Who gets free entrance on the 2026 NPS fee-free days?
NPS says that beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days is for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents must pay regular entrance fees and any applicable nonresident fees.
US national park free entrance days 2026
A fee-free entrance day can make a park trip easier to say yes to, especially when the plan is still loose and the entrance fee would otherwise be another cost to weigh.
This calendar keeps the remaining 2026 National Park Service fee-free entrance dates after June 12. The Independence Day item is a weekend window, so the timer is set to the first free day in that window.
The 2026 rules matter: NPS says free entrance on these days is for US citizens and residents only. Timed entry, reservations, camping, tours, transportation, and other fees can still apply, so the reminder is a starting point for planning rather than a complete trip checklist.
Next up
Flag Day free entrance
Jun 14, 2026 · 00:00 · America/New_York
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Remaining 2026 NPS fee-free entrance days
- Flag Day free entranceSunday, June 14, 2026
NPS lists June 14, 2026 as a fee-free entrance day for Flag Day and President Trump's birthday.
- Independence Day weekend startsFriday, July 3, 2026
NPS lists July 3 to 5, 2026 as the Independence Day fee-free entrance weekend.
- National Park Service birthdayTuesday, August 25, 2026
NPS lists August 25, 2026 as the 110th birthday of the National Park Service and a fee-free entrance day.
- Constitution Day free entranceThursday, September 17, 2026
NPS lists September 17, 2026, Constitution Day, as a fee-free entrance day.
- Theodore Roosevelt birthdayTuesday, October 27, 2026
NPS lists October 27, 2026, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, as a fee-free entrance day.
- Veterans Day free entranceWednesday, November 11, 2026
NPS lists November 11, 2026, Veterans Day, as a fee-free entrance day.
Frequently asked questions
Do fee-free days remove timed-entry reservations?
No. NPS says other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may still apply. Check the specific park before you drive.
Why is Independence Day one timer?
NPS lists July 3 to 5 as the fee-free Independence Day weekend. The timer points to July 3, the first day of that window.
Are all national parks free on these dates?
The waiver applies to National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee. Parks that are normally free do not need an entrance waiver, and separate activity fees can still remain.