Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

 Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

The National Park Service offers free annual and lifetime passes to eligible military members, veterans, and Gold Star Families. These passes provide free access to national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and other federally managed recreational lands as a way of recognizing their service and sacrifice.

Military Annual Pass

Who Qualifies?

• Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Military dependents

How to Obtain It

In Person: Available free at many federal recreation sites and national parks. Eligible individuals must present a valid military ID, such as:

• Common Access Card (CAC)
• DD Form 1173
• Next Generation Dependent ID Card

Online:

• A free digital pass can be obtained through Recreation.gov.
• A physical pass may be requested for a shipping fee.
• The USGS Store also offers mailed passes for a processing fee.

Military Lifetime Pass

Who Qualifies?

• U.S. military veterans, including National Guard and Reserve members
• Gold Star Family members

Veteran Identification Requirements

Veterans may present:

• Department of Defense Identification Card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Veteran ID Card
• A state-issued driver's license or ID showing veteran status

Gold Star Family Requirements

Gold Star Family members must present a Gold Star Voucher when obtaining the pass.

How to Obtain It

• Free in person at participating federal recreation sites.
• Available as a digital pass through Recreation.gov.
• Physical passes may be ordered through Recreation.gov or the USGS Store for applicable shipping or processing fees.

What the Pass Covers

The pass covers:

• Entrance fees
• Standard amenity (day-use) fees

These benefits apply at lands managed by agencies such as:

• National Park Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• U.S. Forest Service
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

What the Pass Does Not Cover

The pass generally does not cover:

• Camping fees
• Guided tours
• Special recreation permits
• Reservation fees
• Group-use fees
• Concession-operated activities and facilities

Family Benefits

The pass admits:

• The pass holder and all occupants of a private, non-commercial vehicle, or
• Up to two motorcycles, or
• The pass holder plus three additional adults (age 16 and older) at sites charging per-person fees.

Access Pass for Disabled Veterans and Others with Disabilities

Veterans and other U.S. citizens or residents with permanent disabilities may qualify for a free lifetime Access Pass, which may also provide discounts on certain amenities such as camping and guided tours.

Additional Note

If someone already possesses another qualifying America the Beautiful Pass, they generally do not need to obtain a separate Military Pass.

Bottom Line

Current military members and their dependents can receive a free Military Annual Pass, while veterans and Gold Star Families can receive a free Military Lifetime Pass. These passes provide free entrance and day-use access to thousands of federal recreation sites across the United States, though they do not cover camping, reservations, tours, or similar extra fees.

For more information go to: Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service)