Free Entrance Days to U.S. National Parks in 2024

Image: Discover the free entrance days to U.S. national parks in 2024

In 2024, the National Park Service will offer free admission to 109 U.S. national parks on six specific days. These parks typically charge an entrance fee, which ranges from $20 to $35 per vehicle. The free entrance days are as follows:

1. January 15: Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday
2. April 20: The first day of National Park Week
3. June 19: Juneteenth
4. August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
5. September 28: National Public Lands Day
6. November 11: Veterans Day

While many national parks offer free entrance all the time, some of the most popular parks, such as Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Glacier national parks, charge entrance fees.

Considering purchasing an annual pass

If you plan to visit multiple parks during the free entrance days, it may be more cost-effective to buy an annual pass. The $80 annual pass grants unlimited access to national parks and other federal recreation areas for a whole year. Some groups may even qualify for reduced-price or free annual passes.

Separate reservations may be required

Due to the increasing popularity of national parks, some parks may require a separate reservation to enter in 2024. These online reservations typically carry a fee of $2 or more. For example, Yosemite National Park has announced that visitors will need to purchase an advance reservation for weekends from April 13 to June 30, as well as holidays and every day from July 1 to August 16.

In conclusion, the National Park Service offers free entrance to 109 U.S. national parks on six days in 2024. If you plan to visit multiple parks, purchasing an annual pass may be a more cost-effective option. Additionally, some parks may require separate reservations, which usually come with a fee.