America the Beautiful Pass: Free Admission into National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act passed by Congress in 2004 created an Interagency Pass Program called America the Beautiful. This pass, which can be purchased for a fee, gives pass holders free entrance into national parks and federal recreation areas that charge an entrance fee or day use fee.

America the Beautiful Passes are valid in all areas controlled by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management areas, Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Fish and Wildlife Service. Free admission is available in areas that charge a standard amenities fee or entrance fee. Discounts available on the access pass or seniors pass do not apply to concessions. Expanded amenity fees may be discounted for the pass holder only.

America the Beautiful Pass

As of 2010, the fee for an America the Beautiful Pass is $80.00. It can be purchased online. The pass entitles the holder free admission into parks that charge a basic per vehicle fee or per person fee. Any pass holder entering the park in a non-commercial vehicle will have free access. Pass holders plus 3 other individual can enter areas for free where a per person fee is charged. Children 15 and under are admitted free. This is an annual pass and it is available to the general public.

America the Beautiful Seniors Pass

U.S. citizens or legal residents 62 years of age and older can obtain an America the Beautiful Seniors Pass. As of 2010 the fee for this pass is $10.00. It is a lifetime pass, once it is purchased there is no renewal. The pass is good for free admission into parks that charge a per vehicle fee or per person fee. The pass is valid on non-commercial vehicles only. Holder of a seniors pass are entitled to a 50% discount on other fees such as camping, swimming and boat launch fees. The America the Beautiful Seniors Pass must be purchased in person. Proof of age is required.

America the Beautiful Access Pass

U.S. citizens and legal residents with permanent disabilities are entitled to a free lifetime America the Beautiful Access Pass. This pass must be purchased in person and proper documentation is required to prove disability status. This pass offers the same benefits and amenities as the America the Beautiful Seniors Pass.

Volunteer Pass

Volunteers with any of the federal agencies participating in the America the Beautiful Pass program are entitled to receive a free volunteer pass once they have completed 500 hours of volunteer service. These hours can be compiled in one year or over several years. The pass is valid for one year and gives the pass holder the same benefits as the America the Beautiful Pass.

Get the Pass

You can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass online. The seniors pass and access pass must be purchased in person at one of the sites listed here. Volunteer passes are issued by one of the agencies where you are currently a volunteer.

Other Info

Passes are issued once and cannot be replaced. Window decals are available for America the Beautiful and Volunteer Pass holders only. Hangtags are available for everyone. The decals and hangtags do not replace the actual passes, but they should be displayed at all times when in one of the participating recreational areas so that park officials know you are authorized to be in the park. Both hangtags and decals may be replaced if they become lost or damaged. Photo ID may be required when using your pass to gain entry into an area. The name on the ID must be an exact match to the name on the pass.

For those who love to adventure out into the natural areas of the US, an America the Beautiful Pass is great deal. Seniors who travel by RV and love camping will save a bundle with this pass. For questions about the pass call 1-800-ASK-USGS and press 1.

Resources:

USGS America the Beautiful Pass

NPS.gov America the Beautiful Pass