Under changes implemented by the Trump administration, certain days when visitors to the United States’ national parks receive free entry have changed.
Several days that formerly welcomed everyone to the country’s national parks for free will no longer do so this year. Those days pulled from the free entry calendar are Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday in January), the first day of National Park Week (in April), Juneteenth (June 19), the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4), and National Public Lands Day (the fourth Saturday in September).
According to the National Park Service (NPS), the free entrance days to the country’s national parks during the first half of 2026 are February 16, honoring Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday; May 25, for Memorial Day; and June 14, celebrating Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday. National park entrance will additionally be free July 3-5 for Fourth of July festivities, and on August 25, honoring the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service. During the latter part of the year, visitors will also have free park entry on September 17 for Constitution Day, October 27 for Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, and November 11 for Veterans Day.
Free entry days at national parks previously welcomed everyone at no cost. However, starting this year, the 10 free entry days are available only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Regardless of whether there’s free entry, all visitors may have to pay additional fees for at certain parks and for things like specific reservations and tours.
What Else Is There To Know About Visiting National Parks In 2026?
This year, visiting national parks may be less cost-friendly, particularly for those from abroad. Beginning January 1, international visitors must pay a national park’s entrance fee and any non-U.S. resident charges, regardless of when they visit. Back in November, the Department of the Interior stated that beginning in 2026, the NPS’ Annual Pass “will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit.”
“Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee,” the department further explained.
On its website, the NPS states that “All the money from entrance fees” goes back into the organization, “and at least 80% stays in the park where it was collected.”
