"A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it." - Bob Hope

SavingAdvice.com Blog

Bridging the gap between saving money and investing


Join Now or Login

national parks

Get Into National Parks Fee Free On These Days in 2019

By Leave a Comment

free entrance to national parks

Although you usually have to pay a fee to enter a national park, there are nine days a year that are free entrance days. If you want to make your trip more affordable, here’s how (and when) you can get free entrance to national parks.

What You Get on National Park Free Days

On national park fee free days, you don’t have to pay to enter the park. More than 400 locations are part of the national park system, so you have plenty of options available.

Here are just some of the parks that participate in free entrance day:

  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  • Dinosaur National Monument
  • Death Valley National Park
  • Everglades National Park
  • Glacier National Park
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Yosemite National Park

In total, the national park system covers over 84 million acres of land, featuring a total of about 17,000 miles of hiking trails and 5,000 miles of various kinds of shoreline. Over the more than 400 parks in the system, about 133 usually have entrance fees. The rest are free every day of the year that the park is open, so you may want to take that into consideration when selecting a destination.

Costs on National Park Fee Free Days

Free entrance days at the national parks only eliminate the fee for entering. Other amenities that usually come with a fee may still cost you, so it’s important to keep that in mind.

Here are some options that may still have fees, even in free entrance days:

  • Boat launches
  • Camping
  • Transportation
  • Tours

At times, tour companies may offer deals in conjunction with free entry days, but that isn’t guaranteed. Even if they don’t, since the cost to enter the park on free entrance days is $0, it may make paying for the other amenities less burdensome. However, the participating national parks may be more crowded too, so making reservations in advance (if possible) is a wise move.

National Park Fee Free Days 2019

On five days each year, the National Park Service covers the entrance fee for all visitors. That means anyone can enjoy a day at the park for free.

In 2019, the fee-free days are:

  • Monday, January 21 – Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
  • Saturday, April 20 – First Day of National Park Week
  • Sunday, August 25 – The Birthday of the National Park Service
  • Saturday, September 28 – National Public Lands Day
  • Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day

Do State Parks Participate in These Fee Free Days?

National park free entrance days technically only apply to sites that are part of the national park system. State-run parks are operated by different agencies, so they do not automatically participate.

However, many states that usually charge for entry into the parks operate their own fee-free days. For example, Washington State has 12 free entrance days in 2019, four of which coincide with fee-free days at national parks.

If you would prefer to head to a state park that usually charges for entry, then you will need to check with that park system to see if free entrance days are available.

Drawbacks to the Free Entrance Days

The only potential downside to going to a national park on a fee free day is that the location may be crowded. Free entrance days are incredibly popular, so many parks see more visitors than they would on a typical day.

If you are hoping for a quiet trip to the park, you might be better off getting a pass and going on another day. Similarly, annual pass holders may prefer to avoid free entrance days, especially since there is no financial benefit if you already have a pass.

What If You Miss the National Park Fee Free Days?

While heading to a national park on a free entrance day can help you save money, they are actually very affordable even on days where a fee is necessary. In fact, for just $80, you can get an unlimited annual pass, ensuring you do have to pay a fee with each visit.

Plus, some people are eligible for discounted or free passes. For example, all U.S. 4th graders can get a free annual pass for their family. Active duty military members and their dependents can also get free annual passes, as well as members of the Reserve or National Guard.

For $80, seniors age 62 or older who are citizens or permanent residents can get a lifetime pass. Annual senior passes only cost $20. Individuals with disabilities can qualify for free passes as long as they can show documentation for residency or citizenship and for their disability.

Participating federal agency volunteers with 250 hours of service are eligible for a free pass as well.

Do you visit national parks of fee free days? Tell us why in the comments below/

Read More:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

National Park Fee Free Days 2018

By 2 Comments

Free Park Days 2016

Many people enjoy visiting national parks in the United States, and if you are one of those people, there are a few days a year where you can gain access to them at no charge. Free entrance days regularly change each year. In 2017, there were a total of 20 free entrance days, but that will be decreased to 4 in 2018.

What are the National Park Fee Free Days in 2018?

On the following days in 2018, you can enter any park within the national park system with no charge:

  • January 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • April 21: First day of National Park Week
  • September 22 – National Public Lands Day
  • November 11 – Veterans Day

How Much Does a Trip to a National Park Usually Cost?

Exploring the national parks in the U.S. is one of the best possible deals out there. In fact, there are plenty of ways to save money at national parks. An annual pass to the nation’s national parks is only about $80 – they actually make great gifts if you know someone who enjoys the outdoors. The annual pass has the potential to save you hundreds (and possibly even thousands) of dollars throughout the year.

Seniors (over the age of 62) can obtain a lifetime senior pass for only $10. People with disabilities and members of the military (and military families) can get annual passes free of charge. However, on the days mentioned above, entrance to the national parks is free of charge for everyone who wants to enter. Additionally, through the Every Kid in a Park program, fourth-grade students and their families can obtain free annual passes to the nation’s parks.

More Information for Planning a Trip to the National Park

Areas designated as national parks are some of the most famous destinations in the U.S. There are over 400 parks that make up the national parks system. National monuments, national seashores, national recreation areas and national preserves are all part of the system. The system is made up of 84 million acres with 17,000 miles of hiking trails and 5,000 miles of shoreline. Only 127 of the 400 national parks will be waiving their fees on the days mentioned above, though, but only because the other 273 areas do not have a fee throughout the year.

Fee-free days do not apply to all of the national park fees. The fee waiver includes entrance fees, but fees for reservation, camping, tours, and concession will still be collected on these days. Fees collected by third parties are not included in the waiver unless stated otherwise. If you plan on doing any of these things, the visit could still potentially cost you some money. However, some tour guides offer deals on these free days, so if you plan to spend money, the free days can be a good day to find discounts on services like that.

The only drawback from the free national park entrance days is that national parks are likely to be crowded on these days, so if you plan to go, be prepared to encounter crowds. However, if you do not want to deal with the crowds, national parks are affordable trips year-round with entrance fees ranging from $3 to $30. If you are looking for something fun and affordable to do with the family (or just escape on your own), visit a U.S. national park.

National Park Fee Free Days 2017

By 2 Comments

Free Park Days 2016

Many people enjoy visiting national parks in the United States, and if you are one of those people, there are a few days a year where you can gain access to them at no charge. Free entrance days regularly change each year. In 2016, there were a total of 16 free entrance days, but that will be decreased to 20 in 2017. The National Park Service turned 100 years old in 2016, so it was a special year for the national parks in the U.S. so they offered more free days.

What are the National Park Fee Free Days in 2017?

On the following days in 2017, you can enter any park within the national park system with no charge:

  • January 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • February 20 – President’s Day
  • April 15-16 and 22-23 – Weekends of National Park Week
  • August 25 – National Park Service Birthday
  • September 30 – National Public Lands Day
  • November 11-12 – Veterans Day

How Much Does a Trip to a National Park Usually Cost?

Exploring the national parks in the U.S. is one of the best possible deals out there. In fact, there are plenty of ways to save money at national parks. An annual pass to the nation’s national parks is only about $80 – they actually make great gifts if you know someone who enjoys the outdoors. The annual pass has the potential to save you hundreds (and possibly even thousands) of dollars throughout the year.

Seniors (over the age of 62) can obtain a lifetime senior pass for only $10. People with disabilities and members of the military (and military families) can get annual passes free of charge. However, on the days mentioned above, entrance to the national parks is free of charge for everyone who wants to enter. Additionally, through the Every Kid in a Park program, fourth-grade students and their families can obtain free annual passes to the nation’s parks.

More Information for Planning a Trip to the National Park

Areas designated as national parks are some of the most famous destinations in the U.S. There are over 400 parks that make up the national parks system. National monuments, national seashores, national recreation areas and national preserves are all part of the system. The system in made up of 84 million acres with 17,000 miles of hiking trails and 5,000 miles of shoreline. Only 127 of the 400 national parks will be waiving their fees on the days mentioned above, though, but only because the other 273 areas do not have a fee throughout the year.

Fee-free days do not apply to all of the national park fees. The fee waiver includes entrance fees, but fees for reservation, camping, tours and concession will still be collected on these days. Fees collected by third parties are not included in the waiver unless stated otherwise. If you plan on doing any of these things, the visit could still potentially cost you some money. However, some tour guides offer deals on these free days, so if you plan to spend money, the free days can be a good day to find discounts on services like that.

The only drawback from the free national park entrance days is that national parks are likely to be crowded on these days, so if you plan to go, be prepared to encounter crowds. However, if you do not want to deal with the crowds, national parks are affordable trips year-round with entrance fees ranging from $3 to $30. If you are looking for something fun and affordable to do with the family (or just escape on your own), visit a U.S. national park.

Save Money on a National Park Trip

By 1 Comment

national park
The end of summer is nigh, and soon, we’ll all be essentially hibernating for winter. If you did not get to go on a summer trip yet, fear not; we have a budget-friendly solution for you.

The National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, officially on August 25, thanks to President Woodrow Wilson and the Organic Act of 1916. With interesting land formations and views you can’t get elsewhere, you need to add them to your list of “must-sees.” Plus, you can easily plan a getaway to one near you at a lower cost than most trips.

Here’s how you can save money on one last summer trip by visiting a national park:

  • Go on a free day. Yes, the National Park Service offers free park entry days throughout the year. The next one is September 24, and while that is actually the autumn season, the weather may still be nice enough to enjoy the park you choose. The waived fee includes transportation entrance costs as well. You can learn more about the free entry days here.
  • Camp out. Lodging costs per night can definitely add up. Despite national park trips typically being cheaper than a trip to somewhere like Hawaii, you can save even more money on your vacation by opting to camp out in a tent instead. Besides, a little “rough” living can’t hurt, right? Just make sure to reserve a spot in advance as spots can fill quickly, particularly in the more popular parks like Yosemite. But, as we approach the end of the season, you may be luckier than some.
  • Leave the car at home. If you are looking to be really frugal during this trip, you can leave the car at home and use an alternate form of transportation to enter the park. Compare and contrast the cost of a bus ticket to shuttle you to the park; it just might save you an a buck or two. As another option, you can ride your motorcycle or bicycle in for half of the cost most of the time. If you have the luxury of living close enough to a national park where you can ride your bike, take advantage of the extra savings (and exercise).
  • Utilize your discounts. Are you a senior citizen? Student? Military? AAA Member? The National Park Service offers discounts to affiliations like this, so make sure to look into what discounts may apply to you. Sometimes, the discount will even be offered to everyone with you. Don’t be afraid to ask.
  • Invite friends to come along. Speaking of groups, if you are hoping to stay in a cabin or hotel near the park, invite friends to come along to help reduce travel expenses such as gas. And what better way to end the summer than with a trip with friends?
  • Shop at home. Because national parks are also tourist attractions, prices tend to be much higher than they would be at your local grocery store. Stock up at home for travel food, outdoor gear and other necessities for your trip to help save you money.

If you can’t get enough of just one park, or think you’ll visit another before this milestone’s end for the NPS, you may want to consider an annual pass. These can be purchased from the organization’s website for just $80. Another option is to sign up for the park service’s newsletter for discounts, deals and tips.

Will you be trying to fit in one last trip this summer to a national park?

National Parks and Monuments Free Today for 100th Anniversary

By 1 Comment


national parks and monuments free august 25 2016
August 25. 2016

Petroglyphs at Gold Butte have been damaged by bullet holes. Advocates are asking President Obama to create a new national monument. (Christian Gerlach/Sierra Club)

LAS VEGAS — All national parks and monuments are free to visit through August 28 in honor of the founding of the National Park Service 100 years ago. Conservation and political leaders, including Senator Harry Reid and Representative Dina Titus gathering at the Federal Building in Las Vegas to celebrate places such as Lake Mead, Great Basin and Tule Springs.

Mauricia Baca, executive director at the nonprofit Outside Las Vegas Foundation, said the state’s public lands are an integral part of the Nevadans’ quality of life.

“The national parks are among our greatest treasures,” Baca said. “And we need to really value them and care for them.”

But the state Legislature had different ideas about federal public lands. In May 2015, state lawmakers passed a joint resolution calling on Congress to transfer 7 million acres of federal land to the State of Nevada.

Conservation advocates such as Baca have renewed their call for President Obama to create a new national monument at Gold Butte.

“Currently, without that designation, elements such as the petroglyphs that exist in Gold Butte are really out there receiving no care and no special attention,” Baca said. “And they need that extra level of protection so that we have that legacy that can endure for generations.”

According to Baca, the outdoor economy generates almost $15 billion a year in Nevada.

Source: Public News Service. Republished with permission.

Author: Suzanne Potter, Public News Service – Nevada.

$40 Billion of National Park Assets at Risk Due to Climate Change

By 1 Comment

National parks have 40 billion in assets at risk due to climate change
An anniversary is usually a cause for celebration. Gifts are exchanged. Happiness is spread. Memories are shared. The U.S. Department of the Interior has a different idea about how it will mark the two-year anniversary of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan.

Today, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell released a report calling attention to the infrastructure of national parks and the historical resources within them. Scientists from Western Carolina University and the National Park Service worked jointly to conduct the study.

The report revealed that more than $40 billion worth of these park assets are at considerable risk of damage due to rising sea levels. What’s more concerning is that the study only included 40 parks and is ongoing, and they still have 78 more on their list to evaluate, which could bring the at-risk asset total to over $100 billion.

Climate change is a large culprit behind the risks of rising sea levels and a result of such drastic changes. Even though climate change has and continues to impact parks throughout the country, “[T]his report underscores the economic importance of cutting carbon pollution and making public lands more resilient to [climate change’s] dangerous impacts,” said Secretary Jewell.

For obvious reasons, coastal parks are of a great concern to the scientists. While there are variations depending on region and time of the year, scientists expect to see a 1-meter rise in sea levels within the next 100-150 years. On the other hand, in some areas such as parts of Alaska, climate change is expected to result in rising land mass as land glaciers and ice sheets continue to melt at extraordinary rates.

There are 118 parks considered by the National Park Service to be at risk to rising sea levels. The authors of the study studied 40 of these parks which included heavily visited urban areas in New York City and San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The “assets” in the report refer to historic sites, museum collections, visitor centers, lighthouses, bridges, and other resources and infrastructure within the parks. The authors note that the $40 billion value does not include the extra loss of billions of dollars due to lost land and tourism.

One meter may not seem like a lot, but National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis thinks differently. According to Jarvis, “Coupled with sea level rise, big storms have that extra volume of water that can damage or destroy roads, bridges, and buildings, and we saw what that looks like with Hurricane Sandy in 2012.” Much of the Ellis Island museum collection still remains stored elsewhere as repairs to Sandy-damaged areas continue today. Those behind the study hope the report can help determine which parks and preventative measures should be considered a priority.

“Through sound science and collaboration, we will use this research to help protect some of America’s most iconic places,” said Interior Secretary Jewell. The report may not be the greatest two-year anniversary celebration, but it is a necessary guide to help policy makers prepare for and possibly prevent some of the looming effects of climate change and rising sea levels.