Free 2025 National Parks Entrance Days 

Find out what 6 days this year that will get you totally free admission!


These days, it feels like we’re all living in screen sized bubbles where we just scroll, swipe and tap through life. That’s why I really treasure any chance to escape into nature with my family. There's nothing like trading wi-fi for wildflowers and watching my kids light up over a squirrel sighting instead of the new TikTok trend. It’s my (and my families) reset button - where the air is fresh and crisp, the laughs are real and the memories aren’t made behind a screen.

So, if you're ready to trade screen time for scenic views and swap your couch for a canyon, I've got the perfect thing for you. In 2025, the National Park Service is rolling out six epic Free Entrance Days and that means you and your crew just scored a golden ticket to explore some of the most breathtaking spots in the country and you can do it without spending a dime on entry fees.

Grab the fam and discover gorgeous waterfalls, hike through ancient forests or just soak up the fresh air. These fee free days are the perfect excuse to pack a picnic, grab your hiking boots and make some postcard worthy memories. Go ahead, get outside and let nature be your playground. Check out the dates of each free entrance days 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

Find a National Park

List of Participating Parks During Free Entrance Days

Not all national parks charge an entrance fee and many of the parks, including national monuments and historic sites, are free to enter all year. Check them out below to find one near you.

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

Ready to press play on your next outdoor adventure? National Park Week, an annual celebration of America’s national parks, kicks off each year in April. This year’s theme is a total jam session - National Park Playlist. Think of it as nature’s greatest hits with nine days of fresh air, family fun and cool experiences across more than 400 national park sites.

Whether you're grooving to the rustle of leaves or dancing with the squirrels (no judgment here), there’s something for everyone. Events may vary by locations, so check with your park to see they're participating. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the standout events:

  • April 19th (Free Entrance Day): National Junior Rangers Day - Kick things off with free admission and a celebration for the kiddos! Expect music, dance and hands-on art that’ll have your little explorers earning their Junior Ranger badges in style.
  • April 22nd: Earth Day - Time to get your hands dirty, but in the best way possible. Join park staff to plant seasonal blooms, learn about native plants and connect with your fellow green thumbs.
  • April 25th: New Citizen Ceremony - Head to Chamizal National Memorial for a heartwarming tribute to our newest US citizens. It’s a beautiful reminder of what these parks represent, unity, history and shared stories.
  • April 26th: Kit Bashing - Unleash your inner artist with a music inspired sculpting workshop. It’s creative, quirky and you can totally let your freak flag fly.

Find An Event Near You

Other Ways to Save At The Parks

No free entrance day on your calendar? No worries, there are still plenty of ways to soak up those national park vibes without shelling out a ton of cash. With a little planning and a dash of deal hunting savvy, you'll be able to explore jaw dropping landscapes and snap postcard worthy pics - all on a shoestring budget.

From snagging an America the Beautiful Pass (hello, unlimited park access!) to choosing parks closer to home to save on travel costs, there are tons of smart ways to keep your adventure affordable. So don’t let entrance fees rain on your outdoor parade. Grab your gear, pack some snacks and let’s hit the trails without the huge financial drama. Want help mapping out a budget-friendly park trip? Read on because I’ve got trail tested tips ready to roll!

Here are some ways to visit a national park on a budget:

  • Plan Your Trip: 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 before you head out will help you budget.
  • Get Annual Passes: Think about buying 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 more than one park.
  • 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.
  • Choose Camping Instead of 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Park Volunteer: Some national parks offer volunteer programs where you can help with conservation efforts in exchange for free or discounted accommodations.
  • Pack Smart: 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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- Jessica