What visitors should know about national parks in 2026: More free days, digital passes
Visiting a U.S. national park will look a little different in 2026.
From new pricing and digital passes to expanded free entry dates and special commemorative events for the country's 250th anniversary, here's what travelers need to know about trips to America's national parks this year.
National parks celebrate 250th anniversary of American independence
"As the proud steward of America's most sacred historical places, the National Park Service joins the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026," the agency states on its website.
From battlefields to memorials, national parks across the U.S. will offer visitors opportunities throughout the year to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
More free entry days at national parks for US residents
The Interior Department has announced several "fee-free days" in 2026 that will allow U.S. residents more opportunities to enjoy the parks at no cost.
Fee-free days for 2026 include:
- President's Day (Feb. 16, 2026)
- Memorial Day (May 25, 2026)
- Flag Day/President Trump's birthday (June 14, 2026)
- Independence Day weekend (July 3-5, 2026)
- 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (Aug. 25, 2026)
- Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026)
- Theodore Roosevelt's birthday (Oct. 27, 2026)
- Veteran's Day (Nov. 11, 2026)
Some of the highly popular sites in the National Park System charge an entry fee, while a majority of the 433 parks do not.
Click here to see how much each park charges for entry.
New digital passes for national parks
Fully digital America the Beautiful passes have rolled out for annual passholders -- including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access passes -- and volunteers and are available through Recreation.gov, according to the Interior Department.
Visitors can purchase and use passes instantly, plus store them on a mobile devices and link them to physical cards for "faster entry and a smoother visitor experience across the National Park System."
An annual pass for U.S. citizens and residents costs $80, according to the department.
Other entrance pass prices vary by type. A full list can be found here on the NPS website.
Increased fees for international visitors
The Annual Pass for nonresidents now costs $250, which the Interior Department said ensures "American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit."
"Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee," the department stated.
Parks with increased fees for international visitors include:
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
- Everglades National Park in Florida
- Glacier National Park in Montana
- Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
- Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
- Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California
- Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
- Yosemite National Park in California
- Zion National Park in Utah
