How to Visit U.S. National Parks for FREE!

I’m going to share some great news in this post and that is how to visit U.S. national parks for free! Our national park system is comprised of sixty-three incredible parks. Most charge admission fees that average around $35 per vehicle. Annual park passes cost close to $100. However, many of our best parks charge no admission fee:

Redwood National Park (CA)

Biscayne National Park (FL)

Congaree National Park (SC)

Saguaros National Park (AZ)

Cuyahoga National Park (Ohio)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN&NC) is the most visited park in America averaging twelve million visitors a year! The park includes 150 trails that are perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, including seventy-five miles of the Appalachian Trail.

For a complete list of FREE national parks and to learn about park passes and activities, visit the official national park site!

FYI: The most remote, most scenic, least crowded park in America is the Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. It is only accessible by bush plane and has no roads, campgrounds, or established trails. The park is the size of Switzerland!

But is there any way to visit U.S. national parks for FREE that charge admission?

Yes! There are FREE ADMISSION DAYS to every national park in America:

2/16=President’s Day

5/25=Memorial Day

6/14=Flag Day

7/3-5=July 4th Celebration

8/25=110th Anniversary of NPS

9/17=Constitution Day

10/27=Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday

11/11=Veteran’s Day

Note: Even though admission may be FREE, some of these parks require reservations. Seniors, military, and permanently disabled qualify for special park passes.

FYI: Isle Royal National Park (Michigan) includes 450 islands and 160 miles of trails! Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida Keys) is one of the best diving and snorkeling places in America! Katmai National Park (Alaska) is great for hiking, kayaking and brown bear sightings in the world! Channel Islands National Park (CA), which includes five islands, is often compared to the legendary Galapagos Islands due to its wonderful wildlife and exceptional hiking.

Click here for important national park travel tips, maps, events and more!

Click here for FREE national park planning guides!

Click here for all-inclusive national park adventures for seniors!

Click here for national park train tours and vacations!