US National Parks – Free & Super Fun
US National Parks – Zion NP is a great place for dialing back and getting in touch.
US National Parks are our country’s national treasure. They are great places to get in touch with nature and de-stress, and they provide the perfect setting to reconnect with family and close frends.
If you love to travel and enjoy scenic beauty, I can’t imagine a better vacation than one spent in a US National Park. The views of mountains, canyons, forests, lakes, sea shores, glaciers, rivers and more will take your breath away. Authentic travelers will opt for driving themselves, because group tours never allow for more than a quick glimpse and a cup of coffee. Browse through the selection of US National Parks you can visit.
Most US National Parks are free
Did you know that only 127 of our country’s 407 national parks usually charge an entrance fee? That means that more families can enjoy breathtaking scenery and recreational facilities without running up a ton of credit card debt. Compare that with the cost of theme parks!
Free days at US National Parks
Even the national parks that usually charge a fee, are free on some days during the year. This year (2015), all US national parks will be free of charge April 18-19.
Mark your calendar for the remaining entrance fee free dates in 2015:
April 18-19 – opening weekend of National Park Week
August 25 – National Park Service Birthday
September 26 - National Public Lands Day
November 11 – Veterans Day
US National Parks – Black bears, which are often brown, roam through Sequoia National Park.
Vacation in US National Parks - and camp OR NOT
Love the great outdoors, but want to sleep inside? I hear ya.
Glamping is an option in Denali National Park and Sequoia National Monument. You can explore Bryce Canyon National Park from the comfort and luxury of Amangiri. My personal favorite spot at Glacier National Park is Apgar Village Lodge, but if these cabins seem too rustic to you, try Apgar Village Inn or The Belton Chalet.
Some – but not all – of the national park lodges are also quite grand: The Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park is a AAA® Four-Diamond hotel. El Tovar Hotel is the premier lodging facility at the Grand Canyon.
The National Park Service offers a variety of money-saving passes, including a Senior Pass for U. S. citizens and permanent residents over age 62. This lifetime pass costs only $10 and provides admission to all national parks and federal recreation sites.
Enjoy our great outdoors,
Category: Hotels, National Parks
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Hi Elizabeth,
Senior citizens may purchase a lifetime national park pass upon turning 62. Cost: $10. It has been my experience that all national parks charge admission so I was surprised by your comment on many not charging. My senior pass is quite a bargain considering I take my grandson tide pooling several times each year at Cabrillo National Monument. We also use the pass when visiting Volcanoes National Park and the Place of Refuge on the Big Island (Hawaii).
Passed FYI.
Daira