There are over 400 national park sites—including historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas—in the United States, most of which are free to visit. But many of the most popular 60-plus national parks, such as Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park, charge an entrance fee. Visiting one of these will generally set you back $10–$20 per person or $35 per vehicle (and allow you to come and go for seven days from purchase). Depending on how many people are in your family and how many parks you visit, this can add up.
In 2024, take a strategic approach: Head to one of the sites participating in the National Park Service’s six fee-free days.
What days are national parks free in 2024?
Entry to all national park sites will be free on the following days:
Jan. 15 (Monday): Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 20 (Saturday): First day of National Park Week
June 19 (Wednesday): Juneteenth
Aug. 4 (Sunday): Great American Outdoors Day
Sep. 28 (Saturday): National Public Lands Day
Nov. 11 (Monday): Veterans Day
Note that fee-free days may still require timed entry or vehicle reservations as well as payment for services like camping, special tours, transportation, and boat rides. If you’re planning your trip on or around one of these days, be sure to check ticket requirements and make necessary reservations well in advance, as some parks could also be more crowded.
If you can’t get to a national park on one of these six holidays, you may still qualify for free or reduced-fee entry. Veterans, active-duty military (and their dependents), people with disabilities, and fourth-grade students get free America the Beautiful annual passes, which allow access to every national park. Adults 62 and older can purchase an annual America the Beautiful pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80.
