By Zac Thompson
December 9, 2024
Around 100 of the more than 430 sites in the U.S. National Park System charge entrance fees—and those include many of the most-visited parks.
But on a few select dates each year, the National Park Service waives those charges (up to $35 per car at the most popular sites), and you can visit all federally managed parks, monuments, battlefields, historic sites, and seashores for free.
In 2025, the park service has scheduledsix free-entrance days. That's the same number we got in 2024.
National Park Free Days in 2025
- • Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- • Saturday, April 19: First day of National Park Week
- • Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- • Monday, August 4: Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
- • Saturday, September 27: National Public Lands Day
- • Tuesday, November 11: Veterans Day
Note that although entrance fees at all national park sites will be waived on those days, other charges may still apply for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours, and other services and amenities.
Additionally, some national parks require advanced reservations for timed entry, lodging, and access to certain drives and hikes. Research reservation requirements at the website of the park you're interested in visiting and book early to make sure you snag a spot.
Applying for free passes at national parks
Beyond visiting national parks on free-entrance days, several demographic groups can apply for passes to go to national parks for free all year round.
Folks eligible for that perk include U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have a permanent disability; current members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, and Gold Star Families; and fourth graders as well as their accompanying family members.
To start planning a national park visit in 2025, go to NPS.gov/FindaPark.
