The U.S. National Park Service offers several pass options under the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series. These passes provide access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites managed by various agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each pass type has specific eligibility requirements, benefits, and acquisition methods.
Table of Contents
National Park Passes
1. America the Beautiful- Annual Pass
Price: $80
Eligibility: Open to everyone.
Benefits: Grants entrance to all participating federal recreation sites for 12 months from the month of purchase. Covers entrance fees for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, or the pass holder and up to three adults at sites that charge per person. Children aged 15 and under are admitted free.
How to Obtain: Available for purchase in person at federal recreation sites or online.
2. Senior Pass
Types and Prices:
Annual Senior Pass: $20
Lifetime Senior Pass: $80
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and older.
Benefits: Provides entrance to all participating federal recreation sites. Additionally, pass holders may receive a 50% discount on some amenity fees, such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours. The pass admits the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the pass holder and up to three adults at per-person fee sites.
How to Obtain: Available for purchase in person at federal recreation sites or online
3. Military Passes
Annual Military Pass: Free
Eligibility: Current U.S. military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as Reserve and National Guard members.
Benefits: Provides entrance to all participating federal recreation sites for 12 months from the month of issuance.
How to Obtain: Must be obtained in person by presenting a current, valid military ID.
Military Lifetime Pass: Free
Eligibility: Gold Star Family members and U.S. military veterans.
Benefits: Provides lifetime entrance to all participating federal recreation sites.
How to Obtain: Must be obtained in person by presenting appropriate documentation, such as a valid veteran ID or Gold Star Family voucher.
4. Access Pass
Price: Free
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.
Benefits: Grants lifetime entrance to all participating federal recreation sites. Pass holders may also be eligible for a 50% discount on some amenity fees. The pass covers the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the pass holder and up to three adults at per-person fee sites.
How to Obtain: Available in person at federal recreation sites or online through the USGS Online Store. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
5. 4th Grade Pass
Price: Free
Eligibility: U.S. 4th graders, including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age, with a valid Every Kid Outdoors paper voucher.
Benefits: Provides entrance to all participating federal recreation sites for the duration of the 4th grade school year, from September through the following August. The pass admits the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the pass holder and up to three adults at per-person fee sites.
How to Obtain: Must be obtained in person by presenting the paper voucher; digital versions are not accepted.
6. Volunteer Pass
Price: Free
Eligibility: Individuals who have completed 250 or more volunteer hours with federal agencies participating in the Interagency Pass Program.
Benefits: Provides entrance to all participating federal recreation sites for 12 months from the month of issuance. The pass covers the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the pass holder and up to three adults at per-person fee sites.
How to Obtain: Contact your local federal recreation site or visit Volunteer.gov for more information on volunteer opportunities and pass issuance.
Additional Notes:
Passes can be obtained at over 1,000 federal recreation sites. It’s recommended to acquire passes in person to avoid potential delays or additional fees associated with online purchases.
While these passes cover entrance fees and standard amenity fees (day-use fees), they may not cover other fees such as camping, special tours, or permits for certain activities.
Always carry valid identification and any necessary documentation when using the pass, as proof of eligibility may be required.
For a comprehensive list of participating sites and more detailed information, visit the National Park Service’s official page on entrance passes.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program invites visitors to explore, learn about, and protect national parks. Participants complete activities in a special Junior Ranger booklet, then take an official pledge and receive a Junior Ranger badge or patch.
🗺️ How It Works
Visit a National Park
Head to a participating national park, monument, historic site, or recreation area. You can ask a ranger at the visitor center for a Junior Ranger activity book.Complete Activities
Activities vary by location and are tailored to the park’s unique features. Common tasks include:Meet a Park Ranger
After completing the booklet, kids (and adults!) show their work to a ranger. They may ask a few questions or have a quick chat.Take the Junior Ranger Pledge
Participants promise to protect parks, learn about nature, and share what they’ve learned.Earn a Badge or Patch
Every park has a unique Junior Ranger badge, making it a fun collectible!
Other National Park Resources
Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit
🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?
Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!
🎒 Includes:
Packing checklist
I Spy game
Travel Bingo boards
Snack list
Activity ideas
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