Summary
In 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior will allow American citizens to visit national parks for free on eight special days. The initiative is part of larger changes to modernize access to national parks, including the introduction of digital passes and increased fees for international visitors.
Key Facts
- The Department of the Interior announced the changes, which will start on January 1, 2026.
- U.S. residents will have free access to national parks on eight "patriotic fee-free days" in 2026.
- New digital passes will be available for faster park entry and stored on mobile devices.
- U.S. annual park passes will cost $80, but nonresidents will pay $250 for an annual pass.
- In the most visited parks, nonresidents will incur a new $100 surcharge per person.
- Digital passes allow entry for two motorcycles, enhancing access for biker visitors.
- Seniors, active-duty military, 4th graders, and people with disabilities still get free passes.
- Revenue from increased fees will help fund park maintenance and improvements.
