As outdoor activities boom in popularity, travelers are more excited about U.S. National Parks than ever. Want to get some fresh air at one of our country’s most treasured sites? You’re in luck.
National parks offer free entry a handful of days throughout the year, and two are coming up in August. On Aug. 4 and again on Aug. 25, you can get into you can get into any of America’s national parks for free in celebration of the Great American Outdoors Act and the National Park Service’s birthday. And there are still a few other days throughout the year you can get in free, too!
The U.S. is packed with some incredible national parks that showcase the country’s diverse beauty – and there’s at least one park in every state. There’s the Grand Canyon in Arizona, an unbeatable collection of parks like Zion and Canyonlands in Utah, the tranquility of Glacier National Park in Montana, Yosemite in California, and so much more.
But just be warned: You may not be alone. Many of the country’s most popular national parks are practically bursting at the seams this summer, with long lines and waits – and in some cases, parks at capacity.
In all, the U.S. has 63 national parks you can access for free on these days, like Bryce Canyon in Utah.
Thrifty Tip: Did you know that fourth graders (and their families) can get into all national parks free for an entire year?
But free entry goes beyond those major national parks, as it also extends to all 400-plus sites that the National Park Service manages. Entrance fees at national parks typically range from $20 to $35.
Next month are a few of the free days for 2021:
- Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Aug. 25: National Park Service Birthday
- Sept. 25: National Public Lands Day
- Nov. 11: Veterans Day
These fee-free days are worth capitalizing on if you’re nearby or making a road trip to a national park. But if your plans don’t line up with these free days and you’re planning to hit several national parks this year, take a look at into the year-long “America the Beautiful” national parks pass.
At $80 for the annual pass, you’ll start saving money after visiting just three or more national parks.
Got some points and miles to use up? Here’s how to do a National Parks road trip completely on points and miles.
Looking for a cheap flight to get you to your bucket list parks? We’ve seen flight prices drop on national parks destinations. Yep, even to places like Crater Lake in Oregon!
Bottom Line
Our national parks are special places. There’s so much to see in our own backyards, especially during a time where domestic travel and enjoying the outdoors are top of travelers’ minds. Take advantage of this opportunity to get into any park for free in August or later this fall!