Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of America’s national parks? In 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) invites everyone, especially those who may not have considered a visit, to plan and prepare for their next national park trip early. Next year, the National Park Service will waive the entrance fee to national parks on six days.
400 national park sites, a half-dozen free entry days
On designated days throughout the year, all visitors can enjoy free entrance to more than 400 national parks across the country. Whether you are a family looking for a weekend getaway, friends seeking a memorable outing, or even solo adventurers desiring to connect with nature, free entrance days make it easier for everyone to explore the parks.
The 2025 free entrance days are:
• January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
• June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
• September 27 – National Public Lands Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day
How to plan a national park trip
Where:
With more than 400 national parks, monuments, and historic sites, there’s something for everyone. Visit NPS.gov/findapark to explore the park options nearest you. If you’re visiting a park that normally charges an entrance fee, review your entrance pass options before you arrive.
When:
The National Park Service is waiving the entrance fee for parks on six days in 2025, so consider planning your visit then. Otherwise, pick one of the free entry days that works for you to visit and keeping in mind seasonal changes, how much daylight you’ll need, and if you need to get to the park early in the day to get parking or take advantage of lower temperatures.
How:
Some national parks require advanced reservations for camping, lodging, or timed entry. Research and book early to secure your spot, especially for popular parks.
Pay attention to the details
Pick the right activity for you:
Review the possible activities, including ranger-led programs, scenic hikes, tours, and more. Planning allows you to maximize your experience while balancing active days with relaxation. Consider your experience and skill level when picking your activity.
Prepare for the unexpected:
Sometimes, our travel plans might change last minute or even during the hike. Do your research to know what else the park has to offer if you don’t end up being able to do what you planned that day. For example, if there’s more rain than you prepared for, visit the park museum or take a scenic drive. Make sure you check the park website or the NPS App for updated conditions, seasonal closures, and alerts.
Bring the right gear:
Plan like a Park Ranger and pack essentials like water, appropriate clothing, and maps. You can download park maps for offline use from the NPS App so you can find your way even if there’s no Wi-Fi. Note that water might be hard to come by in some parks, so make sure you bring your own, especially if you’ll be outside for a while.
Most parks are free to enter all of the time, approximately 100 out of 430+ national parks charge an entrance fee. With at least one national park in every state, no one is too far from an adventure. Take a look at www.nps.gov/findapark to see what adventure awaits and refer to the NPS Trip Planning Guide as you prepare for your next visit. Mark your calendars with these free entree days and get ready for a year of adventure in 2025!
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Thanks for the warnings, Russ and Tina! I suspect national monuments and parks on each of those “free” days will have uncomfortably large crushes of people. Happy new year and safe travels!