Veterans and Gold Star Families now enjoy free lifetime access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, thanks to the Interagency Military Lifetime Pass. This initiative, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022, recognizes service members, Veterans—including National Guard and Reserve—and Gold Star Families with waived entrance and recreation fees. Eligible individuals must present valid military or Veteran identification. Passes can be obtained in person or online, with details on agency websites. This expanded benefit grants unlimited access to treasured public lands, encouraging Veterans and their families to explore America’s natural and historic landmarks at no cost. Find more information here.
For more information about eligibility and passes, visit Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
Planning a national park adventure just got a little easier. Interagency Passes, granting access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, can now be obtained in person at participating locations. To find a nearby site, visit the National Park Service’s searchable online list, but don’t forget to call ahead for hours and pass availability. For added convenience, military, senior, and permanent disability passes may be purchased online through the USGS store, with a small processing fee. Holders of existing lifetime Senior or Access Passes need not replace them—these passes remain valid for all park visits.
