Unsplash/Elliott Engelmann | Guide to National Park Entry Fees
Article Summary: National Park Entry Fees, National Park Entrance Fees, National Park Passes
Visiting national parks often requires spending quite a bit of money. You have to travel, stay overnight, pay for gasoline, purchase necessary gear, and sometimes you need to pay national park entrance fees.
To help you plan your trip, we’re breaking down every national park that charges an entrance fee. Keep reading to see which national parks charge, which are free, and how much each one will cost. Hopefully, by planning ahead with knowledge of national park entry fees, you’ll have a smoother trip.
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions About National Park Entry Fees
How Many National Parks Charge An Entrance Fee?
At the time of this posting, 108 of the 429 national parks charge an entrance fee. The others are free!
Keep reading to learn which parks charge entry fees and how much they are.
Unsplash/Johannes Andersson
What Do My National Park Entry Fees Pay For?
The National Park Service uses the fees collected at entrance stations to improve your national parks. Examples include park maintenance, visitor safety, facility enhancement, accessibility improvements, visitor services, and habitat restoration. Here’s a quote from the official website:
The current Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) allows the National Park Service to collect and retain revenue and requires that fee revenue is used to enhance visitor experience. At least 80 percent of funding from recreation fees stays in the park where it is collected, and the other 20 percent is used to benefit parks that do not collect fees or parks which generate only a small amount of revenue.
At most national parks, your entry fee grants admission for 7 days. Some national parks may have exceptions. For example, Rocky Mountain National Park also offers 1-day admission for a slightly cheaper rate.
How Can I Save Money When Traveling to National Parks?
Easy – purchase an America the Beautiful Pass! This $80 annual pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Typically, if you visit three national parks in that period, it will pay for itself. It’s also valid at all federal public lands, so you’ll also get free entry to Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management sites.
If you live near a national park, check to see if that park offers its own annual pass. Some parks, like Acadia, offer a $70 annual pass that covers your entrance to Acadia for the full year. It won’t grant you admission to any other national parks.
Some parks only charge entrance fees during certain times of the year. You could visit in the off-season for a cheaper experience.
Are National Parks Ever Free? ALl About Fee-Free Days
Another way to save money is to plan your visit when there are no fees.
Several times each year, the National Park Service waives admission for a day. This is often to commemorate holidays or other special events.
A complete list of fee-free days is available here.
What Does My Entry Fee Include?
Your entrance fee is just that: your entrance fee. It covers your admission to the national park. It doesn’t include fees for other activities like camping or guided tours.
Most park admission includes entry for everyone in your vehicle. However, some parks don’t have entrance stations you drive through. These parks often charge a fee per person.
Unsplash/Colin Lloyd
Do National Park Entry Fees Include Timed Entry Permits and Reservations?
No, your national park entry fee is not the same as a timed entry permit or reservation. Due to overcrowding, many national parks are now requiring timed entry permits to enter or participate in certain activities.
National parks that require additional permits include:
NOTE: The entrance fee at Lassen Volcanic National Park changes based on the time of year you visit. Entry to Sequoia National Park includes entry to Kings Canyon National Park (and vice versa)
NOTE: The entrance fee at Mesa Verde National Park changes based on the time of year you visit. Rocky Mountain National Park offers 1-day and 7-day admission options.
National Parks in the U.S. Virgin Islands That Charge Entry Fees
NATIONAL PARK
VEHICLES
MOTORCYCLES
PEDESTRIANS
ANNUAL PASS
OTHER
Christiansted NHS
N/A
N/A
$10
N/A
Virginia National Parks That Charge Entry Fees
NATIONAL PARK
VEHICLES
MOTORCYCLES
PEDESTRIANS
ANNUAL PASS
OTHER
Assateague Island NS
$25
$20
N/A
$45
Colonial NHP
N/A
N/A
$15
$45
Additional Fees May Apply
Great Falls Park
$20
$15
$10
$35
Harpers Ferry NHP
$20
$15
$10
$35
Prince William Forest Park
$20
$15
$10
$35
Shenandoah NP
$30
$25
$15
$55
NOTES: Colonial National Historical Park charges an additional $30 per person fee to visit Historic Jamestowne. Great Falls Park is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Driving this parkway is free, but you’ll need to pay admission to visit Great Falls.
Riley has been visiting national parks for as long as she can remember. Her newest passion is sharing her love of national parks with the world by planning trips, writing about her travels, and offering advice. One day, Riley hopes to visit all 429 national parks.
