Exploring a national park can be invaluable.

On a few select days each year, you can visit without spending a dime.

The National Park Service has announced that all 433 parks will offer free admission on six specific dates in 2025.

“Whether you’re a family taking a weekend trip, friends looking for an unforgettable adventure, or individuals wanting to embrace nature, these free entry days make it easier for everyone to discover our parks,” the Park Service stated in a news release.

From Acadia to Zion and beyond, here’s what visitors planning their trips to national parks should keep in mind.

Free Entry Days for National Parks in 2025

• January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 19 – Start of National Park Week
• June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4 – Celebration of the Great American Outdoors Act signing
• September 27 – National Public Lands Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day

These dates are identical to the free entry days offered in 2024.

Is Entry Free at All U.S. National Parks?

Yes, on these six days in 2025, entry to all parks within the National Park System will be free.

While only 63 locations have “national park” spelled out in their titles, such as Yellowstone National Park, the National Park Service generally refers to all sites—whether they are national historic sites or national seashores—as parks, and they will all offer free admission.

Around a quarter of the parks do require entrance passes, with fees up to $35. The revenue generated from these fees is used to improve visitor services like enhancing accessibility and restoring wildlife habitats. You can find detailed fee information on the National Park Service’s website and the individual park pages.

How to Waive National Park Fees?

The easiest method is to schedule your visit on a free-entry day, but certain groups can enjoy free entry year-round.

• Fourth-grade students and their accompanying family members
• U.S. military service members, their families, veterans, and Gold Star families
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents with disabilities
• Volunteers who have dedicated at least 250 hours to helping at federal recreation sites

Where is the Nearest National Park?

There is a national park in every state. To locate your nearest national park, visit NPS.gov/findapark.

The National Park Service advises visitors to consider various factors while planning trips, such as “seasonal changes, the amount of daylight available, and whether you need to arrive early for parking or cooler temperatures.” It is also crucial to check if advanced reservations are necessary for timed entries, camping, accommodations, and activities like cave tours. Additional planning advice can be found in the Park Service’s Trip Planning Guide.

(This story has been updated with new information.)