It’s never too early to look ahead to vacations in 2025, especially for those who love the outdoors. Here are some important dates to remember.

Recently, the National Park Service announced the free admission dates for next year.

The Park Service stated, “Whether you’re a family planning a weekend escape, friends looking for a fun day out, or solo explorers wanting to connect with nature, these free entrance days make it simpler for everyone to enjoy the parks.”

From Acadia to Zion and everywhere in between, here’s what travelers heading to national parks should be aware of.

Free national park entrance days for 2025

• Jan. 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 19 – National Park Week inaugural day
• June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
• Aug. 4 – Day of the Great American Outdoors Act signing
• Sept. 27 – National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 11 – Veterans Day

The free entrance dates are the same as those for 2024.

Are all US national parks free?

Yes, all 431 locations in the National Park System will offer free entrance on those six designated days in 2025.

Although only 63 of these areas have “national park” in their names, such as Yellowstone National Park, the National Park Service considers all locations, including national historic sites or national seashores, as part of the park system, and they will all be free on the specified dates.

A mere quarter of all parks charge entrance fees, which can reach up to $35. The income generated from these fees helps fund visitor services, improve accessibility, restore wildlife habitats, and provide various amenities. Travelers can check specific fees for each park on the National Park Service’s website or the individual park pages.

How can I avoid national park fees?

The simplest method is to visit during a free-entry day, but certain groups can enter national parks without charge throughout the year.

• Fourth graders and their family members
• U.S. military personnel, their dependents, veterans, and Gold Star families
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents with significant disabilities
• Volunteers who have contributed 250 hours or more to federally managed recreation sites

What is the closest national park?

Every state has at least one park in the National Park System. To identify your closest one, visit NPS.gov/findapark.

The National Park Service recommends that visitors think about factors like “seasonal changes, available daylight, and the need to arrive early for parking or to enjoy cooler temperatures” when planning their trips. It’s also wise to check if reservations are required for things like timed entries, camping, lodging, or specific activities like cave tours. For additional planning assistance, refer to the Park Service’s Trip Planning Guide.