🔒 Passes are purchased through Recreation.gov — the official U.S. government platform. This site does not sell passes.
Paid Passes
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Available online at Recreation.gov or in person at any fee-charging federal recreation site.
★ Most Popular
Annual Pass
For all visitors, any age
$80
per year
Who Can Get It
Open to everyone. No age or residency requirement.
- ★ Valid 12 months from purchase date
- ★ Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal sites
- ★ Admits pass holder + all vehicle passengers
- ★ Buy online (Recreation.gov) or at any fee site
↗ Opens the official U.S. government website
Senior Annual
Age 62+ — renewable yearly
$20
per year
Who Can Get It
U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older.
- ★ Same access as the Annual Pass at all sites
- ★ Available online or in person with ID
- ★ Also available as Lifetime pass for $80
↗ Opens the official U.S. government website
Senior Lifetime
Age 62+ — pay once
$80
one-time
Who Can Get It
U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older.
- ★ Never expires — valid for pass holder's lifetime
- ★ 50% off some amenity fees (camping, swimming)
- ★ Must be obtained in person at a federal site
↗ Opens the official U.S. government website
Free Passes
No-Cost Pass Options
Three pass types are available at no cost to eligible individuals. Same access, zero price.
FREE — Military
Military Annual Pass
Free for current U.S. military and dependents. All branches including Coast Guard and National Guard. Valid military ID required.
How to get it ↗
FREE — Lifetime
Access Pass
Free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities. Same access as Annual Pass, plus 50% amenity fee discount. Documentation required.
Eligibility requirements ↗
FREE — Academic Year
4th Grade / Every Kid Outdoors
Every 4th grader in the U.S. gets a free annual pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Valid for the full academic year.
Get the 4th grade pass ↗
Side by Side
Pass Comparison
| Feature | Annual ($80) | Senior Annual ($20) | Senior Lifetime ($80) | Military (Free) | Access (Free) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal site access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Valid duration | 12 months | 12 months | Lifetime | 12 months | Lifetime |
| 50% amenity discount | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Available online | ✓ | ✓ | In person only | In person only | ✓ |
| Age requirement | None | 62+ | 62+ | None | None |
| Covers vehicle passengers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing Disclaimer
Pass prices, eligibility requirements, and program details are subject to change by federal agencies without notice. The information on this page is provided for general reference only.
Always verify current pricing and eligibility at Recreation.gov ↗ or the relevant federal agency's official website before purchasing. This website is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the U.S. government.
Common Questions
Pass FAQ
★ Can I buy the pass at the gate?
Yes. The Annual Pass is sold at the entrance of any federal recreation site that charges an entrance fee. Not all remote sites sell passes on-site.
★ Does the pass cover camping fees?
No. The pass covers entrance and standard day-use fees only. It does not cover camping, special tours, boat launches, transportation, or reserved parking.
★ Is there a digital version?
The pass is a physical card displayed on your vehicle dashboard or presented to rangers. A digital version has been in development but the standard remains physical.
★ Can I share the pass with family?
Yes, for vehicle-based entry. The pass covers the holder and all accompanying passengers in a single non-commercial vehicle.
★ When does the pass expire?
The Annual Pass expires 12 months from the month of purchase — not the exact date. A March 2025 purchase is valid through March 2026.
★ Does the pass cover all national parks?
The pass is accepted at the vast majority of NPS sites, but a handful of sites operated under special agreements may not accept it. Always verify with the specific site.