Legislation proposes new free admission day at National Parks

Good news! There’s a proposal on the table that could give RVers (and all Americans) one more day of free access to our treasured National Park Service sites.

STARS Act

In mid-July 2025, U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy of Utah introduced the Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites (STARS) Act. The legislation aims to mark America’s 250th birthday by granting free entry to every NPS site on Constitution Day, September 17, 2026.

Maloy explained that spending time in our national parks is the perfect way to celebrate 250 years of American freedom. The Act also highlights the public lands’ role in our nation’s history.

Legislative status

As of July 31, 2025, the STARS Act (H.R. 4285) has been introduced and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee but has not yet been enacted into law. Advocates are hopeful it will move through committee markup and floor votes in the coming months. You can encourage your government representatives to vote “yes” by sending an email or letter.

Perks for RVers

Standard vehicle entrance fees range from $20–$35 per park. An extra no-fee day could save RVers money.

Knowing ahead of time about a guaranteed no-fee day allows you to plan your most budget-sensitive travel legs around September 17, 2026. The free day may help extend next year’s epic cross-country fall trip.

Fee-free access can encourage RVers to sample parks they’d otherwise skip due to tight budgets, from lesser-known gems to iconic landmarks.

A quick timeline of Constitution Day

• On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates signed the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia. It’s an event now commemorated annually.

• In 1952, Congress designated September 17 as “Citizenship Day” and “Constitution Day.” Educational programs nationwide began to honor the document along with our civic duties.

• Expanded in 1956 by President Eisenhower, the observance runs September 17–23 each year.

RV road trip calendar

Here’s what to note in your road trip calendar:

• Free entry date: Friday, September 17, 2026. If the STARS Act becomes law, this will join the roster of no-fee days alongside MLK Jr. Day, National Park Week kickoff, Juneteenth, the Great American Outdoors Act anniversary, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.

• Reservation windows: For camping and RV sites, Recreation.gov opens reservations 180 days (six months) in advance at 10 a.m. Eastern time daily. Set a reminder six months before your desired arrival date at 10 a.m. ET.

• • Example: Planning to camp the night of September 17, 2026? Mark March 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET on your calendar and be ready to book the second the window opens.

Extra tips

• Create your Recreation.gov account early. Log in at least a day before to avoid last-minute hiccups.

• Identify backup dates: Popular parks fill within minutes; have alternate dates in mind.

• Use multiple devices: Log in on your phone and laptop to increase your chances at the exact release time.

• Stay flexible: If one campground is full, check nearby parks or look for dispersed camping options on BLM or Forest Service lands.

Keep an eye on H.R. 4285’s progress and get ready to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary!

Do you take advantage of the fee-free days in National Parks? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments below.

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