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Five Entrance Fee-Free Days To National Parks In 2020

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November 7, 2019
There will be five days in 2020 when national parks won't charge entrance fees/Jean Bjerke file

There will be five days in 2020 when national parks won't charge entrance fees/Jean Bjerke file

There will be five days in 2020 during which you won't be charged for entering a national park site that normally charges entrance fees.

The dates for 2020 are:

● Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

● Saturday, April 18 – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day

● Tuesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday

● Saturday, September 26 – National Public Lands Day

● Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day

“Across the country, more than 400 national parks preserve significant natural and cultural areas, each one an important piece of our national identity and heritage,” said National Park Service Deputy Director David Vela. “Free entrance days serve as additional motivation for people to get outside and enjoy these places of inspiration and recreation.”

Since their inception almost 150 years ago, national parks have protected resources and provided places for public health and enjoyment. With at least one site in every state, the National Park Service’s 419 parks, recreation areas, cultural sites, rivers, and trails are accessible destinations that supply benefits for overall physical and mental wellbeing. Time spent in nature reduces stress and blood pressure and often leads to lifestyle choices that include more exercise and better nutrition. Paddling, bicycling, walking, fishing, star gazing, and camping are just some of the many memorable and healthful recreational activities available in national parks. 

Veterans Day on November 11 is the only remaining fee-free day this year. Out of the 419 National Park Service sites, 110 charge an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35. The other 309 national parks do not have entrance fees. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.

The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, active duty members of the U.S. military, families of fourth grade students, and disabled citizens.

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Comments

Submitted by Kitty Benzar on November 7, 2019 - 2:50pm.

If memory serves, in 2016 there were 16 fee-free days, in 2017 there were 10. In 2018 it got reduced to 5, where it has remained. What's up with this trend? If the NPS really believes that "Free entrance days serve as additional motivation for people to get outside and enjoy these places of inspiration and recreation," then why have they been cut back so drastically? Feels like all of a piece with their moves to commodify, monetize, and privatize every aspect of the Parks.


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