Entrance fees for all of America’s national parks will be waived this Friday in commemoration of the anniversary of the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act.
Enacted in 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act paved the way for increased funding, expanded recreational opportunities, and infrastructure improvements within the National Park system and other public lands.
Designated by the National Park Service, Friday is one of five fee-free days this year. The first fee-free day since April 22, this event marks the beginning of National Park Week.
While entrance to the parks is free for visitors, amenities within the park such as camping, boat launches, and tours still incur charges.
With more than 400 park sites available to visit every day, including 63 officially designated National Parks, there is a wealth of natural beauty for visitors to explore. Many parks, recreational areas, and historical sites offer free admission daily, but most National Parks charge an entrance fee which can range from $5 per person to $35 per vehicle.
Fee-free days are designed to encourage Americans to experience the breathtaking outdoor vistas provided by the expansive National Park system without financial worries.
California is home to the largest number of National Parks, with nine in total: Channel Islands, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. Seven of these parks, excluding Channel Islands and Redwood, charge entry fees.
If visiting a National Park this Friday is not possible, other free visitation opportunities will be available on National Public Lands Day (September 23) and Veterans Day (November 11). Additionally, the National Park Service sells an $80 annual pass that allows unlimited entry to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that charge entrance fees. Discounts are also available for senior citizens, active-duty military personnel, disabled citizens, and fourth-grade student families.