Fee Free Events and Days at The National Parks
Offerings and Events
There are 5 National Park fee free days each year. Thus, offerings include admission to many locations, albeit 423 sites currently. Nevertheless, the fee free day does not replace timed-entry gate admissions, campgrounds, “permit only events” and recreation activities. Yet, this “gift” at the National Parks is something happening throughout the year. Furthermore, among the fee free events each year, is the celebration of the Great American Outdoors Act. Instagram Fee Free Reel
Come Celebrate Fee Free
For instance, tourists celebrate with the nation by going on a hike or learning about National Heritage Areas (NHAs). That is, National Heritage Areas are sites which may be in or nearby your neighborhood. NHAs bring light to and discovery of the people who called the lands their ancestral home. Foundationally, plants, animals and geography have long been deeply connected to cultural heritage. NHAs in the National Parks System
recreation.gov
Let’s face it, keeping up with the changes within the National Park System with respect to reservations is a massive task. Indeed, recreation.gov keeps up with it all. In recalling my first experience with recreation.gov more than 10 years ago, I had no idea then how often I would refer to the website and/or app.
Tours, Ranger-led Excursions and more
Specifically, by securing reservations to an Independence Hall tour, I was able to enjoy a ranger-led excursion. While there was disappointment when not being able to book the elevator ride at the Washington Monument. I still explored the iconic structure since same day tickets at the lodge nearby have long been a way to gain access to this bucket-list event.
Download the Apple App or Google Play
Meanwhile, the National Park Service continues its almost seemless transition to all booking and reservations via the recreation.gov website. To start with, download the multi functional app on your phone for on-the-go access when visiting the parks.
Permits, Tickets and Lotteries
Permits, tickets, and lotteries are among the searchable terms on the web-friendly site and app. For instance, campgrounds, park gate timed-entry, and boat tours which take place on Federal Lands are all part of a library of recreation awaiting your next National Park visit. Until now, what has been your favorite experience with recreation.gov? Specifically, do you have any suggestions which may improve the user interface or ideas to streamline the booking process?
Fee Free Events and Dates for 2023
Dates for 2024 will be updated when the NPS updates their calendar (January 14, 2023).
Jan 16, ’23
Free Day 1 National Park System
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance
Plan A Visit Each Season on one or more of the Fee Free Days at the 423 National Park Units located throughout the United States
APR 22, ’23
Free Day 2 National Park System
First Day of National Park Week
Aug 04, ’23
Free Day 3 National Park System
Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
SEp 23, ’23
Free Day 4 National Park System
National Public Lands Day
Nov 11, ’23
Free Day 5 National Park System
Veterans Day
Additional Fee Free Events (all year)
Fishing in the Smokies
While the license for fishing in the park is not free, admission to the park is free every day the park is open. Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge anglers additional fees but the state where you haul in your catch has rules and regulations that apply. The park itself is located in both North Carolina and Tennessee and some fishing areas are also located on lands within the Cherokee Nation. For more details regarding state specific licenses and Cherokee Indian Nation information, see the post on dropping a line as a tool for planning an upcoming trip. Have you been trout fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
