Department of the Interior Makes National Parks More Accessible and Affordable for Americans

Photo Credit: NPS.gov

The White House announced today that the U.S. Department of the Interior is rolling out new measures designed to put American citizens first when it comes to enjoying the country’s breathtaking National Parks and public lands.

Key highlights of the initiative include:

- Americans-first pricing: U.S. residents will continue to benefit from significantly lower entrance and recreation fees, while foreign visitors will pay substantially higher rates. The policy reinforces the principle that America’s natural treasures should remain affordable for the citizens who own them.

- More fee-free days for everyone: The popular fee-free entrance days are being expanded. In addition to existing dates, Americans (and all visitors) will now enjoy free entry on Flag Day (June 14), expanded Independence Day (July 3-5), Constitution Day (September 17), and Theodore Roosevelt's birthday (October 27). Theodore Roosevelt made a profound and lasting impact on the conservation of America's national parks.

- Fully digital America the Beautiful passes: Starting immediately, the annual America the Beautiful Pass—the interagency pass that grants access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites—can now be purchased and stored entirely in digital format through Recreation.gov. You can now simply show the digital pass on your phone at the gate. More specific discounted passes for military, seniors, fourth graders, and the permanently disabled will be available starting January 2026.

Lassen Peak in the fall. Photo Credit: NPS.gov

These changes are part of a broader “America First” approach to public-land management that prioritizes U.S. taxpayers and makes it easier than ever for families to explore local national recreational areas like Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Muir Woods (Redwoods), & Crater Lake as well as icons like Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and hundreds of other national parks, monuments, and historic sites.

For the latest details and to purchase your digital America the Beautiful Pass, visit Recreation.gov.

Our National Parks belong to the American people—now they’re even easier and more affordable to enjoy.

Waterskiing at Whiskeytown Lake Photo Credit: NPS.gov