Visit US National Parks for Free in 2023

Bryce Canyon Hoodoos
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Would you like to visit a National Park for free? Good news! Once again, the US National Parks Service will offer free entrance to all National Park Service sites on select days in 2023. With five dates spread throughout the year, we hope you can find at least one that works for you!

How to Visit US National Parks for Free

COVID-19 Safety: As a reminder, COVID-19 regulations are ever-changing and vary widely from state to state. Check the official park website for updates before visiting.

2023 Entrance Fee-Free Days

  • January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • April 22: First day of National Park Week (also known as Junior Ranger Day)
  • August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • September 23: National Public Lands Day
  • November 11: Veterans Day

You can read the details of all the 2023 entrance fee-free National Park days in this press release.

Not everything is free! Entrance fees are waived on fee-free days, but you will still have to pay for other services including camping, tours, backcountry permits, or fee-based Junior Ranger booklets.

Two children and an adult man behind the Mesa Verde National Park entrance sign
Mesa Verde is just one of the more than 100 National Parks that offer free entrance on select days in 2022.

Other Ways to Visit National Parks for Free

Free Entrance for Fourth Graders

US 4th graders get a FREE National Parks pass for the entire family! Enroll at the Every Kid Outdoors program. Yes, homeschoolers too!

Free Entrance for Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

Veterans and Gold Star families get free entrance to National Parks sites!

Active-duty military and their families continue to be eligible for a free annual America the Beautiful pass.

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