Explore Our National Parks on Entrance-Free Days in 2026
Mark your calendar and take advantage of entrance-free days to visit and experience the wonder of America’s national parks and public lands in 2026! These special days offer a great opportunity to explore iconic landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures across the country, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
More than 400 parks are available for everyone, and on eight days in 2026, the National Park Service will waive entrance fees for parks that usually charge admission on the following entrance–free dates:
President’s Day (February 16, 2026).
Memorial Day (May 25, 2026).
Flag Day (June 14, 2026).
Independence Day weekend (July 3–5, 2026).
110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25, 2026).
Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026).
Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27, 2026).
Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026).
Before heading out to visit and experience the wonder of these extraordinary places across the country, make sure you are aware of updates launching January 1, 2026.
Beginning this year, all America the Beautiful passes, including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, and Access passes, will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to:
Purchase and use pass instantly.
Store passes on mobile devices.
Link digital passes to physical cards.
Experience faster entry with digital validation tools.
The fee structure has also been updated. Starting January 1, 2026:
The Annual Pass will remain $80 for U.S. residents.
The Annual Pass will cost $250 for nonresidents.
Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per-person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to standard entrance fees.
Remember that there are free or discounted passes available for:
Senior citizens.
Current U.S. military members and veterans.
Individuals with permanent disabilities.
Fourth-grade students and their families.
Additional changes this year include an expanded access for motorcycle riders! All America the Beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles per pass, making national parks more accessible for riders and families who travel on two wheels.
Revenue generated from these updates will be reinvested directly into national parks to support visitor facility upgrades, essential maintenance projects, and improved services and infrastructure.
Whether you’re visiting on a fee-free day, using an annual pass, or planning ahead for the 2026 changes, thoughtful preparation helps protect these landscapes for future generations. Plan ahead. Go prepared. And enjoy our public lands responsibly!