United States National Passes

Federal Agencies that manage public-access land and charge fees for entry typically offer some form of pass that can be purchased online or in person at an appropriate agency office. There are three primary types of passes: Senior, Military, Annual Entry and Timed Entry.

Timed Entry is not technically a discount pass, but information is included at the bottom of this page.

Senior Passes

Senior Lifetime Pass

Eligibility: 62 or older

Cost: $80

Description: Provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies. At many sites the pass provides discounts on camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Apply Here

Senior Annual Pass

Eligibility: 62 or older

Cost: $20

Description: Provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies. At many sites the pass provides discounts on camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Apply Here


Military Passes

Gold Star Lifetime Pass

Eligibility: Gold Star Parent

Cost: $10

Description: Provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies. At many sites the pass provides discounts on camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Apply Here

Veteran Lifetime Pass

Eligibility: Military Veteran

Cost: $10

Description: Provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies. At many sites the pass provides discounts on camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Apply Here

Dependent Annual Pass

Eligibility: Military Dependent

Cost: $10

Description: Provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies. At many sites the pass provides discounts on camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Apply Here



Annual Entry Passes

America the Beautiful Pass

Eligibility:

Eligibility: Anyone 16 or older (children under 16 are always admitted free)

Cost: $80

Description: Essentially a day-use pass that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies.

Apply Here

Timed Entry Passes

Timed Entry Passes apply to a handful of Parks. These are issued to prevent overcrowding and typically indicate a particular time that the holder may enter the park. All day-use visitors are required to have a timed entry pass in addition to a park entrance pass.

Timed passes are purchased online at recreation.gov. I am currently aware of the following parks where Timed Entry is in effect:

Arches National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Glacier National Park

Mount Rainier

Rocky Mountain National Park

Yosemite National Park