Visiting a national park is a wonderful way to experience nature in a way you really can’t find anywhere else, with undeveloped land, close-up encounters with animals you may have only seen before in zoos, and scenery you usually find in a National Geographic spread. Only about a quarter of all national parks charge a nominal fee to enter the property, the majority of which stays in the park where it was collected to repair and maintain the property, increase accessibility, restore wildlife habitats, contract with local emergency services, and more, but if you’re looking to secure the most budget-friendly visit you can to one of America’s 400+ national parks, there are a few options, as 2023 has five scheduled dates where every single park managed by the NPS will charge no entrance fees (though typical fees for things like camping, boat launches, and tours, etc. will still apply). These dates include:
January 16: Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday April 22: The first day of National Park WeekAugust 4: In honor of the Great American Outdoors ActSeptember 23: National Public Lands DayNovember 11: Veterans Day
Just make sure to follow proper etiquette on your visit, no matter when you choose to go, so that the parks will continue to be enjoyable for those who come after you. And if you find yourself dying to go back, consider an annual pass to help support the conservation efforts of the NPS.
