A park ranger, in uniform, reaches out to a visitor in a car

National Park Passes

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes

Entrance station at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

NPS Photo / Janice Wei

With over 400 national park sites to discover, it can be hard to know where to start when planning a national park trip. A great first step is determining which national park pass is right for you.

Park entrance passes – also called America the Beautiful: National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes – cover the entrance fees at lands managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and US Fish & Wildlife Service, as well as standard amenity fees – or day use fees – at lands managed by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Applications and orders for the passes are processed and distributed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

These interagency passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and they cannot be extended if lost or stolen. When using a pass, the passholder must show a valid photo ID. Learn more about park passes at nps.gov.

Types of Passes

Annual Pass

Available for anyone older than 16, an Annual Pass covers the entrance fees or standard amenity day-use fees for the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. For areas that charge a per-person fee, a pass admits the passholder and three adults (over 16).

Annual Pass

Military Annual Pass

Military Annual Passes are free for current US military members and their dependents in the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members. Documentation is required to prove eligibility.

Annual Military Pass
Senior Annual Pass

US citizens or permanent residents ages 62 and over can purchase an Annual Senior Pass. The pass may also provide discounts on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services but does NOT cover or reduce special permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship. Lifetime Senior Passes are also available.

Senior Annual Pass

4th Grade Pass

Valid for the duration of the 4th grader’s school year through the following summer (September – August), the 4th Grade Pass is available to US 4th graders, including home-schooled and free-choice learnings 10 years of age. Note: acquiring this pass requires a different process than most. Check out the Every Kid Outdoors website and follow their instructions.

Every Kid Outdoors
Volunteer Pass

Volunteers who have logged 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program are eligible for a free annual Volunteer Pass. Volunteers interested should contact their volunteer coordinator for more information.

Learn More

Military Lifetime Pass

Available for Gold Star Families, with a valid Gold Star Family Voucher, as well as US military veterans with a valid, veteran ID, the Military Lifetime Pass is free. Documentation is required to prove eligibility.

Learn More
Senior Lifetime Pass

US citizens or permanent residents ages 62 and over can purchase a Lifetime Senior Pass. The pass may also provide discounts on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services but does NOT cover or reduce special permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship. Annual Senior Passes are also available.

Lifetime Senior Pass
Access Lifetime Pass

The Access Pass is a free lifetime pass for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The pass may also provide discounts on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services but does NOT cover or reduce special permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

Learn More

Getting a Pass

In Person

Many federal recreation sites offer visitors the opportunity to purchase passes. If you’re planning on getting a pass at the park, check a list of sites where they’re offered in advance to ensure passes are available there. We do recommend calling in advance to confirm passes are in stock.

Find a Location

As a Champions Society Member

Members of the National Park Foundation’s Champions Society receive a complimentary Annual Pass, along with other exciting membership benefits. To comply with IRS requirements, gifts made from donor-advised funds, through a family foundation, or as an IRA distribution are not eligible for this benefit.

Join Champions Society
Through the USGS Online Store

If you’re planning on traveling more than two weeks in advance, you can purchase park passes through the USGS online store. USGS will then mail you a physical pass. Processing time for online and mailed applications can take several weeks Note: there may be processing fees for free passes purchased through the USGS online store.

USGS Store

FAQs

Have questions about which pass is right for you? Visit nps.gov or the USGS store for more information on each pass. The USGS also has a FAQ page detailing frequently asked questions around each pass, such as eligibility requirements, required documentation, usage permissions, and more. Contact USGS directly by calling 1-888-275-8747 (ext. 3), or emailing [email protected].

What is the National Parks & Federal Recreation Lands Pass or “Interagency” Pass Program?
The Interagency Pass Program offers a suite of annual and lifetime passes to US citizens and visitors, providing an affordable and convenient way to access Federal recreation lands.
Which agencies participate in the Interagency Pass Program?
Six agencies participate: the National Park Service (NPS), US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers.
Where does the money from the proceeds of the Interagency Pass Program go towards?
Up to 100% of the proceeds of the Interagency Pass Program are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.
Where can I use my pass?
Passes are valid at more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees (day use fees) are charged.
I love the photo on the park pass – how are those chosen?
Photos chosen for the Annual Pass are winners of the Share the Experience Photo Contest. The contest is hosted by the National Park Foundation (NPF) and Booz Allen Hamilton, in partnership with the participating federal recreation lands and waters agencies and Recreation.gov.
When do Annual Passes expire?
Annual Passes are valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, expiring the last day of that month.
Can lost or stolen passes be replaced?
No. Due to privacy and logistical considerations, passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. A new pass must be purchased.
I have another question – where can I learn more?
Learn more about specific passes and correct usage with the USGS store’s FAQ page. Queries about passes and the USGS store can also be emailed to [email protected].
Are all donations made to the National Park Foundation eligible for this member benefit?
To receive an annual America the Beautiful: National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass from the National Park Foundation, you must make a minimum gift of $1,000. This gift also enrolls you in NPF’s Champions Society – learn more here. To comply with IRS requirements, gifts made from donor-advised funds, through a family foundation, or as an IRA distribution are not eligible for this benefit.