The National Park Service will offer six fee-free days in 2025, making it easier to visit some of the country’s most popular national parks from coast to coast and beyond.
While many parks are free to visit every day of the year, some of the more popular — and crowded — destinations require travelers to pay. However, each year the National Park Service hosts several fee-free days with each aligning with a national holiday or milestone.
In 2025, park goers will be able to enter for free on:
Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King, Jr. DayApril 19 for the first day of National Park WeekJune 19 for Juneteenth Aug. 4 for the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors ActSept. 27 for National Public Lands DayNov. 11 for Veterans Day
“Come experience the national parks!” the National Park Service wrote in a statement about the fee-free days. “All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.”
Parks that typically charge an entrance fee include favorite destinations like Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Yosemite National Park in California, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Badlands National Park in South Dakota. The cost of the fee varies depending on the park.
On fee-free days, entrance fees may be waived, but travelers must still pay fees for activities like camping, boat launches, transportation, and special tours. Any timed entry rules will also still apply.
Beyond the fee-free days, travelers who want to make the most of the country’s national parks should consider signing up for the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The pass costs $80 and allows for unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all of the national parks with entrance fees.
