disability restricting him or her in activities of daily living to be eligible. This pass provides unlimited access to national parks, and most (over 2,000) other federal recreation areas, for which it grants free entrance.
Every Kid Outdoors Pass
Families may also get free access to U.S. national parks through Every Kid Outdoors Pass. This pass is free to all U.S. fourth graders.
The pass allows:
free for fourth grader
v Free admission – All in private car
The pass will be available for printing and must be presented at park entrances. Digital copies are not accepted. This program provides kids access to nature — and helps save families money.
Final Thoughts
America’s national parks don’t have to be expensive to visit. From free entrance days to special passes and volunteering, there are many ways to access U.S. national parks for free in 2026