National Parks Free Entry on Nov 11 (Veterans Day)
National Park entrance fees are waived on Veterans Day, November 11, one of eight free days in 2026.
If entrance fees have kept you from planning a park getaway, here is good news. The National Park Service offers 8 Free National Park Days in 2026, and Veterans Day on November 11 is the final one of the year. It is a nice chance to explore the outdoors without paying admission.
What You Can Get
Free entry to participating National Park sites on the designated days. More than 400 National Park sites are open to the public year-round, and entrance fees are waived on these dates.
Who Qualifies
Everyone. These days are open to all visitors, which makes them a good fit for first-timers, families and anyone planning a budget-friendly trip.
How to Get It
- Pick a free day from the 2026 list below.
- Find a national park site near you on the official page.
- Check that park's hours and any visitor notices before you go.
- Show up and enjoy your free entry.
2026 free days:
- February 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day
- July 3 to 5: Independence Day weekend
- August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
Deadline
November 11 is the last free day on the 2026 calendar.
Important Details
Free days waive entrance fees only at parks that charge them. Not every site has a fee to begin with. Check the official page for the full list of participating parks and for any other fees that may still apply.
Once you are inside, plenty of fun costs nothing, such as hiking, photography, geocaching, scenic overlooks, wildflower spotting and sunset watching.
Official Link
Editor's Note
Free days can bring bigger crowds, so plan to arrive early and bring snacks and water. A quick look at your chosen park's page the day before can save you from surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many free National Park days are there in 2026?
There are 8 Free National Park Days in 2026, including Veterans Day on November 11.
Is Veterans Day a free national park day?
Yes. November 11, Veterans Day, is a free entrance day at National Park sites that charge fees.
Do I need a pass or reservation on free days?
The source does not say. Check the official National Park Service page and your park's own page before you go.
What can I do for free at a national park?
You can hike, take photos, go geocaching, enjoy overlook views, look for wildflowers and watch the sunset.
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