A National Park Pass, also known as America the Beautiful Pass, provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks. If you love visiting national parks, you’re probably wondering if a National Park pass is worthwhile.
With the annual pass if you’re planning on visiting multiple national parks in a year, the pass can be a cost-effective way to gain entry. For example, if you plan on visiting three or more parks in one year, the cost of a National Park Pass would likely be less than purchasing individual park entrance fees.
What is a National Parks Pass
The National Parks Pass is a pass that allows access to various national parks and other federal recreational lands across the United States. This pass provides a convenient and cost-effective way for visitors to enjoy these lands’ natural beauty and recreation opportunities.
The National Parks Annual Pass is available to US citizens, permanent residents, and individuals visiting the United States from another country.
Individuals can enter parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges with the pass without paying the entrance fee for each site. The pass also supports the preservation of these lands, as the fees collected are used to maintain the parks and protect the wildlife that inhabits them.
Several types of National Parks Passes are available, including the Annual Pass, Military Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, and Volunteer Pass.
Each pass is designed to meet the needs of different types of visitors. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast, a frequent park visitor, or just looking for an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, the National Parks Pass may be a valuable investment.
| Pass Type | Cost | Eligibility |
| Annual | $80 | Everyone |
| Military Annual | Free | Active service members |
| Military Lifetime | Free | Veterans and “Gold Star” family members |
| Senior Annual | $20 | Individuals over the age of 62 |
| Senior Lifetime | $80 | Individuals over the age of 62 |
| Access (Lifetime) | Free | Permanent US residents with permanent disabilities |
| Volunteer (Annual) | Free | Volunteers with 250 service hours with participating federal agencies |
| 4th Grade | Free | 4th Graders during the school year and the following summer |
Annual Pass
The Annual Pass is a type of National Parks Pass valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used by the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
The Annual Pass is an excellent option for individuals or families who plan to visit several parks or federal lands in a year and want to save money on entrance fees.
There is no specific limit to the number of people in the vehicle as long as they all accompany the pass holder.
However, it’s important to note that some parks may have specific restrictions on the number of people or vehicles allowed in a given area, so it’s always a good idea to check with the park before your visit.
The Annual Pass is available online or at participating federal recreation sites. The pass cost is $80, which can be a cost-saving over purchasing individual park entrance fees. It’s important to note that the Annual Pass does not cover camping or other fees for activities such as guided tours or boat launches.
If you only plan on visiting one or two parks, it may not be worth purchasing a pass, as the individual park entrance fees are typically less than a National Park Pass. However, if you qualify for the senior pass or the
It’s also worth mentioning that the Annual Pass can be used at all national parks and other federal lands managed by the National Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. You can access various landscapes with one pass, from mountain ranges and deserts to forests and coastlines.
Military Pass
The Military Annual Pass and the Military Lifetime Pass are both types of National Parks Passes available to US military members and their dependents. However, there are some key differences between the two:
- The Military Annual Pass: This pass provides free access to national parks and other federal recreation lands for one year from the date of issuance. It is available to current active duty, reserve, and National Guard members, as well as dependents of military members. The Military Annual Pass must be renewed annually and is available at no cost.
- The Military Lifetime Pass: This pass provides lifetime access to national parks and other federal recreation lands for the pass holder. It is available to US military veterans and next of kin of armed forces who lost their lives in a war, terrorist attack, or military service outside the US. These family members are considered “Gold Star Family Members.” The Military Lifetime Pass is also free.
In both cases, the pass provides access to national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges and discounts on camping and other park-related fees and activities.
However, the Military Lifetime Pass is a more permanent solution for military members and veterans who want lifetime access to the nation’s parks and federal recreation lands.
Senior Pass
The Senior Pass is a type of National Parks Pass available to US citizens or permanent residents 62 years of age or older. This pass provides access to national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges, as well as discounts on camping and other park-related fees and activities.
The Senior Pass comes in two forms: the Annual Senior Pass and the Lifetime Senior Pass. Here’s how they differ:
- Annual Senior Pass: This pass provides access to national parks and other federal recreation lands for one year from the date of issuance. It can be purchased for $20 and must be renewed each year.
- Lifetime Senior Pass: This pass provides lifetime access to national parks and other federal recreation lands for the pass holder. It can be purchased for a one-time fee of $80.
In both cases, the Senior Pass provides the same access and benefits as other National Parks Passes, including entrance to national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges, as well as discounts on camping and other park-related fees and activities.
Access Pass
The Access Pass is a type of National Parks Pass that provides free access to national parks and other federal recreation lands for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.
The Access Pass is a way for the federal government to provide greater access to recreational opportunities and to support the independence and enjoyment of people with disabilities.
To qualify for the Access Pass, individuals must present documentation of a permanent disability, such as a statement from a licensed physician, proof of disability from a federal agency, or documentation showing that the individual receives disability benefits from the government.
The Access Pass is available at no cost and does not need to be renewed.
The Access Pass provides the same access and benefits as other National Parks Passes, including entrance to national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges, as well as discounts on camping and other park-related fees and activities.
Volunteer Pass
The Volunteer Pass is a type of National Parks Pass that provides free access to national parks and other federal recreation lands for individuals who have completed 250 hours of volunteer service in support of federal recreation lands.
The Volunteer Pass is a way for the federal government to recognize and reward individuals who have made a significant commitment to supporting and preserving America’s public lands.
Eligibility for the Volunteer Pass is based on the completion of 250 hours of volunteer service within a 12-month period.
Volunteer service can be performed in a variety of ways, including trail maintenance, campground support, and visitor center assistance. Individuals must have their volunteer service verified by a federal agency, such as the National Park Service, in order to be eligible for the Volunteer Pass.
The Volunteer Pass provides the same access and benefits as other National Parks Passes, including entrance to national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges, as well as discounts on camping and other park-related fees and activities.
With the Volunteer Pass, individuals who have made a significant commitment to supporting and preserving America’s public lands can experience the beauty and recreational opportunities of these lands, as well as support their continued preservation.
4th Grade
The 4th Grade Pass is a program offered by the National Park Service that provides free access to national parks and other federal recreational lands for fourth-grade students and their families.
The program is designed to encourage students to learn about and explore the natural wonders of the country, and to foster a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors.
To be eligible for the 4th Grade Pass, students must be currently enrolled in the fourth grade (or equivalent) and be a US citizen or permanent resident. The pass is valid for the duration of the school year, and the following summer, (September through August).
It can be used by the student and their family for unlimited visits to federal recreational lands that charge an entrance fee. The pass does not cover camping fees, tour fees, or other amenities.
To obtain a 4th Grade Pass, students can visit the Every Kid in a Park website and complete the online application process. The pass will be sent to the student’s home address and can be used immediately upon receipt.
The 4th Grade Pass program is a great opportunity for families to get outside, explore the country, and learn about the natural wonders of the United States.
Conclusion
A National Parks Pass is a great investment for those who frequently visit national parks, monuments, and other federal recreational lands. It provides unlimited access to over 2,000 recreational sites and can save money in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a National Parks Pass should be based on your personal interests and travel plans, as well as your budget.
Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just someone who loves to explore new places, a National Parks Pass is a valuable investment that can provide you with access to some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the country.