The National Park Service just gave nature lovers an early Christmas gift: the list of their annual free park dates for 2024. There's nothing like getting to experience the wonder of nature in our national parks (especially the less-crowded ones). But going for free tends to make the experience just a little better, especially if visiting the parks isn't exactly in your 2024 budget.
The entrance fee-free days for 2024 are:
- Jan. 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 20 - First day of National Park Week
- June 19 - Juneteenth
- Aug. 4 - Great American Outdoors Day
- Sept. 28 - National Public Lands Day
- Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
The fee waiver only applies to the park entrance fee, not campsites, boat launches, tours, transportation, or other paid activities offered within the parks. Park entry is always free for veterans and their families, and parents of fourth graders can get a free park entry pass for the year. On top of that, over 300 of the nation's 400 national parks have free entry year-round, ensuring that everyone has access to nature.
"National parks are places that awaken senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and foster joy," National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a news release. "The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country."
Typically, park entrance fees range from $10 to $35, with most of the fee staying in the park where it was collected. Entrance fees support many aspects of the parks, including amenities in the visitor's center, ranger programs, wildlife habitat restoration, and expanding accessibility. Fees also go toward improving trails, campgrounds, restrooms, and facilities.
Park enthusiasts can also purchase the $80 annual America the Beautiful National Parks or the Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which gives holders entry into over 2,000 federal recreation areas and all of the national parks.
READ MORE: 9 Best National Parks in the U.S. for Every Kind of Outdoor Adventure
