Free Entrance Days at National Parks: When You Can Visit for Free
Planning a visit to a national park? There are select days each year when the National Park Service waives entrance fees at sites that normally charge admission. We've rounded up the 2026 Free Entrance Days below so you can plan ahead and enjoy a national park visit without paying the standard entrance fee.
We'll update this guide when the National Park Service announces new Free Entrance Days for future years.
2026 Free Entrance Days • How Free Entrance Days Work • What May Still Cost Money • Who Can Get Free Entrance • Other Ways to Save • Tips for Planning Your Visit • FAQ
🏞️ 2026 Free Entrance Days at National Parks
The National Park Service has announced eight fee-free dates for 2026. On these dates, entrance fees are waived at National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee. Other fees, including timed-entry or reservation fees, may still apply.
Beginning in 2026, Free Entrance Days apply to U.S. citizens and residents. Non-U.S. residents must pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
📅 2026 Fee-Free Dates
- February 16, 2026 — Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)
- May 25, 2026 — Memorial Day
- June 14, 2026 — Flag Day / President Trump's Birthday
- July 3–5, 2026 — Independence Day Weekend
- August 25, 2026 — 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17, 2026 — Constitution Day
- October 27, 2026 — Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday
- November 11, 2026 — Veterans Day
📌 The next 2026 Free Entrance Day is August 25. This date celebrates the 110th birthday of the National Park Service.
Free Entrance Days are a great opportunity to visit a national park, national monument, historic site, or other National Park Service location that normally charges an entrance fee.
How Do Free Entrance Days at National Parks Work?
On designated Free Entrance Days, the National Park Service waives entrance fees at NPS sites that normally charge an entrance fee.
That does not mean every National Park Service location suddenly becomes free because many NPS sites are already free to visit. The fee-free dates are particularly helpful when visiting parks and other sites that normally charge an entrance fee.
The NPS says that most of the sites it manages are free to visit, while some require an entrance pass. If a site normally charges an entrance fee, that entrance fee is waived on the designated fee-free dates.
Before heading out, it's a good idea to check the official page for the specific park or site you plan to visit. Some popular destinations have additional planning requirements.
For the latest Free Entrance Days, pass information and entrance-fee details, visit the official National Park Service Entrance Passes page.
What May Still Cost Money on a Free Entrance Day?
Free entrance does not necessarily mean every part of your trip is free.
The National Park Service notes that other fees may still apply on Free Entrance Days. Depending on the park and activity, you could still encounter charges for things such as:
- Timed-entry reservations
- Advance reservations
- Camping
- Special tours or programs
- Special use permits
- Concession-operated activities or services
- Other amenities or services
Always check the individual park's official website before your visit so you know whether reservations or additional fees are required.
Who Gets Free Entrance on the 2026 Dates?
There is an important change beginning in 2026.
Free Entrance Days are for U.S. citizens and residents. Non-U.S. residents must pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees unless they have an eligible pass.
The NPS also introduced a Non-Resident Annual Pass for $250 in 2026. The pass can cover entrance fees at participating federal recreation sites.
If you're visiting from outside the United States, check the current NPS fee information before your trip because additional nonresident fees may apply at certain parks.
Other Ways to Save on National Park Entrance Fees
You don't necessarily have to wait for a Free Entrance Day to save money on national park admission.
The America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass can cover entrance fees and standard amenity fees at participating federal recreation sites, including national parks.
The NPS currently lists several pass options, including:
- Resident Annual Pass: $80 for U.S. citizens and residents
- Non-Resident Annual Pass: $250 for non-U.S. residents
- Senior Annual Pass: $20 for eligible U.S. citizens and residents age 62+
- Senior Lifetime Pass: $80 for eligible U.S. citizens and residents age 62+
- Military Annual Pass: Free for current U.S. military members and dependents
- Military Lifetime Pass: Free for eligible Gold Star Family members and veterans
- Access Pass: Free for eligible U.S. citizens and residents with permanent disabilities
- 4th Grade Pass: Free for eligible U.S. fourth graders
- Volunteer Pass: Free for eligible federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours
If you plan to visit multiple federal recreation sites during the year, an annual pass may be worth considering.
Tips for Planning a Free National Park Visit
🌲 Before You Go
- Check the park's official website. Make sure the location participates and check for current alerts or closures.
- Look for reservation requirements. Some popular parks and attractions use timed-entry or other reservation systems.
- Expect crowds. Free Entrance Days can be popular, especially around holiday weekends.
- Plan parking ahead of time. Free entrance does not necessarily mean free parking.
- Check the weather and conditions. Park conditions can change quickly.
- Pack what you need. Water, snacks, comfortable footwear, sunscreen and other essentials can make your visit easier.
- Follow park rules. Help protect the parks so others can enjoy them too.
How to Find a National Park Near You
The National Park Service manages hundreds of parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas and other locations across the United States.
You don't necessarily have to travel across the country to take advantage of a Free Entrance Day. Check the National Park Service website to find parks and other NPS sites in your state or near your destination.
Tip: Search for the specific park you want to visit before your Free Entrance Day. The individual park page will have the most useful information about hours, closures, reservations, parking, activities and fees.
For the latest Free Entrance Days, pass information and entrance-fee details, check the National Park Service's official Entrance Passes page before planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the National Park Free Entrance Days in 2026?
There are eight 2026 Free Entrance Days: February 16, May 25, June 14, July 3–5, August 25, September 17, October 27 and November 11.
Are all national parks free on Free Entrance Days?
Free Entrance Days apply to National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee. Many NPS sites are already free to visit. Check the individual park or site before you go.
Do I need a reservation on a Free Entrance Day?
Possibly. Free entrance does not automatically waive timed-entry or reservation requirements. Check the specific park's website before visiting.
Is camping free on Free Entrance Days?
No. Free Entrance Days waive applicable entrance fees, but other fees such as camping can still apply.
Do non-U.S. residents get free admission on the 2026 dates?
No. Beginning in 2026, Free Entrance Days apply to U.S. citizens and residents. Non-U.S. residents must pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees unless they have an eligible pass.
What if the national park I want to visit doesn't charge an entrance fee?
Many National Park Service sites are already free to visit, so you don't have to wait for a Free Entrance Day to visit those locations.
Will the Free Entrance Days change next year?
They can. The National Park Service announces the schedule for each year, so we'll update this guide when new dates and rules are announced.
Save This Guide for Future National Park Trips
Free Entrance Days can be a great way to save on the cost of visiting a national park or other National Park Service site that normally charges an entrance fee.
Bookmark this page and check back each year. We'll update the dates and important eligibility information as the National Park Service announces future Free Entrance Days.
Information is subject to change. Check the official National Park Service website before your visit for the latest dates, fees, reservations and park-specific requirements.
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