The National Park Service 2025 Fee-Free Days

Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of America's National Parks? In 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) invites everyone to plan and prepare for their next national park trip early. The National Park Service will waive the entrance fee to national parks on six days —an opportunity to experience the wonders of nature, culture, and history without the cost of entry! 

On six designated days throughout the year, all visitors can enjoy free entrance to more than 400 national parks across the country. Whether you are a family looking for a weekend getaway, friends seeking a memorable outing, or even solo adventurers desiring to connect with nature, fee-free entrance days make it easier for everyone to explore the parks. 

Plan a National Park Trip: 

1. With over 400 national parks, monuments, and historic sites, there’s something for everyone. Visit NPS.gov/findapark to explore the park options nearest you. Review your entrance pass options before you arrive. 

2. Pick a date that works for you to visit and keeping in mind seasonal changes, how much daylight you’ll need, and if you need to get to the park early in the day to get parking or take advantage of lower temperatures.  

3.  Some national parks require advanced reservations for camping, lodging, or timed entry. Research and book early to secure your spot, especially for popular parks. 

4. Review the possible activities, including ranger-led programs, scenic hikes, tours, etc. Planning allows you to maximize your experience while balancing active days with relaxation. Consider your experience and skill level when picking your activity. 

5.  Sometimes, travel plans might change last minute. Do your research to know what else the park has to offer if your plans change. Make sure you check the park website or the NPS App for updated conditions, weather, seasonal closures, and alerts. 

6.  Plan and pack essentials like water, appropriate clothing, maps, etc. Download park maps for offline use from the NPS App so you can find your way even if there’s no Wi-Fi. Note that water might be hard to come by in some parks, so make sure you bring your own, especially if you’ll be outside for a while. 

Visit www.nps.gov for announcements regarding specific Free Entrance Days information, suggested itineraries, and informative articles highlighting parks near you.  www.nps.gov