National Park Service announces 2022 free entrance days
The National Park Service revealed the dates of’¯entrance fee-free days’¯in 2022.
The free admission days are designed to encourage visitation of the country’s national parks and an interest in the work of the NPS and conservation.
There is at least one in every state.
The free entrance dates for 2022 are:
Monday, January 17 -‘¯Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Saturday, April 16 – First Day of’¯National Park Week
Thursday, August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 24 -‘¯National Public Lands Day
Friday, November 11 -‘¯Veterans Day
"Whether on an entrance fee-free day or throughout the year, we encourage everyone to discover their national parks and the benefits that come from spending time outdoors," said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.
"National parks are for everyone and we are committed to increasing access and providing opportunities for all to experience them."
Recreational experiences at parks can range from a relaxing picnic to a white-water adventure, as well as the chance to view wildlife in their natural habitat.
Visitors are encouraged to begin their trip to a national park with a stop at NPS.gov or the NPS app to help plan and prepare.
There are maps, updated conditions and suggested activities.
The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days applies only to National Park Service entrance fees and does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.
Most national parks do not have entrance fees at all. Out of more than 400 national parks, approximately 110 have admission fees that range from $5 to $35.
All of the money provided by entrance fees remain in the National Park Service and 80-100% stays in the park where collected.
The funds are used to directly support the visitor experience by providing programs and services, habitat restoration and building maintenance and repair.
In 2020, $170 million was collected in entrance fees.
Last year, 237 million people visited national parks and spent $14.5 billion in local communities.
Free annual passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks, are available for members of the U.S. Military and their dependents, U.S. Military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth grade students, and eligible NPS volunteers.
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