What Does It Actually Cost to Visit a National Park?
National park entrance fees range from completely free to $35 per vehicle. This guide breaks down every fee, every free park, and every discount available so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises at the gate.
Parks That Are Always Free
These 11 national parks charge zero entrance fee — you can walk or drive in anytime:
- Great Smoky Mountains — The most visited park in the country, free forever (due to a deed restriction)
- Congaree — South Carolina's old-growth forest
- Cuyahoga Valley — Ohio's urban escape
- Hot Springs — Arkansas' thermal baths
- Gateway Arch — St. Louis landmark (tram ride costs extra)
- Indiana Dunes — Lake Michigan shoreline
- Joshua Tree — Wait, no — Joshua Tree charges $30. Check the NPS website before each visit; fees change.
- Channel Islands — The boat ride costs $63+ but the park itself is free
- Redwood — No entrance fee
- Voyageurs — Minnesota's water park
- Theodore Roosevelt — North Dakota's badlands
The Most Expensive Parks to Enter
These parks charge the highest per-vehicle entrance fees (7-day pass):
| Park | Fee (Per Vehicle) |
|---|---|
| Yellowstone | $35 |
| Grand Canyon | $35 |
| Yosemite | $35 |
| Zion | $30 |
| Glacier | $35 |
| Rocky Mountain | $30 |
| Acadia | $30 |
| Grand Teton | $35 |
| Bryce Canyon | $35 |
| Joshua Tree | $30 |
Per-Person Fees (No Car? No Problem)
Some parks charge per person instead of per vehicle if you arrive on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle:
- Yellowstone: $20 per person (vs. $35 per vehicle)
- Grand Canyon: $20 per person
- Yosemite: $15 per person
Motorcycle Fees
Motorcyclists pay a reduced rate, typically $15-30 per motorcycle for 7 days. The America the Beautiful pass covers one motorcycle.
Annual and Lifetime Passes
| Pass | Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| America the Beautiful Annual | $80 | All federal recreation sites for 1 year |
| Senior Lifetime | $80 | All sites, age 62+ |
| Senior Annual | $20 | All sites, age 62+ |
| Military | Free | Current military and dependents |
| Access (disability) | Free | Permanent disability |
| 4th Grade | Free | September through August of 4th grade year |
| Volunteer | Free | 250+ volunteer hours |
Free Entrance Days (2026)
The NPS waives all entrance fees on these dates:
- January 20 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 19 — First day of National Park Week
- August 4 — Great American Outdoors Act anniversary
- September 27 — National Public Lands Day
- November 11 — Veterans Day
Beyond Entrance Fees: Additional Costs
Entrance fees are just the beginning. Budget for:
- Camping: $15-35/night for tent sites, $35-50/night for RV hookups
- Backcountry permits: $10-25 per trip
- Guided tours: $15-100+ per person
- Lodging: $100-600/night for in-park lodges (book early)
- Food: Park restaurants and lodges charge premium prices. Bring your own when possible.
The Math: When Does the Pass Pay Off?
| Parks Visited Per Year | Entrance Fees | Pass Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30-35 | $80 | -$45 to -$50 |
| 2 | $60-70 | $80 | -$10 to -$20 |
| 3 | $90-105 | $80 | +$10 to +$25 |
| 5 | $150-175 | $80 | +$70 to +$95 |
Budget your trip and compare parks in our complete national park rankings.
Money-Saving Strategies
The America the Beautiful pass math is simple: If you plan to visit 3+ parks in a year, buy the $80 pass. It covers entrance fees for the pass holder and all passengers in their vehicle (up to 4 adults at per-person sites).
Military and senior passes are an even better deal:
- Active military: Free — show military ID at any entrance
- Seniors 62+: $80 lifetime — never pay entrance fees again
- 4th graders: Free — the Every Kid Outdoors program gives all 4th graders a free pass for the entire school year
- Access pass (permanent disability): Free — lifetime pass with no expiration
Book park-adjacent lodging — you'll spend your savings on better accommodation.