America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this summer with three fee-free weekends at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees*.
*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
The second of the three weekends is this Saturday and Sunday.
One of the great benefits of reaching 62 is the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass. It’s $10, good for the rest of your life, and admits you and up to three adult passengers in your vehicle free to all federal recreation sites. It also includes a 50% discount on many charges such as campgrounds. Is this a great country, or what?
If you’re under 62, the similar annual pass is $80.
Some example entrance fees (but not this weekend!):
Bryce Canyon National Park $25 per vehicle
Carlsbad Caverns National Park $6 per person over age 15
Grand Canyon National Park $25 per vehicle
Shenandoah National Park $15 per vehicle ($10 in winter)
Yellowstone National Park $25 per vehicle ($20 for snowmobile)