Exploring the breathtaking beauty of America’s national parks offers a unique opportunity for travelers, but deciding when to visit can be challenging. The National Park Service (NPS) enhances this experience by offering seven entrance fee-free days in 2025. These special days are designed to celebrate the country’s national parks and encourage outdoor recreation.
Across the United States, over 400 park sites are overseen by the NPS, with entrance fees typically ranging from $5 to $35. In 2025, visitors can explore these parks without an admission fee on the following days:
- January 9 – National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter, Jr.
- January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 19 – First day of National Park Week
- June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4 – Great American Outdoors Day
- September 28 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
If these dates do not fit into personal schedules, there are other ways to save on park visits. The NPS offers various passes and discounts to U.S. military families, veterans, disabled citizens, senior citizens, and fourth graders. Details are available on the NPS website. An “America the Beautiful” annual pass, priced at $80, provides access to all national parks. Planning a road trip to areas with multiple parks nearby can maximize the value of these annual passes.
Prime Destinations for Park Enthusiasts
Several regions within the United States offer clusters of national parks, making them ideal destinations for travelers looking to explore multiple sites.
California features the close-knit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A ticket to one provides access to both, allowing visitors to experience the largest tree in the world and the most massive tree by trunk volume, along with stunning natural beauty akin to Yosemite.
South Dakota offers a trifecta of iconic sites: Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and Badlands National Park. Wind Cave is notable for its unique boxwork formations, while Badlands offers vast prairies and striking geological features. This area also hosts other attractions like the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park.
Wyoming presents Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, located just miles apart. Yellowstone is renowned for its hydrothermal wonders, including Old Faithful, while Grand Teton boasts its towering mountain ranges, offering rewarding outdoor adventures.
New Mexico and Texas provide easy access to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. These parks, connected by the National Parks Highway, feature breathtaking underground caverns and rugged mountain landscapes.
Utah is a haven for national park enthusiasts, housing five stunning parks. Visitors can enjoy the close proximity of Canyonlands and Arches, as well as Bryce Canyon and Zion, with Capitol Reef also within a reasonable distance. Utah serves as a springboard to parks in nearby Colorado and Arizona.
Practical Tips for Park Visits
When planning a national park visit, consider factors beyond entrance fees, such as weather and crowd levels. Each park has its own operating hours, which can vary seasonally, and the NPS website provides up-to-date information on conditions, activities, and tours. The period from May to September offers favorable weather conditions and a variety of activities, although visitors should anticipate higher crowd levels during the summer months.
Your World Now
The opportunity to explore America’s national parks without an entrance fee can greatly enhance the travel experience, especially for those on a budget. These fee-free days offer a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors without the financial burden. Travelers can plan visits that align with these dates to make the most of their time and resources, potentially discovering new destinations and parks they might not have otherwise considered.
For local communities surrounding these national parks, the fee-free days can lead to increased tourism and economic activity, benefiting small businesses and local economies. Park visits can also foster a greater appreciation for the natural world, promoting conservation efforts and environmental awareness among visitors.
As 2025 approaches, travelers are encouraged to mark these fee-free days on their calendars and plan their adventures, taking full advantage of the natural beauty that America’s national parks have to offer.