National Parks: Get in free!

Описание: Long version:    • Free or economical entry to National Parks.  

The entry fee for major U.S. National Parks has risen to $35, and many accept only electronic payments, raising the concern that some will not go because of the cost or payment difficulties. But there are five free days a year to enter the National Parks, these are: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, The First Day of National Parks Week, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

It is a loosely guarded secret that many parks can be entered when the fee booths are close, without paying a fee. It is a matter of personal conscience whether this is an ethical manner of entering the parks.

Certain people are eligible for free National Parks passes. People with a medically determined permanent disability can get a free lifetime pass. Gold star families and military veterans get a free lifetime pass. Active military and their dependents get a free annual pass, and somewhat oddly, 4th grade students or home-schooled 10-year-olds and their families can get a free academic year 4th grade pass.

For a reasonable fee, other passes are available. Seniors over age 62 can get an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. And everyone, whether a citizen or international visitor, can get an annual pass for $80.

All the passes apply to 4 adults or persons riding in your vehicle. The $80 annual pass can include two names, so to some degree it can be shared among family members or friends.

Entrance fees generate about $200 million a year, or about 5% of the proposed 2024 National Park Service Budget, but that sum does not deduct for the staffing and infrastructure needed to collect and enforce the fees. Entrance fee collection lines can stretch for hours. Think of the pollution, fuel consumption, lost productivity and frustration caused by these entry fee collection points. I would prefer that the revenue be raised from taxes or some other manner, not through this awkward fee collection system. Or maybe electronic passes could be issued and checked like on toll highways.

The National Parks are treasured by hikers, international visitors and families, however, fee collection booths are a remnant of the past that could be eliminated or streamlined. Also, free days for people who do not have electronic payment resources or for whom the fee is a financial strain can be expanded to help make the National Parks more accessible to all.

Whether you are hiking, backpacking, fastpacking, walking, touring or just visiting with the family or grandkids, fee at National Parks make a difference in the budget. Understanding the fee-free days, and eligibility for free passes, or economical passes can help make visits to these national treasures more enjoyable.