Discover the breathtaking, affordable wonders of America’s national parks

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This land is your land, this land is my land

A little more than 150 years ago, Congress established Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming. They marked the territory as a public park “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

But Yellowstone was just the beginning.

In the decades that followed, the federal government went on to designate hundreds more national parks and monuments, especially in the sprawling landscapes of the West.

Today, the National Park System comprises more than 420 areas across more than 84 million acres. For comparison, if our national parks were a country, they’d exceed the land masses of the countries of Norway, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

From the redwood forests to the gulf stream waters

However, our National Parks Systems’ enormity is not its only remarkable aspect. The sheer richness of nature it provides is limitless.

Among the parks, you can experience nearly every landscape imaginable … including rolling hills, expansive fields, lush wetlands, vast prairies, majestic snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, and a multitude of forests and woodlands.

Truly, there’s something for everyone and for every season.

This land was made for you and me

Because of that historic phrase — “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people” — our national parks remain an incredible vacation value. The 2023 vehicle entry fees range from $5 – $35 per day. And individual annual park passes can be bought for anywhere from $35 to $70.

Don’t want to spend that much? Good news! There are plenty of ways to save on fees.

For example, the National Park Service generally has five Free Entrance Days per year: Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the first day of National Park Week, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day. You can find the 2023 dates on the Free Entrance Days in the National Parks page.

If you’re planning a road trip and want to save even more, check out these savings programs.

Please note: All six passes below provide access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks. Some are annual passes; some are lifetime passes.

America the Beautiful Pass

This is an annual national park pass. It costs $80, but it provides a significant discount for those who plan to visit multiple national parks within a year.

Senior Pass

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 years or older for a one-time fee of $80. It may also provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees.

Military Pass

This is a free annual pass for current U.S. military members and their dependents.

Lifetime Military Pass

This is a free lifetime pass for Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans. In addition to the 2,000 federal recreation sites and national parks access, this pass also provides access to wildlife refuges and forests.

Access Pass

This is a free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have a permanent disability. The pass may also provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees.

Every Kid Outdoors Program

This is a free annual pass for fourth-grade students and their families.

Are you ready to go walking that freedom highway?

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, embark on an extraordinary adventure through America’s National Park System. No matter where you go, you’ll encounter awe-inspiring landscapes, immerse yourself in captivating history, and create lifelong memories.