Ever dreamed of roaming every national park in the country for a whole year, never worrying about another entrance fee? That’s exactly what the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass lets you do. For $80, you get unlimited access to all 63 national parks and over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a full 12 months.
Honestly, it’s one of the best deals out there if you plan to visit even a few parks. I’ve watched plenty of travelers shell out $30 or more at each park gate, and it adds up fast. If you hit just three parks, you’ve already covered the cost of the pass.
But it’s not just about saving money. This pass opens up national forests, wildlife refuges, and all sorts of federal lands—places I probably wouldn’t have explored otherwise.
You and everyone in your vehicle get in at most locations, so it’s a no-brainer for families or groups. Whether you’re plotting a cross-country road trip or just want to pop into parks near home, understanding how this pass works can totally change the way you experience America’s wild places.
What Is the National Parks Pass?
The National Parks Pass is your all-access ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S. For $80, you get an annual pass that wipes out entrance fees at national parks, forests, and other lands managed by six different agencies.
Overview of the America the Beautiful Pass
Its official name is “America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.” I use mine at spots managed by the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers.
The pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees at participating places. If a site charges per vehicle, the pass gets everyone in my car through the gate. At places with per-person fees, it covers up to four adults.
The pass gets you into:
- All US national parks with entrance fees
- National wildlife refuges
- National forests and grasslands
- Recreation areas managed by federal agencies
It’s good for 12 months from the day you buy it. You can’t transfer it to someone else, and if you lose it, it’s gone. Every time I use the pass, I show my photo ID.
Who Can Get the Pass
Anyone can snag the standard $80 annual America the Beautiful pass—no age or citizenship restrictions for the regular version.
Only the person named on the pass can use it, though, so bring your photo ID every time.
Some folks qualify for special passes:
- US citizens and permanent residents age 62+ can get senior passes
- Active military and their dependents score free military passes
- US citizens with permanent disabilities get free access passes
- US 4th graders are eligible for a free pass
You’ll need proof of eligibility for these. And you can’t buy them as gifts; the person getting the pass needs to be there with their documents.
Types of Passes
There’s a pass for just about everyone. The standard $80 annual pass works for most travelers who want to hit multiple parks.
| Pass Type | Cost | Who Can Get It | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Pass | $80 | Everyone | 1 year |
| Senior Annual | $20 | Age 62+ US citizens/residents | 1 year |
| Senior Lifetime | $80 | Age 62+ US citizens/residents | Lifetime |
| Military Annual | Free | Current military/dependents | 1 year |
| Military Lifetime | Free | Veterans/Gold Star families | Lifetime |
| Access Pass | Free | Permanent disability | Lifetime |
| 4th Grade Pass | Free | US 4th graders | 1 year |
Senior passes are a sweet deal—they not only cover entrance fees but also knock 50% off some camping, boat launch, and other amenity fees.
A few parks sell their own annual passes, usually for less, but those only work at that specific park or a small group.
Where the Pass Gets You In
With the America the Beautiful Pass, you can visit over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. That’s everything from national parks and wildlife refuges to sprawling forests and grasslands.
Covered Federal Recreation Sites
The pass unlocks all 63 national parks that charge entrance fees, which can run anywhere from $15 to $35 per vehicle.
It also covers national wildlife refuges managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, where you can spot wildlife and wander through protected habitats.
National monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas are included if they charge entrance fees. Think Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, or Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
At sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees (like day-use areas, picnic grounds, or boat launches), you’re covered.
Heads up: The pass doesn’t pay for special use fees like cave tours, guided walks, camping, or shuttle rides inside parks.
Which Agencies Take the Pass
Six federal agencies honor the America the Beautiful Pass. Each runs different types of sites all over the country.
The National Park Service manages national parks, monuments, and historic sites—probably the most familiar name for most travelers.
The U.S. Forest Service runs national forests and grasslands, where you’ll find hiking trails, fishing spots, and plenty of places to camp.
Bureau of Land Management takes care of huge stretches of public land, especially in the West. These include scenic areas, wilderness, and recreation spots.
The Fish and Wildlife Service looks after the national wildlife refuges—over 560 of them.
Bureau of Reclamation manages areas around dams and reservoirs, like Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversees recreation sites on their lakes and water projects.
National Forests and Grasslands
National forests stretch across 193 million acres in 44 states. The pass covers standard amenity fees at developed recreation areas inside these forests.
Day-use fees are waived at places like picnic spots, swimming beaches, and boat ramps. Some of my favorites: the forests around Yellowstone and the Sierra Nevada in California.
National grasslands—mostly in the Great Plains—are included, too. These 20 grasslands protect prairie habitats and are great for hiking, hunting, and wildlife spotting.
Camping isn’t free, though. The pass doesn’t cover overnight camping fees at forest campgrounds, so you’ll still pay $15-30 per night for a site.
Dispersed camping—that’s camping outside of developed campgrounds—stays free in most national forests, pass or not. No fees, no reservations, just you and the wild.
Benefits and Savings
The National Parks Pass can pay for itself after just a few visits. If you’re planning to hit multiple parks or federal sites, the savings pile up fast.
Entrance Fees You Skip
Most big national parks charge $30-35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. Without the annual pass, you’d pay:
- Grand Canyon National Park: $35
- Yosemite National Park: $35
- Grand Teton National Park: $35
- Glacier National Park: $35
- Acadia National Park: $30
So yeah, after three park visits, you’re already saving money.
The pass covers your whole vehicle, so your family or friends ride in for free when you drive.
You also skip entrance fees at wildlife refuges and Bureau of Land Management sites, which usually cost $5-15 per visit.
Cost Savings for Frequent Travelers
If you’re the type who visits five or more parks a year, the savings get even better. Five big parks? That’s about $95 saved versus paying each fee separately.
Buying the pass kind of motivates you to get out and see more, honestly. Once you have it, you’ll find yourself planning extra trips just to make the most of it.
The pass lasts for 13 months from your purchase date, so you actually get a little bonus time.
You can buy it at any fee-collecting park’s visitor center or order online before your trip.
Standard Amenity Fees and What’s Covered
The pass doesn’t just cover entrance—it also wipes out standard amenity fees at day-use areas in national forests and grasslands.
You get free entry to places with:
- Picnic areas
- Boat launches
- Swimming spots
- Trailheads
But don’t expect it to cover everything. You’ll still pay for camping, lodging, or special tours. Overnight stays and guided activities aren’t included.
Some visitor centers charge extra for special exhibits or programs. The pass gets you in the door but not into premium experiences.
Six different federal agencies accept the pass, so you can use it in a ton of different places.
Comparing Pass Options
The National Park Service offers a bunch of different passes, each aimed at different groups. If you’re a senior, have a disability, or love volunteering, you’ve got options that can save you even more.
Annual Pass vs Senior Pass
The standard America the Beautiful Pass is $80 and good for a year from when you buy it. It covers everyone in your vehicle at most parks.
If you’re 62 or older, you can get an even better deal. The Lifetime Senior Pass is $80 and never expires. The Annual Senior Pass is just $20 for a year.
Both senior passes cover the same parks and also give you 50% off camping, boat launches, and other amenities at many sites.
If you know you’ll visit parks for years to come, the lifetime pass is the way to go. If you’re not sure, the annual senior pass is a safe bet.
You’ll need to show proof of age and citizenship or residency to get these passes.
Access Pass Perks
The Access Pass is free for life if you’re a US citizen or permanent resident with a permanent disability.
You’ll need some paperwork—a doctor’s note, VA documents, or Social Security disability proof—to get it.
The Access Pass covers the same parks and gives 50% discounts on camping, tours, and other paid activities.
It covers the pass holder plus three adults at per-person fee parks. At per-vehicle fee parks, everyone in your car gets in.
You can pick up the Access Pass at any national park visitor center or order it online from the USGS store.
Volunteer Pass Perks
If you love giving back, the Volunteer Pass is a cool perk. After you put in 250 hours volunteering with federal land agencies, you earn a free annual pass.
You can volunteer for trail work, visitor education, campground hosting, or research projects. Different agencies, like the National Park Service and Forest Service, offer all sorts of opportunities.
The volunteer pass works just like the $80 annual pass. It covers entrance fees at more than 2,000 recreation sites for a full year.
It covers the volunteer and everyone in their vehicle, or the volunteer plus three adults at per-person fee areas.
Want to get involved? Reach out to local parks or agencies to find volunteer gigs. Some roles need applications or background checks, so plan ahead.
How to Get and Use Your Pass
You can buy the America the Beautiful Pass online through the USGS store or at over 1,000 locations, including visitor centers and park entrances. You’ll need to show your photo ID every time you use it.
Buying Online or In Person
If you have three weeks before your trip, order online through the USGS store. Online orders can take up to three weeks to arrive. The order receipt doesn’t work as a temporary pass, so plan ahead.
Need it sooner? Just buy in person at any visitor center or park entrance. Over 1,000 places sell the pass, so you can grab one on your way in and use it right away.
Online Perks:
- Order from your couch
- No need to drive anywhere
In-Person Perks:
- Walk out with your pass immediately
- No waiting for shipping
- Staff can answer questions on the spot
The annual pass is $80 for ages 16-61. Seniors, military, and people with disabilities can get discounts or free passes with the right documents.
Using Your Pass at Entrances
Just show your physical pass and a valid photo ID at the entrance gate—pretty straightforward, right? Most federal recreational lands, like national parks and wildlife refuges, ask for both before you roll in.
Your pass gets you past entrance fees for a carload of people or up to four folks walking in together. I’ve found this super handy on road trips, especially when you’re splitting costs with friends.
It works at all sorts of places: national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal sites that charge to get in. Standard day-use fees? Covered. But if you’re hoping for free camping or guided tours, you’ll still need to pay extra for those.
I always keep my pass somewhere easy to grab—usually in the glove box—so I’m not fumbling around at the gate. Staff will check both your pass and your ID before waving you through.
Heads up: the pass lasts exactly one year from the day you buy it. So, maybe mark your calendar, just in case!
Replacement and Usage Limitations
America the Beautiful passes go missing sometimes, and unfortunately, you can’t get a replacement if that happens. I always snap a quick photo of mine and stash it somewhere safe—just in case.
These passes aren’t transferable or refundable. Only the person whose name is on the pass can use it, and you’ll need to show a matching photo ID. Lending or selling your pass to someone else isn’t allowed, no matter how tempting it might be.
What the pass does NOT cover:
- Camping fees
- Tour reservations
- Special permits
- Concessioner services
- Parking at some locations
I recommend slipping your pass into a protective sleeve. Weather and constant handling can wear it out faster than you’d think.
