When are national parks free in 2026? Entrance fees are waived on these 10 days
There will be 10 free entrance days in 2026 for U.S. residents at National Parks that normally charge an entry fee — including all three days of Independence Day weekend.
West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve became the United States’ 63rd national park in 2020.
The first free entrance days at national parks in 2026 were Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16, and Memorial Day, May 25. Next up, is June 14 in celebration of Flag Day and President Trump's birthday.
During NPS free days, U.S. residents can visit National Park Service sites that normally charge entrance fees without paying the entrance fee on 10 dates in 2026, but international visitors will still be subject to regular and new nonresident fees.
New for 2026, the National Park Service has added several additional free entry days for U.S. residents, including all three days of Independence Day weekend, Constitution Day on Sept. 17 and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday on Oct. 27.
2026 National park free entrance days for U.S. residents
(Photo/Shutterstock)
Entrance fees will be waived on the following dates:
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Feb. 16: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
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May 25: Memorial Day
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June 14: Flag Day / President Trump’s birthday
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July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
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Aug. 25: 110th birthday of the National Park Service
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Sept. 17: Constitution Day
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Oct. 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
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Nov. 11: Veterans Day
New fees for international visitors begin in 2026
(Katie Dobies/Getty Images)
On Jan. 1, the U.S. Department of the Interior implemented new entrance fees for non-U.S. residents. The NPS said these fees will still apply on free entrance days for international visitors.
Under the new policy, nonresidents visiting the 11 most popular National Parks will pay an additional $100 fee, unless they purchase an annual nonresident pass for $250.
The change comes after national parks welcomed a record 331.9 million visitors last year. National parks — considered the crown jewels of the park system — accounted for 28% of all visits across NPS-managed lands.
What to know about Free National Park days
What parks are included?
The fee-free dates apply only to entrance fees at National Park Service sites that normally charge admission. Most NPS sites are already free to enter.
Do international visitors get free entrance on national park free days in 2026?
No. The National Park Service said non-U.S. residents will still be subject to entrance fees, including the new nonresident surcharge at 11 popular national parks. The surcharge applies at 11 of the most visited national parks; visitors should check the individual park’s NPS page before traveling to confirm current fees and reservation requirements.
What fees are not waived on national park free days?
Only entrance fees are waived. Timed-entry reservations, camping, tours, transportation, permits and other amenity fees may still apply.
