Free Access Days: NPS Opens Doors to National Parks in 2024
In an effort to encourage exploration and accessibility, the United States National Park Service (NPS) has announced the elimination of entrance fees on six designated days in 2024. On these dates, more than 400 national parks will be open to the public at no charge, offering a perfect opportunity for Americans to discover or revisit their favorite natural destinations. The specified free-access days include significant occasions such as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth National Independence Day, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
The waiver applies solely to entrance fees and does not cover amenity or user fees for specific activities. While many national parks are already free every day, this initiative aims to remove barriers and inspire park visits. For regular park enthusiasts, the NPS also offers an annual America the Beautiful pass, providing unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including parks that typically charge entrance fees. Various discounted passes are available for seniors, military members, fourth-grade students’ families, and disabled citizens, ensuring a range of options for park access. Entrance fee revenues contribute to the NPS, with a minimum of 80 percent staying in the park where it was collected, supporting the preservation and enhancement of these natural treasures.
