Admission Costs

The cost for admission at the national park sites varies by the popularity of the park. Many are free; most range from free to $4-$10 per car. The two most expensive parks are Yellowstone and Yosemite, each charging $20 per vehicle.

Golden Eagle Passports

If you will be visiting several parks on an extended vacation or if you’re a frequent visitor to the national park system sites, consider buying a Golden Eagle Passport. For $50, this passport gives you one year access into national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges.

You can buy a Golden Eagle Passport at any of the park sites or through the mail by writing:

National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Room 138
Washington, DC 20242
Attention: Golden Eagle Passport

What does the passport cover? Admission fees for yourself and your passengers and if the park charges per person instead of per vehicle it provides admission for yourself, spouse, children and parents. The passport doesn’t provide for reduced fees for camping, tours, and other services.

Golden Age Passports

If you are 62 years or older you can obtain a lifetime entrance pass for the national parks. The Golden Age Passport is available for a one-time fee of $10; this entitles you to entrance (along with your passengers) in parks under the National Park Service.

How do you get a Golden Age Passport? It has to be obtained in person and can be purchased at any of the parks. You’ll need to show proof of age and also you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

The passport also gives you a 50% discount on federal use fees–camping, tours, boat launching, and other activities.

Golden Access Passports

Blind or permanently disabled travelers qualify for free lifetime entrance at the national parks through the Golden Access Passport. You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. To obtain a passport, apply at one of the parks with proof of disability and eligibility for obtaining federal benefits. The passport is good for you and your passengers and also provides a 50% discount for camping, tours, etc.