It's never too early to plan your national park adventure/NPS

There will be six days in 2025 when entrance fees in the National Park System will be waived.

The free days are: 

• January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
• June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
• September 27 – National Public Lands Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day

To help with your trip planning, the National Park Service offers the following tips:

1. Where: With more than 400 national parks, monuments, and historic sites, there’s something for everyone. Visit NPS.gov/findapark to explore the park options nearest you. If you’re visiting a park that normally charges an entrance fee, review your entrance pass options before you arrive. 

2. When: The National Park Service is waiving the entrance fee for parks on six days in 2025, so consider planning your visit then. Otherwise, pick a date that works for you to visit and keeping in mind seasonal changes, how much daylight you’ll need, and if you need to get to the park early in the day to get parking or take advantage of lower temperatures.  

3. How: Some national parks require advanced reservations for camping, lodging, or timed entry. Research and book early to secure your spot, especially for popular parks. 

4. Pick the right activity for you: Review the possible activities, including ranger-led programs, scenic hikes, tours, and more. Planning allows you to maximize your experience while balancing active days with relaxation. Consider your experience and skill level when picking your activity. 

5. Prepare for the unexpected: Sometimes, travel plans might change last minute or even during the hike. Do your research to know what else the park has to offer if you don’t end up being able to do what you planned that day. For example, if there’s more rain than you prepared for, visit the park museum or take a scenic drive. Make sure you check the park website or the NPS App for updated conditions, seasonal closures, and alerts. 

6. Bring the right gear: Plan like a Park Ranger and pack essentials like water, appropriate clothing, and maps. You can download park maps for offline use from the NPS App so you can find your way even if there’s no Wi-Fi. Note that water might be hard to come by in some parks, so make sure you bring your own, especially if you’ll be outside for a while. 

Most parks are free to enter all of the time; approximately 100 out of 430+ national parks charge an entrance fee. With at least one national park in every state, no one is too far from an adventure. Take a look at www.nps.gov/findapark to see what adventure awaits and refer to the Park Service's Trip Planning Guide as you prepare for your next visit.