April 20 marks the beginning of National Park Week, a nine-day celebration that allows visitors to explore the beauty of national parks across the United States. As a special treat, on April 20, the federal government is waiving entrance fees for all national parks. This is a great opportunity for nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the wonders of these protected areas without any cost.
The National Park Service oversees a total of 429 park sites in the U.S., with 63 designated as national parks. The remaining sites include national monuments, national battlefields, and national historic sites. While most of these sites offer free entrance year-round, there are 108 parks that do charge entrance fees, including popular destinations like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, and Yosemite national parks. On April 20, however, these entrance fees, which typically range from $20 to $35 per vehicle, will be waived, allowing visitors to enjoy these iconic parks for free.
In addition to April 20, there are five other days throughout the year when access to all national parks is free. These days include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on January 15, Juneteenth on June 19, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act on August 4, National Public Lands Day on September 28, and Veterans Day on November 11. While these days offer free entry to the parks, some parks may still require additional reservations for entry, which may come with an extra fee.
For instance, Yosemite National Park in California requires reservations to drive into or through the park during peak hours on certain days. These reservations cost $2, are nonrefundable, and are valid for three consecutive days. In some cases, it may be more economical for visitors to purchase an annual national park pass, priced at $80, which grants unlimited entrance to national parks and other federal recreation areas. Some groups may even qualify for reduced-price or free annual passes, making it a cost-effective option for frequent park visitors or those planning to visit multiple parks in one trip.
As Mary Cropper, a travel advisor and senior U.S. specialist at Audley Travel, suggests, it’s important to consider your travel itinerary and do the math to determine the most cost-effective option. Purchasing an annual pass may make sense for those planning multiple park visits, while for others, taking advantage of the free entrance days like April 20 can be a great way to explore the natural beauty of national parks without breaking the bank. Ultimately, whether you choose to visit on a free entrance day or invest in an annual pass, the opportunity to experience the wonders of national parks is one that should not be missed.