Free national park visits? There’s no entrance fee on these 5 days in 2020
Mark your calendars, nature lovers.
Every national park across the United States — from Yosemite and Joshua Tree in California to Shenandoah in Virginia — will offer free admission on five special days in 2020, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and Veterans Day, the National Park Service said in a news release.
“Across the country, more than 400 national parks preserve significant natural and cultural areas, each one an important piece of our national identity and heritage,” National Park Service Deputy Director David Vela said in a statement. “Free entrance days serve as additional motivation for people to get outside and enjoy these places of inspiration and recreation.”
The first day that park entrance fees are waived in 2020 comes in January, and the rest are spread roughly evenly throughout the year.
Here’s the full list:
● Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
● Saturday, April 18: First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
● Tuesday, Aug. 25: National Park Service Birthday
● Saturday, Sept. 26: National Public Lands Day
● Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
The National Park Service noted that the free admission day policy “does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.”
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There are 110 national parks across the country that usually charge for admission, with prices ranging from $5 to $35, according to park rangers. But for the 309 other federally-run parks in the U.S., there’s no charge to get in on a regular day, park rangers aid.
And free days aren’t the only way to get a deal on a national park visit.
“There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, active duty members of the U.S. military, families of fourth grade students, and disabled citizens,” park rangers said.
For frequent park visitors, it might be cheapest to invest in an $80 one-year America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass: The pass promises unlimited admission at “more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks,” according to the National Park Service.
