As 2026 approaches, travelers are already organizing their national park getaways, but significant changes are on the horizon.
Next year will see several fee-free days, although the selected dates will be markedly different. Additionally, international visitors will face increased costs, and annual passes will transition to a new digital format, among other updates.
“This year we’re making it easier and more affordable for every American to experience the beauty and freedom of our public lands,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum remarked in a video posted on X. “These changes reflect our commitment to affordability, ensuring that families from all corners of our country can share in the wonders of our public lands.”
Here are the key changes that national park visitors should note for 2026.
Changes to Fee-Free Days
2026 will feature 10 fee-free days, up from six in previous years, but the dates will differ significantly, except for Veterans’ Day on November 11, 2026.
The fee-free days for 2026 include:
- Presidents Day: February 16
- Memorial Day: May 25
- Flag Day and Donald Trump’s Birthday: June 14
- Independence Day Weekend: July 3-5
- 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service: August 25
- Constitution Day: September 17
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday: October 27
- Veterans Day: November 11
In 2026, the National Park Service will not recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Juneteenth, the first day of National Park Week, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, or National Public Lands Day by waiving fees as in 2025.
The Department of the Interior is also restricting fee-free days to U.S. residents, meaning international visitors will be excluded.
Not all national parks charge daily fees. For instance, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee but charges for services like parking. Other parks, such as Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, are free all year round.
Increased Costs for International Visitors
As of January 1, visiting some of the most popular national parks will become costlier for non-U.S. residents due to a $100 surcharge on standard entrance fees, labeled as “America-first pricing” by the Trump administration.
“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access while international visitors contribute fair shares to maintain and enhance our parks for future generations,” Burgum stated.
This policy applies to foreign travelers aged 16 and older visiting 11 specific parks, including Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks.
For international visitors planning to explore multiple parks, an annual pass will be available, but at a cost of $250 for non-residents compared to $80 for U.S. residents.
To enforce this new regulation, visitors must present a U.S. government-issued photo ID at park entrances. If they don’t have one, they will need to pay the higher fees.
Introduction of Digital Passes
For U.S. citizens and residents, the annual America the Beautiful pass will remain at $80 in 2026. It will now be available as a digital download for storage on their Recreation.gov accounts or in a mobile app.
Pass holders who prefer a physical card can order one for an additional shipping fee of $7.50 or collect one in person from over 1,000 locations nationwide.
Starting in 2026, each pass will also cover two motorcycles.
New Annual Pass Designs
Recent annual passes have showcased various wildlife and natural scenery, but this year’s design will feature “bold, patriotic” themes, including an image of Trump alongside George Washington.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of using Trump’s likeness on the pass, emphasizing that images are typically chosen through a public competition to promote education about national parks and should not be used for political purposes.
“The National Park Recreation Pass law mandates a public competition for the annual image, ensuring the parks remain a vital non-partisan venue for all Americans,” commented Robert Keiter, a natural resources law professor.
Pass holders who prefer the traditional imagery should purchase their passes soon, as each pass is valid for 12 months from the purchase date through the end of that month the following year.
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