1. Overview of Free National Park Days
A visit to America’s beautiful national parks is always a good idea, and it’s even sweeter when that visit is free. Thankfully, there are several free days in 2023 when the National Park Service waives entrance fees at all parks across the country. These free days occur throughout the year and coincide with national holidays and anniversary milestones.
2. Free Entry Days in 2023
In 2023, visitors can enjoy free entry on the following days:
- Jan. 16 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
- April 22 – First day of National Park Week
- Aug. 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day
3. Important Considerations
On fee-free days, parks waive the entrance fees; however, this does not include amenity or user fees for camping, transportation, or special tours. Most national parks are free to visit year-round, but various popular parks charge an entrance fee.
4. Examples of National Parks with Entrance Fees
Examples of national parks that charge entrance fees include:
- Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska
- Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
- Yosemite National Park in California
- Everglades National Park in Florida
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Badlands National Park in South Dakota
5. Additional Information
A full list of parks waiving entrance fees on these days is available on the NPS website. In addition to fee-free days, the NPS offers an annual pass for $80, which grants holders unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that typically charge an entrance fee.
