Free 2025 National Parks Entrance Days
Find out what 6 days this year that will get you totally free admission!
Come experience the national parks! On six days in 2025, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free 1-day admission to everyone! Free Entrance Days offer a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some downtime with the family. See the dates below.
Free Days for 2025
- January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 19: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Anniversary of Great American Outdoor Act
- September 27: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
List of Participating Parks During Free Entrance Days
Not all national parks charge an entrance fee. Most of the parks, including national monuments and historic sites, are free to enter all year.
Alaska
- Denali National Park & Preserve
Arizona
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Pipe Spring National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- Tonto National Monument
- Tumacácori National Historical Park
- Tuzigoot National Monument
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Wupatki National Monument
Arkansas
- Fort Smith National Historic Site
California
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Lava Beds National Monument
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Pinnacles National Park
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
- Yosemite National Park
Colorado
- Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Colorado National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Florida
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
Georgia
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
- Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
- Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Hawaii
- Haleakala National Park
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Idaho
- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
- Yellowstone National Park
Indiana
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Maine
- Acadia National Park
Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Massachusetts
- Adams National Historical Park
- Cape Cod National Seashore
Michigan
- Isle Royale National Park
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Minnesota
- Pipestone National Monument
Mississippi
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Vicksburg National Military Park
Missouri
- Gateway Arch National Park (formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial)
Montana
- Glacier National Park
- Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
- Yellowstone National Park
Nevada
- Death Valley National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
New Hampshire
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
New Jersey
- Thomas Edison National Historical Park
New Mexico
- Bandelier National Monument
- Capulin Volcano National Monument
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park
- Valles Caldera National Preserve
- White Sands National Park
New York
- Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
- Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
North Carolina
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
North Dakota
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Ohio
- Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
Oklahoma
- Fort Smith National Historic Site
Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Puerto Rico
- San Juan National Historic Site
South Carolina
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
South Dakota
- Badlands National Park
Tennessee
- Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Texas
- Big Bend National Park
- Fort Davis National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Padre Island National Seashore
Utah
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Golden Spike National Historical Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Zion National Park
Virgin Islands
- Christiansted National Historic Site
Virginia
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Colonial National Historical Park
- George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Great Falls Park
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Prince William Forest Park
- Shenandoah National Park
Washington
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
West Virginia
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Wyoming
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
National Parks Week
National Park Week is an annual celebration of America’s national parks. Bring the family out and take part in this nine-day family-friendly event to celebrate National Junior Ranger Day, Earth Day, and more. With over 400 national park sites to explore, there is always something new to discover at iconic vistas, significant historical sites and more. This year, National Parks Week kicks off on April 19th and runs through April 27th. Events may vary by locations, so check with your park to see they're participating. Some events this year include:
- April 19th (Free Entrance Day): National Junior Rangers Day - Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled Saturday morning to celebrate National Junior Ranger Day featuring music, dance performances, and hands-on art experiences.
- April 22nd: Earth Day - Get your hands dirty for a great cause during Earth Day! Help staff plant seasonal blooms, explore native plants, and connect with fellow nature lovers.
- April 25th: New Citizen Ceremony - Visit the Chamizal National Memorial for a meaningful celebration honoring our community’s newest U.S. citizens!
- April 26th: Kit Bashing - Participate in a Kit Bashing Sculptural Session where you'll be guided into creating music-inspired sculptures using this unique technique.
Other Ways to Save At The Parks
If one of the entrance fee-free days doesn’t quite work for you, there are several other ways to visit national parks on a budget. With some simple planning and research, you can make the most of your trips without breaking the bank.
Here are some ways to visit a national park on a budget:
- Plan Ahead: Research the park you want to visit, including its admission fees, camping fees, and any special permits required. Many national parks have different fees, so knowing the costs in advance will help you budget.
- Get Annual Passes: Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass. This annual pass provides access to all national parks and federal recreational lands for a year and can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple parks.
- Visit During Off-Peak Seasons: National parks are typically less crowded during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and on weekdays. Accommodation and entry fees may be lower during these times.
- Consider Camping Instead of Getting a Hotel: Camping is often the most budget-friendly accommodation option in national parks. Campsite fees are usually much lower than hotel prices. Just be sure to reserve your campsite in advance if the park allows it.
- Skip the Park Restaurants: Eating out at restaurants in or near the park can be expensive. Save money by preparing your own meals in advance and bringing your own food and snacks. Most campgrounds have facilities for cooking.
- Walk In vs. Driving In: Many parks charge a fee for your vehicle, but if you can walk into the park instead, you may see significant savings on admission.
- Opt for Public Transportation: If the park has a shuttle or public transportation system, consider using it instead of driving. It can save you on gas and parking fees.
- Take Advantage of Free Programs and Other Freebies: Many national parks offer free ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and educational talks. These freebies can be great ways to learn more about the park at no additional expense.
- Search for Discounts and Passes: Some groups, such as seniors, military personnel, and people with disabilities, may qualify for discounted or free passes. You may also be able to find park coupons and deals during certain times of the year. Check each park's website for details.
- Stay Outside the Park: Accommodations inside the park can be pricey. Consider staying in nearby towns or cities and commuting to the park each day to save on lodging costs.
- Become a Park Volunteer: Some national parks offer volunteer programs where you can help with conservation efforts in exchange for free or discounted accommodations.
- Pack Wisely: Bring all the gear and supplies you'll need for your trip to avoid last-minute purchases that can be more expensive in park gift shops.
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