You Can Visit a National Park for Free on These Days in 2023
With more than 400 national parks scattered across the United States, it can get pricey to try to visit them all. While some are free, about a quarter of them charge from $10 to $20 per person to enter,...
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Photo: Maks Ershov (Shutterstock)
With more than 400 national parks scattered across the United States, it can get pricey to try to visit them all. While some are free, about a quarter of them charge from $10 to $20 per person to enter, which can add up for a family. But if you’re planning to hit up the parks next year, there are several days when everyone can get in for free.
What days are free to go to National Parks in 2023?
The following days will be free for everyone to go in any National Park in 2023:
Jan. 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. DayApril 22: First day of National Park WeekAug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors ActSep. 23: National Public Lands DayNov. 11: Veterans DayAs you plan your trips, keep in mind that these are the parks that charge entrance fees. To be extra strategic, visit one of these parks on the free days, and save the always-free parks for another time. Keep in mind, though, that the free days do not include extra activities you could partake once inside the park, such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.
Some people are also eligible for free or discounted National Park entrances all year round through the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass—that includes senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth grade students, and disabled citizens. Check out the eligibility on their website.
To see decide which parks you would like to visit, check out the National Park Service’s “Find Park by State” map. If you decide to road trip to a park, here’s where you can map out the best route to hit multiple parks and find lodging.
