NPS Entrance Fees - Parkcation

The National Park Service collects entrance fees for a number of different projects, some of which exist in every park (like maintenance of roads, trail paths, and facilities) and some of which are unique. Entrance fees do not cover camping fees, permits, and concessionaire fees. Some facilities charge per person fees, while others have an option for each vehicle that enters the park (a money saver for families!).

One of the best ways to take advantage of all our National Parks have to offer while also saving money is to obtain a park pass. Some parks have their own annual pass, which would be great if you were local to one you love, as well as inter-agency options that grant access, not only to NPS sites but to National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal sites. There are several different types, some of which are annual and others that are lifetime passes. We break down each one below.

There are also a number of times each year when the National Park Service, in conjunction with other facilities like the National Forest Service, offer free entrance to encourage park use. Find 2020 Fee Free days below!

We encourage a small donation, as you can, at any parks on fee free days or at parks who do not charge an entrance fee, in order to support these amazing places and ensure that the experiences found there can continue forever! They are OUR National Parks!

Entrance Fees by Park (A-Z)

National Parks

Private Vehicle Fee: Admits access to all occupants of one, private vehicle, Ticket is good for 7 consecutive days, unless otherwise stated.

Motorcycle Fee: Admits access to up to two people on a single motorcycle. Ticket is good for 7 consecutive days, unless otherwise stated.

Individual (Hiker/Biker, etc): Also includes the fee for parks where per-person admittance is charged. Children under the age of 15 are free. Ticket is good for 7 consecutive days, unless otherwise stated.

Noncommercial group: For church, school, university, scouting groups who do not qualify for an educational waiver (see link to information and application for each park below), a fee is charged based on the number of seats in the vehicle, usually with a per-vehicle fee for a vehicle capacity of 1-15 and a per person fee in vehicles with a capacity of more than 16. The total amount charged can usually not exceed the cost of a similarly sized commercial group, usually less than $100. Please refer to the NPS.gov site for that park for more information.

(Park Name) National Park Annual Pass: Works similarly to the America the Beautiful Annual Pass in that it grants access to the cardholder and the occupants of their private vehicle, or up to 3 other adults if on foot, into the park or parks that the pass is for, for a year from the month in which the pass was purchased. This is a great pass to purchase if you live near and frequent one park.

Entrance is free for children up through the age of: 15 years old Tour fees may still apply

“Educational fee waiver” – the link to the NPS.gov site for each park’s educational fee waiver – only for parks which charge an entrance fee. If you are leading a noncommercial group such as a school or scouting group, it is recommended you apply for the waiver, which if granted can waive entrance fees for that trip!

Acadia National Park

Is there a fee? Yes, seasonally (May through October)

Private Vehicle Fee: $30

Motorcycle Fee: $25

Individual (Hiker/Biker, etc): $15/person

Noncommercial group 1-16 seats: $30/vehicle

Noncommercial group 16+ seats: $15/person

Acadia National Park Annual Pass: $55

America the Beautiful Passes: Accepted

Entrance is free for children up through the age of: 15 years old