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Free National Park Days 2026: Remaining Dates, Rules and Fees
Only two free national park days are left in 2026: Tuesday, October 27 (Theodore Roosevelt's birthday) and Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day). On these days the standard entrance fee is waived at national parks that normally charge one. There is one big change you should know about: according to the National Park Service, fee-free days in 2026 are only for U.S. residents. If you are visiting from the UK or another country, you still have to pay. This guide explains the dates, what is covered, and what international visitors pay.
Important: The dates below come from news and travel sources. The official National Park Service page is the final word, so please confirm on nps.gov before you travel. Some parks close roads or facilities in late October and November because of weather.
All Fee-Free Days in 2026
| Date | What it honors | Status |
|---|---|---|
| February 16 | Presidents' Day | Passed |
| May 25 | Memorial Day | Passed |
| June 14 | Flag Day | Passed |
| July 3 to 5 | Independence Day weekend | Passed |
| August 25 | 110th birthday of the National Park Service | Passed |
| September 17 | Constitution Day | Passed |
| October 27 (Tuesday) | Theodore Roosevelt's birthday | Upcoming 12 days |
| November 11 (Wednesday) | Veterans Day | Upcoming |
The list is different from earlier years. MLK Day and Juneteenth are no longer fee-free days, and Flag Day (June 14) and the National Park Service birthday were added. After November 11, there are no more fee-free days in 2026.
Official fee-free days page Find a park near youWhat Is Covered on a Fee-Free Day?
Covered: the standard entrance fee at parks that normally charge one. Many national park sites do not charge an entrance fee at all, so they are free every day.
Usually not covered:
- Campsite reservations (normal rates apply)
- Timed entry reservations or permits, which may still have a small fee
- Required shuttle systems, such as in some busy canyons
- Tours and boat trips run by private companies inside the park
- Parking fees at some parks
Visitors aged 16 and older may be asked to show ID, so bring a photo ID.
Visiting From the UK or Another Country? Read This
Until 2025, fee-free days were open to everyone. That has changed. The National Park Service says that beginning in 2026, fee-free days are only for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents pay the normal entrance fee and any nonresident fee, even on October 27 and November 11.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nonresident surcharge | $100 per person (age 16 and older), on top of the standard entrance fee |
| Nonresident annual pass | $250 (from January 1, 2026) |
| U.S. resident annual pass | $80 |
The $100 surcharge applies at 11 parks: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion. If you plan to visit several parks on one trip, the $250 nonresident annual pass can work out cheaper than paying the entrance fee and the surcharge at each park. Check the exact fees for the parks you plan to visit before you book.
Official nonresident fees pageTips for Visiting on a Fee-Free Day
- Go early. Free days are busy, and popular parks can fill up their parking lots in the morning.
- Check the park's own page. Look for road closures, weather alerts and winter hours, because late October and November can bring snow in high places.
- Book what is not free. If you need a campsite, a timed entry reservation or a tour, book it ahead, because these are not waived.
- Pick a quieter park. Smaller or less famous parks are usually easier to enjoy on a free day.
- Consider a pass if you visit often. The U.S. resident annual pass costs $80, which can be cheaper if you visit parks several times a year.
- Do not pay websites for "free day tickets." Fee-free days do not need a ticket. Use the official nps.gov site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When are the remaining free national park days in 2026?
Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, November 11.
Are fee-free days free for international visitors?
No. In 2026, fee-free days are only for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents pay the entrance fee and any nonresident fee.
How much is the surcharge for non-US visitors?
$100 per person aged 16 and older at 11 popular parks, plus the standard entrance fee. A nonresident annual pass costs $250.
What is not covered on a fee-free day?
Campsites, timed entry reservation fees, required shuttles, private tours and parking fees at some parks.
Do I need ID?
Visitors 16 and older may be asked to show ID. Bring a photo ID.
Are there more free days after November 11?
No. November 11 is the last fee-free day listed for 2026.
Disclaimer: Dates, fees and rules can change. Please confirm details on the official National Park Service website (nps.gov) before you travel. This site is not affiliated with the National Park Service or any government agency.
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