Starting January 1, 2026, America's parks are about to get more expensive than they've been in a century.
Key takeaways:
* International visitors will pay $100 in addition to national park entrance fees; annual passes for non-U.S. residents will increase from $80 to $250.
* U.S. residents will lose several fee-free days, including MLK Day and Juneteenth, replaced by new "patriotic" days.
* National park opening hours are most likely to be affected as well; it's best to check the latest opening schedules for more efficient planning.
On November 24, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced a major change in national park access. For the first time in National Park Service history, your citizenship will dictate what you pay at the gate.
The price tag breakdown: What you'll actually pay for national park entrance fees
For U.S. residents, little changes at the surface level. The annual "America the Beautiful Pass" remains $80 for all fee-charging national parks and other federal recreation sites. Standard vehicle entrance fees at individual parks stay at $20 to $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.
For international visitors, the annual pass jumps to $250. At the eleven designated "surcharge parks," any non-resident aged 16 and above without a $250 annual pass must pay an extra $100 per person. For families visiting many parks on a road trip, that annual pass becomes the only viable option.
The eleven parks subject to the surcharge are the following:
* Grand Canyon
* Yellowstone
* Yosemite
* Glacier National Park
* Acadia
* Rocky Mountain
* Grand Teton
* Zion
* Bryce Canyon
* Sequoia
* Kings Canyon
* Everglades
How enforcement works at the gate
To receive the lower U.S. resident rates, visitors must present a valid ID, such as a U.S. driver's license or a Permanent Resident Card. For annual pass purchases through Recreation.gov, buyers must enter a ZIP code and upload their ID.
At high-traffic parks like Zion and Yellowstone, entrance station lines can stretch for an hour during peak season. Rangers will check every passenger aged sixteen and older in each vehicle, since the surcharge applies per person.
For international visitors, the confusion is much higher. Many arrive with advance reservations purchased months earlier at old prices, which can be a bottleneck since operators need to verify if they can charge the additional $100 or not.
Reduced hours and services: The hidden cost
Beyond the fee changes, visitors in 2026 will encounter another significant shift: reduced operating hours across many parks. The budget cuts driving these policy changes have forced parks to scale back when and how they serve visitors.
Many parks are condensing their full-service windows to peak summer months only. Facilities that historically remained open during shoulder seasons in April, May, September, and October will likely close or offer limited services during these periods.
Campgrounds face similar constraints. Without sufficient staff to manage check-ins and enforce regulations, peripheral campgrounds may close completely or convert to primitive status with no services like water, restrooms, or ranger presence. Even at major parks, expect dining facilities and gift shops to operate on abbreviated schedules.
What this means for your national park road trips
For American residents planning to visit national parks, everything stays the same. The $80 annual pass remains a great option for anyone visiting three or more fee-charging parks in a year. Individual park entrance fees stay at current levels. The digital pass system should also make purchasing passes and bringing them more convenient for you.
The loss of certain fee-free days removes planning options. Families who traditionally visited parks during MLK weekend or Juneteenth celebrations will now pay standard entrance fees. The new patriotic fee-free days may not align as well with school or work schedules for many Americans.
Beyond scheduling around fee-free days, visitors are advised to check specific park operating hours before finalizing their itineraries. Many parks are reducing visitor center hours and seasonal operating windows due to budget cuts that accompany these fee changes.
For international travelers, it's more complicated. If you plan to visit only one surcharge park, paying the individual surcharge will be more affordable. But for couples, families, or anyone visiting many parks, the annual pass is the better option.
Practical planning for the new reality
Despite the many changes, millions of travelers will still visit national parks in 2026. Understanding the new system lets you maximize its value, regardless of your citizenship.
For international visitors, the annual pass is the best choice in most cases. Buy it online through Recreation.gov before leaving, then provide the required ID from your home country. The digital pass downloads to your phone, and you can have a physical backup card delivered to your hotel.
For U.S. residents, check your travel frequency. If you visit parks many times a year or plan to visit more than three fee-charging sites, the $80 annual pass is the best choice. If you visit only one park a year, single-entry fees may cost less. The new digital system lets you quickly buy and use, so you can decide at the moment and commit later.
Time your visit around the new fee-free days if you're a U.S. resident, like the Presidents' Day weekend or the new August 25 National Park Service birthday. Avoid major holidays if you dislike crowds, since fee-free days attract more people.
Prepare for longer wait times at entrance stations. Arrive early in the day, ideally before 9 AM, to beat the rush. If you're from outside the U.S., have everyone in your group who's 16 and above ready their IDs.
Frequently asked questions
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