Events & outdoors Official page read in full
Free National Parks Military Pass
Free annual pass for current military and dependents; free lifetime pass for veterans and Gold Star families, covering federal recreation entrance and day-use fees.
VeteransActive duty, Guard and ReserveMilitary familiesFamilies of fallen responders and service members
What the official page says
- National Park Service: current US Armed Forces members and dependents can get a free Military Annual Pass; veterans (including National Guard and Reserves) and Gold Star Families can get a free Military Lifetime Pass.
- In person it is free; the NPS page lists accepted IDs, including DoD ID, VHIC, Veteran ID Card, or a veteran designation on a state ID. Recreation.gov offers a free digital pass; mailed passes from the USGS Store have a $10 processing fee.
- The passes cover entrance and standard day-use fees on lands run by NPS, BLM, Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife, Forest Service and Army Corps. They do not cover camping, tours, permits or concession fees.
- The NPS page was last updated February 26, 2026.
Official source: NPS: free passes for military, veterans, Gold Star families