The National Park Service has announced that it will be offering free admission to U.S. national parks on six specific days in 2024. With more than 400 national parks in the country, most of them already offer free entrance all year round. However, there are 109 parks that typically charge an entrance fee, including popular destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Glacier national parks. These parks usually charge fees ranging from $20 to $35 per vehicle, while some may charge per person or have different fees for motorcycles.
The following are the six designated days in 2024 when all parks that generally charge an entrance fee will waive them:
– January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
– April 20: First day of National Park Week.
– June 19: Juneteenth.
– August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.
– September 28: National Public Lands Day.
– November 11: Veterans Day.
If you’re planning to visit a park during one of the 2024 free entrance days, it’s worth considering whether buying an annual pass would make more financial sense depending on your itinerary. Mary Cropper, a travel advisor and senior U.S. specialist at Audley Travel, suggests doing the math before deciding. The annual pass costs $80 and grants unlimited entrance to national parks and other federal recreation areas. Some groups may qualify for reduced-price or free annual passes.
For those planning to visit multiple parks in one trip, purchasing an annual pass could be a better option. Otherwise, you may end up paying the standard entrance fee for each park outside of the free entrance days. Cropper emphasizes the importance of evaluating your specific travel plans to determine the most cost-effective choice.
In 2022, there were nearly 312 million visits to national parks, showcasing a significant increase of around 10% over the past decade. Although this figure falls short of the record set in 2016 during the National Park Service centennial, it still demonstrates a rising trend in park visitation. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its associated travel restrictions contributed to the surge in domestic outdoor trips as Americans sought safe and accessible recreational opportunities.
According to Mary Cropper, the current popularity of national parks is unprecedented, and she anticipates that visitor numbers will continue to climb. This increasing demand for outdoor experiences highlights the importance of making reservations well in advance to secure access to some parks.
While free entrance is provided on the designated days, it’s important to note that some parks may require separate reservations to enter in 2024. These online reservations generally entail a fee of $2 or more. For instance, Yosemite National Park recently implemented an advance reservation system for weekends from April 13 to June 30, and August 17 to October 27, including holidays. Additionally, reservations will be necessary every day from July 1 to August 16.
It is essential for visitors to stay updated on any specific reservation requirements for the parks they plan to visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The National Park Service’s initiative to offer free admission to U.S. national parks on designated days in 2024 presents a remarkable opportunity for individuals and families to explore the natural wonders of the country. With a wide range of parks available, both free and with entrance fees, visitors have the flexibility to choose the option that suits their travel plans and budget. Whether you decide to take advantage of the free entrance days or invest in an annual pass, the wealth of outdoor experiences and unparalleled beauty of the national parks are waiting to be discovered.