Discover the beauty of America’s national parks in 2026! On select dates throughout the year, National Park Service sites that typically charge an entrance fee will offer free admission for all visitors.
Before heading out, be sure to check each park’s official website for current operating hours, conditions, and updates.
Mark Your Calendar: 2026 National Park Fee-Free Dates
- February 16 – Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
- May 25 – Memorial Day
- June 14 – Flag Day / President Trump’s birthday
- July 3–5 – Independence Day weekend
- August 25 – 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17 – Constitution Day
- October 27 – Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- November 11 – Veterans Day
Often called America’s Best Idea, the National Park System includes more than 400 parks, many of which are free to visit year-round. Fee-free days are a wonderful opportunity to explore a new destination or revisit a favorite park that usually charges an entrance fee. With a little planning, you can enjoy our nation’s natural beauty and history at little to no cost.
What’s included on fee-free days
The entrance fee waiver covers:
- Standard entrance fees
- Commercial tour entrance fees
- Transportation entrance fees
Please note that other fees—such as reservations, camping, guided tours, concession charges, or fees collected by third parties—are not included unless specifically stated.
Even outside of fee-free dates, national parks remain an affordable option, with entrance fees typically ranging from $3 to $30. Fourth-grade students can receive a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park program, and active-duty military members and individuals with permanent disabilities may also qualify for free passes. For additional discounted pass options, visit the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass page.
Below are parks in our region that waive entrance fees on nationally designated fee-free days:
Virginia
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Colonial National Historical Park – At Historic Jamestowne, the NPS portion of admission will be waived. Adult general admission (ages 16+) will be $15 that day (regularly $30).
- George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Great Falls Park
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Prince William Forest Park
- Shenandoah National Park
North Carolina
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
