Entry prices at national parks have risen, but so have opportunities for Americans to gain FREE admission. Are you aware that:

• Veterans get permanent free admission to the national parks.

• Fourth grade students and their families get free admission as part of the                                         program.

• US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities get FREE lifetime passes (Access Pass).

• Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program get FREE passes.

• 2022 FREE DAYS FOR EVERYONE

  Date                           Event                         

   Jan. 17, 2022      Martin Luther King Jr. Day      

  April 16, 2022      First day of National Park Week   

  Aug. 4, 2022       Great American Outdoors Act day 

  Sept. 24, 2022     National Public Lands Day           
  Nov. 11, 2022     Veterans Day                             

Free days in national parks are offered here:

Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville and New Smyrna Beach   

Castillo De San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine  

Everglades National Park, Miami and Homestead

Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulf Springs

Free days in Florida state parks:

Sept. 8 – International Literacy Day – Admission is waived for anyone who has a library card, a book checked out from the library or donates a new or gently used, family-friendly book at any state park.

Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day

The fee waiver does not cover expanded amenity or user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

How veterans can get free admission to national parks

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families get free admission to national parks plus wildlife refuges and other sites managed by the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Only admission is free, not activities such as camping, tours or special recreation permits.

Veterans include those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard and Reserves. One of these forms of ID is required when entering a national park:

• Department of Defense Identification Card (CAC Card)

• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

• Veteran ID Card

• Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card

Free admission extends to travel companions in the same single, private non-commercial vehicle OR the veteran or voucher-holder and three persons (16 and older).

Gold Star families must download a voucher and certify they qualify.

Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents can enter national parks for free with a Military Pass through the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program.

Access Pass

US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

How to purchase:

• In person: Find a location to purchase this pass at a federal recreation site.

• Online: Order this free pass from the USGS Store.

• Mail: Purchase a Senior Pass using an application form (558KB PDF) that can be exchanged through mail. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is $10 for processing the application (the pass is free)

Volunteer Pass

Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program

How to obtain: Volunteers should contact their volunteer coordinator for more information.