National park free entrance days 2026: the next one is Wednesday, November 11
Updated October 29, 2026. Everything on this page comes from the National Park Service's own free entrance days page, read Oct 29, 2026, 14:09 UTC (the NPS page says it was last updated October 9, 2026). Dates and rules can change, so check NPS before you go.
By Sloane Glitchford, Founder
Short answer: on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Veterans Day), National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee don't charge it. Two things to know first:
- US citizens and residents only. NPS says: "Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees."
- Only the entrance fee is free. Other fees, like camping, tours or reservations, may still apply. In NPS's words, "other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply."
2026 free entrance days (NPS list)
| Date (2026) | Occasion | Status on Oct 29 |
|---|---|---|
| February 16 | Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday) | Passed |
| May 25 | Memorial Day | Passed |
| June 14 | Flag Day | Passed |
| July 3–5 | Independence Day weekend | Passed |
| August 25 | 110th Birthday of the National Park Service | Passed |
| September 17 | Constitution Day | Passed |
| Tuesday, October 27 | Theodore Roosevelt's birthday | Passed |
| Wednesday, November 11 | Veterans Day | Next |
Source: nps.gov fee-free parks page, checked Oct 29, 2026, 14:09 UTC.
Before you go
- Many sites are free anyway. NPS says most of the sites it manages are free to visit; some require an entrance pass.
- Check for a reservation. NPS says you may need a reservation at a few high-traffic sites, some parks use timed entry for vehicles, and reservations are typically made through recreation.gov. A free entrance day doesn't remove a reservation or timed-entry requirement.
- Not a US citizen or resident? NPS says nonresidents pay the entrance fee and any nonresident fees unless they have the Non-Resident Annual Pass ($250).
If you'll visit more than once
NPS lists the America the Beautiful pass, which covers entrance fees and standard day-use fees at federal recreation sites, including national parks. On the NPS page: Resident Annual Pass $80 (US citizens and residents); Senior Annual Pass $20 and Senior Lifetime Pass $80 (US citizens and residents 62+); free passes for current US military and dependents, Gold Star Family members and veterans, US citizens and residents with a permanent disability, and US 4th graders (checked Oct 29, 2026, 14:09 UTC). For more 62+ savings, see our senior discounts 2026 guide.
Staying in instead? Print our free Thanksgiving coloring pages or see our holiday coloring books for kids ages 4-8 (our own product; we earn from book sales, not from the free pages).
Links on this page are plain links, not affiliate links. We don't earn anything from park visits or passes.
FAQ
Are national parks free on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026?
Yes, for entrance fees. The National Park Service lists Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) as a 2026 entrance fee-free day at NPS sites that charge an entrance fee. NPS says that beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days is for US citizens and residents only (checked Oct 29, 2026, 14:09 UTC).
Who gets free entrance on national park fee-free days?
US citizens and residents. NPS says: "Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees."
Is camping or a reservation free on a fee-free day?
No, the free day covers the entrance fee. Other fees, like camping, tours or reservations, may still apply. NPS says "other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply."
What national park free days are left in 2026?
As of Oct 29, 2026, one is left on the NPS list: Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day).