6 Ways To Visit A National Park For Free

If you want to welcome fall with a visit to a U.S. National Park, it doesn’t have to be a budget buster.

Nearly two dozen national parks across the country are free to anyone all the time. Many of them are the least visited parks, (check our list of those that are under the radar) so there’s a bonus: You won’t have to fight crowds.

However, there are also two days left in 2025 where admission will be free at all parks for everyone, and there are other ways for you to take advantage of free entry at any time.

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(MORE: National Park Visits Hit Record High)

The Final Free Entrance Days Of 2025

Sept. 27 which is National Public Lands Day and Nov. 11, Veterans Day, are the last two days of this year where all National Park Service sites will not charge you an entrance fee.

Keep in mind that timed entry or reservation fees may still apply.

(MORE: The Best Time To Visit National Parks)

Got A Fourth-Grader In The Family?

Fourth-grade students in the U.S. and their family members (all children under 16 and up to three adults) can visit their favorite national park or discover a new one for free.

It’s thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors Program. Parents, you can sign up and print a pass. Fourth-grade teachers can also print a pass for each child in their class.

(MORE: Inside The National Park Service’s Hilarious Social Media)

Military Members, Veterans And Gold Star Families

Current military members and their dependents can get a free annual pass, You can go to these locations to get the pass at no cost.

There’s a $10 processing fee if you order it online through the USGS Store.

Veterans and Gold Star families, families that have lost an active-duty service member, can get a lifetime pass to the national parks.

You can learn more about that here.

Americans With Disabilities

The Access Pass is available to citizens and permanent residents who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability.

You’ll have to provide a statement from a licensed physician or other documents confirming your disability.

Score A Volunteer Pass

If you volunteer at least 250 hours at any federal recreation site (it doesn’t have to be a national park) that will earn you a free admission pass.

The annual pass is available for volunteers at sites managed by six federal agencies. It will cover the volunteer, any children under age 16 and up to three adults.

You can find volunteer opportunities at volunteer.gov.

So start planning, be sure to use your Weather.com app to get the scoop on weather conditions for your visit and get outside!