Free Admission Days at U.S. National Parks

Whether you crave the desert’s dry heat, dream of alpine summits, revel in tropical sunshine, or live for the rocky beaches of the North Atlantic, America’s national park system has what you’re looking for. While some national parks and monuments are free, over 100 national parks, monuments, seashores, and battlefields are fee-charging.

Visit battlefields, monuments, and military parks to explore history. Enjoy the waves and water at national seashores and lakeshores. Take a driving tour on one of America’s four national byways or go rafting on one of 10 wild and scenic rivers. Wherever you choose to go, there’s a KOA campground close by. Over 500 KOA campgrounds across the country have roomy campsites and comfortable cabins, loads of family activities to wind down after a day in the national parks, and friendly staff who are ready to help you get the most out of your park visit.

Visiting the national parks is one of the most economical vacation options there is, but it’s never more affordable than on eight free entry days, when all the national park sites that normally charge an entry fee of as much as $35 offer free admission. Pick a new park to explore, or return to an old favorite, to celebrate these special park holidays in 2026.

When are All National Parks Free? Visit National Parks for Free on These Eight Days

President’s Day – February 16
Memorial Day – May 25
Flag Day – June 14
Independence Day Weekend – July 3-5
110th Birthday of the National Park Service – August 25
Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday – October 27
Veterans Day – November 11

President’s Day – February 16

Monday, February 16 is the first admission-free day of the year in honor of President’s Day. There are many national park sites that honor and memorialize former Commanders-in-Chiefs, from places like JFK’s birthplace home to the Washington Memorial. And as 2026 is America’s 250^th anniversary, what better way to celebrate than checking out the incredible national parks throughout the U.S.?

Memorial Day – May 25

Memorial Day honors U.S. military who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Choose a national cemetery, monument, or battlefield to visit in remembrance. Many parks are also expected to announce programming like specialty tours, volunteer opportunities, and educational talks in honor of Memorial Day, so keep your eyes to your preferred park’s calendar in the coming months.

Flag Day – June 14

Sunday, June 14^th commemorates the adoption of the iconic stars and stripes as the official U.S. flag in 1777. What better way to exercise the symbol of our nation than by visiting one of our best assets – our national parks? Go rafting in Glacier National Park, cycle the paved Shark Valley loop in the Everglades, try fishing in Denali or Voyageurs, or stay up late to enjoy the starry skies in Death Valley.

Independence Day Weekend – July 3-5

Our national parks are often called “America’s best idea,” because the concept of preserving land in the public trust originated in the U.S. Enjoying this uniquely American ideal is a fantastic way to celebrate 4^th of July weekend! Check out can’t-miss events like Mount Rushmore’s fireworks celebration or musket and cannon firings at Valley Forge National Historical Park, and keep your eyes peeled for additional celebrations added across the parks system.

Grinnell Lake in Glacier National Park on a cloudy summer day, with dramatic clouds.

110th Birthday of the National Park Service – August 25

The National Park Service was established August 25, 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson to formally manage, maintain, and preserve the nation’s parks. Celebrate the day by exploring newer additions to the Parks Service like New River Gorge National Park and Reserve or finally cross iconic sites like Going-to-the-Sun Road off your bucket list. Wherever you go in the park system, utilizing and honoring our national parks is the best birthday gift you could give!

Two grazing American Bison, the largest mammal in the United States. Taken in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday – October 27

October 27^th, 2026 will mark Teddy Roosevelt’s 168^th birthday. Roosevelt is often called the “Conservation President” because of his establishment of 230 million acres of public lands; including 5 national parks, 18 national monuments, and 150 national forests! Take this opportunity to check out our nation’s first park, Yellowstone National Park , or visit the rugged prairie of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where Roosevelt hunted bison in his youth.

Veterans Day – November 11

The final fee-free day of the year falls on Veterans Day to commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. Choose a battlefield, military park, or historic site to visit on November 11 and learn about the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country. Take a trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to learn about the iconic sculpture of four legendary presidents, or the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor to see where World War II began for the U.S in 1941.

Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.

Camping is for everyone.
So is our email.

Email Address*

First Name*

Last Name*

Country*

Enjoy a Greater Slice of the Great Outdoors

Discover even more room to enjoy outdoor living with a KOA Patio Site^®. These spacious sites offer your very own patio equipped with outdoor furniture and the perfect place for a fire. Wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee with the sunrise and spend an evening relaxing with family and friends.

Learn More

Free Admission Days at U.S. National Parks