Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of America’s national parks? For 2025, the National Park Service will waive the entrance fee to national parks on six days — creating an ideal opportunity to experience the wonders of nature, culture, and history without the cost of entry.

Most parks are free to enter all of the time, with only about 100 out of 430+ national parks charging an entrance fee. Yet on these designated days throughout the year, visitors can enjoy free entrance everywhere across the country. Whether you are a family looking for a weekend getaway, friends seeking a memorable outing, or even solo adventurers desiring to connect with nature, free entrance days make it easier for everyone to explore the parks.

The 2025 free entrance days are:

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

The NPS also offers tips for making the most of a national park trip. 

You can 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. If you can’t make it on one of the six free-entrance days, pick a date that works for you to visit and keep 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.

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

Lastly, prepare for the unexpected. Sometimes travel plans might change last minute or even during the hike. Try to know what else the park has to offer if you don’t end up being able to do what you planned that day. Also, 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.)