Enjoying some fresh air and beautiful scenery doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The United States is home to a multitude of breathtaking national parks, including towering mountains, lush forests, serene lakes, and expansive deserts. Regardless of whether you’re a professional adventurer or planning your first trip out into nature, there are many parks that can provide unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank. So get ready to pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and discover the beauty of America’s wilderness without spending a fortune!
National Parks With Free Entry
Fortunately, not all national parks charge you for entry, and there are quite a lot of beautifully scenic parks that are free all year round! Here are some of the best U.S. national parks that won’t cost you anything to enter.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spreading across both North Carolina and Tennessee, offers stunning views of mist-covered mountains and seemingly endless nature and wilderness. It’s the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. As well as the iconic mountains, this park provides various other key attractions, such as historic log cabins and over 800 miles of hiking trails.
Redwood National Park
In California, Redwood National Park is a must-see. As the name suggests, this park boasts towering ancient redwoods, which look like they’ve been taken straight out of a fantasy novel! Some of the tallest trees in the world can be found within these peaceful forests, but there’s much more than forests to explore. This park also provides scenic coastal views and the opportunity to see diverse wildlife like Roosevelt elk.
Channel Islands National Park
If you’re looking for unspoiled beaches and panoramic sea views, the Channel Islands National Park in California is the place to go. This island paradise also hosts some unique wildlife, such as the island fox, which you won’t see elsewhere. For those seeking action, there are various activities to enjoy at this park too, including world-class kayaking and snorkeling. There’s something for everyone!
Glacier Bay National Park
Located in Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park is one of the coolest parks to visit (literally). Glacier Bay has one-of-a-kind scenery with its breathtaking tidewater glaciers, as well as abundant marine life like humpback whales and sea otters, so if you want to experience something different, this is the place for you! With free entry for all visitors, including those arriving via cruise ships, there’s no reason to not explore this magnificent place.
Hot Springs National Park
Moving on from the cold to the Hot Springs, this national park in Arkansas promises a unique day out. Key attractions like the historic Bathhouse Row, picturesque trails, and the famous naturally heated thermal springs will make this trip one to remember. Take advantage of self-guided tours of the bathhouses and free hikes on the park’s trails to get the most out of a free visit to this national park.
Cheapest National Parks
If you’ve got a little money to spend but want to make the most out of your cash, there are various U.S. national parks that only require a small price for entry. These cheap parks charge per vehicle and grant you access for up to 7 days with one payment, which allows you to stretch your money even further!
Badlands National Park
The entrance fee for Badlands National Park in South Dakota is $30, making it an affordable option for families or groups. It’s a small price to pay to get a glimpse of the park’s striking rock formations, dramatic canyons, and fossil beds showcasing ancient wildlife. To get the full experience, you can also camp at the Sage Creek Campground, which is free and offers a chance to see bison up close!
Mesa Verde National Park
For the low cost of $20-30, why wouldn’t you go and visit Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado? There’s so much to see and soak in with attractions like the park’s Ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, archaeological sites, and vast desert views. Visiting in the off-season can make your trip even cheaper with lower accommodation costs, and this way you can enjoy less crowded trails too!
Joshua Tree National Park
Grab your friends or family and head over to Joshua Tree National Park in California to get lost in nature for up to a whole week for only $30! On top of the unique Joshua trees, which are the focal point of the park, you can find surreal rock formations and beautiful desert scenery. Joshua Tree is also an astronomer’s dream, as the dark skies are ideal for stargazing.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park in Arizona makes for a brilliant trip that won’t burn a hole in your wallet at $25 per vehicle. However, it might burn your skin so don’t forget the sunscreen! Enjoy the park’s majestic saguaro cacti, scenic desert drives, and hiking trails through stunning landscapes. Plan your visit during the cooler months if you can’t handle the heat, and this might save you more money too.
Rocky Mountain National Park
At $35 for the week or only $70 for an annual park pass, Rocky Mountain National Park is another one of the cheapest parks to visit. Boasting stunning alpine lakes, dramatic mountain vistas, and over 300 miles of hiking trails, it’s definitely a trip to add to your bucket list! You can also stay in nearby Estes Park for affordable accommodations and free shuttle access to the park.
Free Entrance Days
There are certain days each year that the Forest Service waives entry fees to U.S. national parks, allowing people to get out into the wilderness for free! Here are the dates in 2025, according to the National Park Service, when you can visit the national park of your choice for free.
- January 20th – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 19th – The first day of National Park Week
- June 19th – Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4th – Great American Outdoors Act anniversary
- September 27th – National Public Lands Day
- November 11th – Veterans Day
Other Ways to Get Free Entry
For certain individuals, these free entrance days aren’t the only way to gain free entry into national parks all over the U.S. There are various passes that can grant you free access year-round.
Military Annual Pass and Military Lifetime Pass
The Military Annual Pass is available for active military members and their families, and veterans and Gold Star families can get a Military Lifetime Pass. These two passes allow free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all U.S. national parks.
4th Grade Pass
The 4th Grade Pass grants free entry to national parks and other federal lands for fourth graders and their families. It’s open to all U.S. fourth graders, including homeschoolers, for the duration of their school year. To be eligible for this pass, you simply have to visit a park with a fourth grader and present a valid paper voucher from the Every Kid Outdoors website.
Lifetime Access Pass for People with Disabilities
This Lifetime Access Pass is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have a permanent disability. All that’s required is proof of your disability, and then you can make the most of free lifetime entry to national parks and discounts on certain amenities like camping.
Ways to Save Money on Entry
Don’t worry if you don’t qualify for any of these free passes. There are still a few other ways that you can save money on entry fees to U.S. national parks. While they may not make your park visit completely free, these tricks can still help you get out into the wild on a tighter budget.
America the Beautiful Pass
Treating yourself to an America the Beautiful Pass can open up a world of free entry to national parks and various other sites. For the price of $80, you and all other passengers in your car can enjoy unlimited entrance to parks for a whole year! This pass is ideal for individuals or families who want to get out into nature pretty often.
Senior Discount
If you’re over the age of 62, you can make the most of senior discounts on lifetime and annual passes, making a lifetime pass $80 and reducing an annual pass to only $20. These passes will grant you and the people you’re with free entry and discounts on amenities like camping and tours. If you’re not over 62 yourself, just make sure you visit parks with someone who is!
Annual Pass
You could invest in a park-specific annual pass if you plan on visiting a single national park multiple times in a year, as this could save you valuable cash! These annual passes often pay for themselves after just a few visits, which makes them a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.
