There’s only 1 fee-free national park day left this year, and it’s almost here

In recognition of Veterans Day, the National Park Service (NPS) will waive admission fees at all sites and parks on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for eligible visitors as part of its Free Entrance Days initiative. It’s the final scheduled fee-free day of the year.

The NPS manages more than 430 sites across the country, including 64 national parks (the newest, Chiricahua in Arizona, was redesignated last month), national monuments, historic sites, battlefields and other protected areas. While many of these places are free to visit year-round, most of the larger national parks we’ve come to know and love charge entrance fees of up to $35 for a private vehicle. 

But on certain days of the year, the NPS waives entry fees. 

Federal law has long required parks that charge admission to designate at least one fee-free day each year. Over time, the fee-free calendar has expanded to recognize a variety of national holidays and historic anniversaries.

While the NPS has yet to announce its official fee-free dates for 2027, here’s a look at the holidays and anniversaries recognized in 2026 that could return next year. 

The following dates are based on the 2026 National Park Service calendar and have not yet been confirmed for 2027.

Possible fee-free park entrance days in 2027

Presidents’ Day 

Officially known as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day honors the nation’s first president and is recognized as a celebration of U.S. presidents. The holiday falls on the third Monday in February (next year, that’s Feb. 15, 2027), creating a three-day weekend ideal for an outdoorsy getaway. Check out the national parks best enjoyed during the winter season for inspiration.

Memorial Day

Observed on the last Monday in May (next year, that’s May 31, 2027), Memorial Day honors U.S. military members who died while serving their country. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season.

Flag Day

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777. The date is also President Donald Trump’s birthday, which the administration added to the national park fee-free calendar in 2026. Whether the combined observance will return on June 14, 2027, has not yet been confirmed.

Independence Day

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In 2026, the NPS extended free admission across the July 3 to 5 holiday weekend, rather than limiting it to July 4. Next year, Independence Day falls on Sunday, July 4, 2027, and the federal holiday will be observed on Monday, July 5; it has not yet been confirmed if next year will also see an extended holiday fee waiver.

National Park Service birthday 

The National Park Service was established on Aug. 25, 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation creating the agency. The NPS will turn 111 on Aug. 25, 2027, and it lines up very well for an end-of-summer outing. Consider a pet-friendly park and get the whole family involved.

Constitution Day 

Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787. The occasion is relevant to many historic sites managed by the National Park Service, including battlefields, presidential homes, monuments and other places connected to American history. Consider a more history-focused trip in honor of the occasion if the fee-free date returns on Friday, Sept. 17, 2027.

Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday 

President Theodore Roosevelt played an important role in the country’s conservation history, helping establish national forests, wildlife refuges and national monuments. His legacy remains closely connected to the national park system and his adventurous spirit. The late-October date (Oct. 27, 2027) can coincide with peak fall foliage in many parts of the country.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day honors all Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2006, U.S. veterans, members of the military, and their families received free entry to most public lands on Veterans Day. Two decades later, it’s one of the traditional fee-free days. Next year it falls on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2027.

What to know about fee-free entry days

The waiver covers standard entrance fees at National Park Service sites on the designated day; some parks charge up to $35 for a private vehicle for a seven-day pass, though the exact amount and duration vary by park. 

However, fee-free days do not cover additional expenses like camping, guided tours, special permits or reservation fees. Parks that require timed-entry reservations may still enforce those requirements even when admission is free. 

Beginning in 2026, fee-free admission was limited to U.S. citizens and residents. At 11 national parks (Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion), non-residents must still pay the park’s standard entrance fee, plus a $100 fee per person aged 16 or older, unless they have a qualifying pass.

How to save on a national park trip any time of year

For travelers who visit national parks regularly, purchasing an annual pass can be a better value than planning trips around a handful of free days.

Get a national park pass

The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 annually ($250 for nonresidents) and covers entrance fees at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks. Passes are available for purchase at federal recreation sites and through official online channels, including Recreation.gov.

Annual passes are valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, so visitors can purchase any time of year and receive full value. Several groups also qualify for discounted or free passes:

• Seniors: U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 and older can purchase an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80.

• Veterans and Gold Star families: Eligible individuals qualify for a free lifetime Military Pass.

• Active duty military: Current U.S. military members and eligible dependents qualify for a free annual Military Pass.

• People with permanent disabilities: Eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents can receive a free lifetime Access Pass.

• Volunteers: People who complete 250 hours of qualifying volunteer service at federal recreation sites can earn a free annual pass.

Bring your fourth-grader

Through the Every Kid Outdoors program, eligible U.S. fourth-grade students and their families get free admission for the school year (Sept. 1 to Aug. 31).

Choose a free national park

Not all national parks charge an entry fee. For free national park admission any day of the year, check out participating parks like Biscayne National Park in Florida, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota — one of our favorites for stargazing.

For the latest fee-free dates, pass prices and entrance requirements, visit the National Park Service’s official passes page before planning your trip.