Active Duty Military: Free Annual Pass to National Parks ($80 Value!)

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As a way of saying thank you to those who are serving our country, all Active Duty Military Members can snag a FREE Annual Pass to National Parks (an $80 value!). All Active Duty men and women – Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and activated National Guard and Reserves – can get their pass at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee by showing their military ID. Each family member will also be able to obtain their own pass even if the service member is deployed or if they are traveling separately.

The Annual Park Pass which is valid for one full year will provide access to National Park Service Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service Lands, Bureau of Reclamation Lands, Bureau of Land Management Lands & USDA Forest Service Locations. Where there are entrance fees, the pass covers the owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at recreation sites that charge per vehicle. At sites where per-person entrance fees are charged, it covers the pass owner and three accompanying adults age 16 and older. There is no entry fee for children 15 and under.

Click here for more information.

Important Note: While the pass is not available to veterans and retirees, many of these individuals are eligible for other discounted passes, such as the Senior Pass, granting lifetime access to U.S. citizens over 62 for $10, and the Access Pass granting free lifetime access for permanently disabled U.S. citizens.

(Thanks, Sue!)

Join The Discussion

Comments 18

  1. Susie

    I have that exact picture, except taken at sunrise, hanging on my dining room wall. I took it 2 years ago on our family vacation. πŸ˜€

    • Angela

      I have the same picture on my dinning room wall too. Taken about 10 years ago.

      • Shel

        How wonderful to see that every day; it is breathtaking! What a blessing to have those memories from your vacation as well πŸ™‚

    • Viv

      Where is the picture taken at? Thank you.

      • Julie

        Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole WY

  2. navywife

    any other navy wife here?

    • Emilee

      Yep! Stationed in Norfolk πŸ™‚

      • navywife

        πŸ™‚ nice!!

  3. Kim

    Check with your state parks as well if you or your spouse is a disabled vet mine is and he (plus 1 adult guest) get in for free in our state

  4. Lucy

    I love that they offer this for active duty! We’ve been to so many national parks for free because of it. Of course most of our visits were during moves. πŸ™‚ So thankful!

  5. Brenda H.

    Our family is taking advantage of this this year. We’re going to visit the Sequoia National Park, Joshua Tree, and the Grand Canyon. Can’t wait!

    • terri

      You will have an amazing time..I loved visiting those sites!

  6. leza

    Sad, that retired military personnel that served there country for 20 + years can’t get the same offer

    • terri

      If they are older, maybe they can get the senior pass.

    • Gracie

      It is sad!! For vet and retired.. they do deserve this and better.. oh well

  7. christel

    This is also free for National Guard and Reserves! πŸ™‚

  8. Deana

    This is wonderful! The kids can swim for free every summer. We have been paying $40 per year!

  9. simone sweatman

    My husband retired two years ago after serving two 15-month tours, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq as well as an additional 9-month tour in Iraq. I think it’s sad that you only consider active duty… πŸ™ I think it would be great if veterans who have served would qualify for this deal.

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