James Oliver
The updated list of USA’s free national parks where you can explore nature’s wonders without paying entrance fees.
You won’t believe this – I searched on the internet for a proper list of these free national parks, and when I did not find an updated one, I thought, “Why not create one myself?” So, I put in an entire day, collecting info and writing this article. All for fellow budget travelers like us.
It’s a paradise for nature lovers. You can enter for free, all year round! No entrance fees to worry about. You don’t need any fancy entrance pass to get in. Just pack up your gear and head over.
It’s that simple!
This park is part of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. That means you and your pals can get in for free in your vehicle or with up to four adults at spots where there is usually a per-person fee.
If you are planning to visit other National Park Service sites that do charge fees, here is a cool tip to save some money: consider getting an interagency pass from here. It could be a great money-saver for your future adventures!
You will absolutely love Congaree National Park! It’s famous for its stunning old-growth forests and diverse wildlife.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is like a breath of fresh air away from the city buzz near Cleveland and Akron.
You can explore the historic Ohio & Erie Canal route! Just take a stroll or hop on a bike along the Towpath Trail. Getting into this natural paradise won’t cost you.
But wait, there is more! While they don’t ask for money at the gate, they are all about nature conservation. They encourage folks to support the park’s efforts by donating to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
You can cruise down wild rivers, catch the incredible sight of caribou migrations, and soak in the magic as summer days blend into aurora-lit winter nights.
The gates of the Arctic National Park is different from other parks. All you need to do is swing by the visitor centers for a quick backcountry orientation. They will fill you in on important stuff like weather, safety tips, and how to be a nature-respecting explorer.
You can now enjoy the incredible beauty of Great Basin National Park in Nevada for absolutely free! Yep, no entrance fees to worry about.
Just remember, while getting into the park is free, some activities inside might come with a cost.
For example, if you are up for the Lehman Caves Tours – they are super popular – there is a fee per person.
So, if you are a nature lover on a budget, Great Basin National Park is your go-to spot.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an incredible place that stretches across North Carolina and Tennessee, and you can enter it for free, any time of the year!
Starting from March 1, 2023, they have rolled out this new thing called a parking tag program. Basically, if your car is parked there for more than 15 minutes, you will need one of these tags.
And you know what? The whole point of this program is to take care of the park’s roads and stuff.
Pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are a dream comes true for nature lovers like us. You can enter this paradise for free, any time of the year!
So it’s first come, first served. No worries, though. We are spontaneous adventurers, right?
Now, about passes – while they don’t have senior or annual passes, they accept special America the Beautiful passes like the 4th-grade pass, Access pass, and U.S. military pass. You can use these passes here or grab them at nearby national parks.
It’s like a tribute to pioneers and important folks like Thomas Jefferson and Dred Scott. It’s free to get in. No need to worry about entrance passes or anything.
You can explore the park’s grounds without paying. Tram or movie tickets usually come with a $3.00 fee to support the National Park Service, but if you have the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that fee is lifted too.
There’s so much to do. If you are into wildlife viewing, kayaking, camping, or just soaking in the stunning scenery, this place has it all for free!
If you are heading to the Bartlett Cove Primitive Campground, just make sure to attend a quick camper orientation at the Visitor Information Station, and you are all set!
You can explore this beauty without any entrance fees, anytime you want! Whether you are into breathtaking landscapes, the junior ranger program, or guided tours by rangers, it’s all there, and guess what – no fees at all!
Now, here is the deal – to enter the park, you don’t need to pay. But there is something interesting – you can get these special America the Beautiful Passes at the Fordyce Bathhouse.
