U.S. National Parks Entry Fees Guide: Passes, Free Days & More

Here's a detailed look at the entrance fees for U.S. National Parks, including differences for children, adults, and seniors (if applicable), as well as any multi-day, weekend, or yearly passes offered by each park.

U.S. National Parks Entry Fees Guide: Passes, Free Days & More

National Park Admission Fees

Below you will find the entry fees for each national park. Many parks, allow you to choose between single person admission, motor cycle or vehicle.

You can use the table of contents above, and go directly to the park of your interest, as they're in alphabetical order.

Information on free entry days is located towards the bottom under "U.S. National Park Free Entry Days".

Note: Not all parks have differentiated fees based on age, and many offer a standard per-vehicle fee. Where available, I’ve also included information on multi-day or annual passes specific to each park.

Acadia National Park (Maine)

  • Per Person (Adults & Seniors): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Arches National Park (Utah)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Big Bend National Park (Texas)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Biscayne National Park (Florida)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: While the park does not have an entrance fee, there may be fees for certain activities or facilities.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

  • Per Vehicle: $20 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $15 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $10 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $40

Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)

  • Per Person (Adults): $15 (children under 16: Free)
  • Seniors (62+): $7.50
  • Annual Pass: $55

Channel Islands National Park (California)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees may apply for camping and boat transportation.

Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees may apply for camping.

Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (Summer), $20 (Winter)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (Summer), $15 (Winter)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (Summer), $10 (Winter)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees may apply for special activities or permits.

Death Valley National Park (California/Nevada)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Denali National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

  • Per Person (Adults & Seniors): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $45

Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)

  • Per Person (Adults & Seniors): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Note: Access is by boat or seaplane, which has additional costs.

Everglades National Park (Florida)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: Remote park with no entrance fee, but access is typically by plane and involves additional costs.

Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)

  • Per Person (Adults): $3
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Seniors (62+): $2
  • Annual Pass: $35 (includes discounts on certain activities)

Glacier National Park (Montana)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but other services such as boat tours and backcountry permits may have fees.

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Great Basin National Park (Nevada)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but there may be fees for camping and special tours.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (Colorado)

  • Per Vehicle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $20 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $45

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but parking fees may apply starting March 2023.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

  • Per Person (Adults & Seniors): $10 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $35

Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (3-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (3-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (3-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle) $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees may apply for certain activities or amenities.

Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)

  • Per Vehicle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $20 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $45

Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)

  • Per Person (Adults & Seniors): $7 per day (children under 15: Free)
  • Annual Pass: $60
  • Note: Additional fees for boat transportation to the park.

Joshua Tree National Park (California)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Katmai National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees for certain activities like bear viewing may apply.

Kenai Fjords National Park (Alaska)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees for boat tours and other activities apply.

Kings Canyon National Park (California)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass, also covers Sequoia NP)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Kobuk Valley National Park (Alaska)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: Remote park with no entrance fee.

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees for certain activities may apply.

Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees apply for cave tours.

Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)

  • Per Vehicle: $20 (May-Oct), $15 (Nov-Apr)
  • Per Motorcycle: $15 (May-Oct), $10 (Nov-Apr)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $10 (May-Oct), $7 (Nov-Apr)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

North Cascades National Park (Washington)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees apply for camping and permits.

Olympic National Park (Washington)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)

  • Per Vehicle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $20 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $45

Pinnacles National Park (California)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Redwood National and State Parks (California)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but state parks within the system may charge fees for parking and other services.

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (1-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (1-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (1-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

  • Per Vehicle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $20 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $45

Sequoia National Park (California)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass, also covers Kings Canyon NP)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)

  • Per Vehicle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $55

Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Virgin Islands)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees for some activities such as camping or tours.

Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees for camping, boat tours, and permits.

White Sands National Park (New Mexico)

  • Per Vehicle: $25 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $20 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $15 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $45

Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees apply for cave tours.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Note: No entrance fee, but fees may apply for certain activities or permits.

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Yosemite National Park (California)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Zion National Park (Utah)

  • Per Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
  • Per Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
  • Per Person (Walk-in/Bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
  • Children (Under 16): Free
  • Annual Pass: $70

Annual Multi-Park Passes

If you're planning to, or would like to visit multiple national parks within a year, for just a few dollars more, you can gain access to every national park + thousands of other federal recreational areas throughout the United States.

America the Beautiful Pass – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

Cost: $80 annually

Details:
The America the Beautiful Pass grants unlimited access to all U.S. National Parks and over 2,000 federal recreation sites that charge an entrance fee.

Coverage:

  • Access: All U.S. National Parks + other federal sites
  • Pass covers the pass holder(s) and up to 3 adults in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, or up to four adults at sites that charge per person. Children aged 15 or under are are always admitted free of charge.

Annual Pass for U.S. Military

Cost: Free for current enlisted U.S. military members and their dependents, as well as Reserve and National Guard members.

Details:
This pass offers the same extensive access as the America the Beautiful Pass, serving as a token of appreciation for military personnel.

Coverage:

  • Access: All U.S. National Parks + other federal sites
  • Covers the service member and passengers in a personal vehicle or the pass holder plus three adults at per-person fee areas.

Lifetime Pass For U.S. Military

Cost: Free for Gold Star Families and Veterans of the U.S. Military, as well as veterans of the Reserve and National Guard.

Details:
This pass offers the same extensive access as the America the Beautiful Pass, serving as a token of appreciation for military personnel, but last a lifetime instead of being annual.

Coverage:

  • Access: All U.S. National Parks + other federal sites
  • Covers the service member and passengers in a personal vehicle or the pass holder plus three adults at per-person fee areas.

Senior Pass

Cost: $80 for a lifetime pass; $20 for an annual pass

Details:
Available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older, the Senior Pass provides a lifetime or annual access to all U.S. National Parks and federal recreational lands, with additional discounts.

Coverage:

  • Access: All U.S. National Parks + other federal sites
  • Covers the pass holder and passengers in a personal vehicle or the pass holder plus three adults at per-person fee areas.

Access Pass

Cost: Free

Details:
For U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities, this lifetime pass offers the same benefits as the Senior Pass, including access and discounts.

Coverage:

  • Access: All U.S. National Parks + other federal sites
  • Covers the pass holder and passengers in a personal vehicle or the pass holder plus three adults at per-person fee areas.

Volunteer Pass

Cost: Free

Details:
Awarded to volunteers who contribute 250 hours at federal recreation sites, this pass provides the same access as the America the Beautiful Pass.

Coverage:

  • Access: All U.S. National Parks + other federal sites

Every Kid Outdoors (4th Graders Pass)

Cost: Free

Details:
Available to every 4th grader in the nation, and allows them and their immediate family to enter for free.

Coverage:

  • Access: All U.S. National Parks + other federal sites

How They Work

All passes are hangtags or decals that should be displayed according to the type of site visited. They are generally valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, except for the lifetime passes. Passes can be obtained at any national park that charges an entrance fee, or through the USGS online store.

To purchase or learn more about the various types of U.S. National Park passes, visit the official U.S. National Park Service site where detailed information on each pass type is available, along with purchasing options.

Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a family looking to make cherished memories, these passes offer both a passport to discovery and a way to support the preservation and upkeep of America's priceless natural landscapes.

U.S. National Park Free Entry Days

The National Park Service (NPS) designates several "Free Entrance Days" each year, during which all national parks that normally charge an entrance fee offer free admission to everyone.

  • January 15, 2024 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • A day to honor the civil rights leader's legacy, with free access to all national parks.
  • April 20, 2024 - First Day of National Park Week
    • Kicking off National Park Week, a celebration of America's national parks with various events and activities.
  • August 4, 2024 - Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary
    • Celebrating the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, which provides funding for the maintenance of national parks.
  • September 28, 2024 - National Public Lands Day
    • The nation's largest single-day volunteer event, encouraging public service in national parks and public lands.
  • November 11, 2024 - Veterans Day
    • Honoring veterans and active-duty military, with free entrance to all national parks.

These free entrance days provide an excellent opportunity to explore national parks, especially if you’re on a budget or if you're visiting with a large group. It's also a good time to experience a new park that you might not have visited otherwise.

Important Info About Free Days:

  • Crowds: Free entrance days can be very popular, leading to larger crowds and limited parking at some of the more popular parks. Arriving early is recommended.
  • Other Fees: While entrance fees are waived, other fees like camping, tours, or special activities may still apply.

Check out our guide on camping, and RV Hookup fees at all the U.S. National Parks, or learn which U.S. National Parks allow you to "Camp Anywhere" in the backcountry, if you're looking to get away from the crowds, and deeper into nature.

FAQs

What are the admission fees for U.S. National Parks?

Are there any U.S. National Parks with free admission?

What is the cost of the "America the Beautiful" National Park Pass?

What are the benefits of the U.S. Military Annual Pass?

When are the free entry days for U.S. National Parks in 2024?

What activities may still have fees on National Park free entry days?

How can I purchase a U.S. National Park pass?

What are the parking fees in Great Smoky Mountains National Park starting March 2023?

Are there discounted passes for seniors visiting U.S. National Parks?

What is the "Every Kid Outdoors" Pass and who is eligible?

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