The short answer
In 2026, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Non-U.S. residents age 16 and older who visit 11 listed high-visitation parks without a qualifying annual pass pay a $100 per-person nonresident fee in addition to the standard entrance fee. Many parks are free, and standard fees at charging parks still vary by park and mode of entry.
What changed for national park fees in 2026
The major change is a new residency-based price structure. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can buy the annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80. Nonresidents can buy a nonresident annual pass for $250.
At a group of high-visitation parks, each nonresident age 16 or older without a qualifying pass pays an additional $100 nonresident fee. That amount is added to the park's regular entrance fee. The policy also changes how 2026 fee-free days work for nonresidents.
These are federal entrance products. They do not cover most campground charges, timed-entry processing fees, tours, ferries, concession lodging, or special permits.
Where the $100 nonresident fee applies
The National Park Service lists the following parks for the $100 per-person nonresident fee:
Acadia
Maine
Bryce Canyon
Utah
Everglades
Florida
Glacier
Montana
Grand Canyon
Arizona
Grand Teton
Wyoming
Rocky Mountain
Colorado
Sequoia and Kings Canyon
California
Yellowstone
Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yosemite
California
Zion
Utah
A valid America the Beautiful Pass or park-specific annual pass can cover entrance and nonresident fees under the pass terms. At per-person sites, a pass generally covers the passholder and up to three additional adults. At vehicle sites, it covers the passholder and passengers in a private vehicle. Read the current NPS nonresident fee FAQ for edge cases.
Compare the main 2026 pass options
| Pass | 2026 price | Who it is for | Typical coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| America the Beautiful Annual Pass | $80 | U.S. citizens and permanent residents | Entrance and standard amenity fees at participating federal recreation sites for one year |
| Nonresident Annual Pass | $250 | Visitors who are not U.S. residents | Standard annual pass coverage, including listed nonresident fees under current terms |
| Senior Annual Pass | $20 | U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older | Annual access under the federal senior pass terms |
| Senior Lifetime Pass | $80 | U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older | Lifetime access and possible discounts on some expanded amenity fees |
| Access Pass | Free | U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability | Lifetime pass under the federal Access Pass terms |
| Military passes | Free | Qualifying current military members, dependents, veterans, and Gold Star Families | Annual or lifetime coverage depending on eligibility |
| Every Kid Outdoors | Free | Eligible fourth-grade students and their families | Annual pass for the program year |
Eligibility documents and coverage details matter. Use the official pass page rather than relying on a screenshot of an older price chart.
When an annual pass saves money
For U.S. residents, the $80 annual pass often pays for itself after three visits to parks charging a $30 or $35 private-vehicle fee. It may pay off sooner if a road trip includes several federal recreation sites.
For nonresidents, the math can change much faster at the listed parks because the $100 fee is per adult age 16 or older. A couple visiting one listed park could face $200 in nonresident fees plus the regular entrance charge without a qualifying pass. The $250 nonresident annual pass may become economical within one multi-park trip.
Check who will be in the vehicle, whether the same passholder will be present, and whether your stops accept the interagency pass. A park-specific pass can be a better option for repeated visits to one park, but it will not cover unrelated federal sites.
2026 national park fee-free dates
The National Park Service lists these 2026 fee-free dates for U.S. citizens and residents:
- February 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day and the president's birthday
- July 3 through July 5: Independence Day weekend
- August 25: 110th birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
Other charges can still apply, including reservations, camping, parking, tours, and permits. Beginning in 2026, nonresidents pay regular entrance and applicable nonresident fees on these dates.
Avoid the four most common fee mistakes
- Buying a pass that will not arrive in time. Check whether a digital pass is accepted immediately or a physical version must be displayed.
- Assuming the pass includes a reservation. Timed entry, road access, and activity permits can still require a separate booking and fee.
- Leaving the passholder behind. Passes are not simply vehicle stickers. Identification and the named holder can be required.
- Using an outdated price chart. Confirm the current fee on the official park page right before travel.
Map My Parks organizes park fees, passes, fee-free days, reservation context, and official links inside each park detail page so you can compare before reaching the entrance.
Common questions
How much is the national park annual pass in 2026?
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is $80 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The nonresident annual pass is $250.
Which parks charge the $100 nonresident fee?
The fee applies at Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion under the 2026 NPS policy.
Does an annual pass cover timed entry?
No. It covers eligible entrance and standard amenity fees. Timed-entry reservations, reservation processing fees, tours, camping, and permits can cost extra.
Are national parks free for seniors?
Not automatically. Eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older can buy a $20 annual Senior Pass or an $80 lifetime Senior Pass.
Are all national parks free on fee-free days?
Entrance fees are waived at participating NPS sites for eligible visitors, but reservations, camping, tours, parking, and other charges can remain. The 2026 policy limits fee-free day benefits to U.S. citizens and residents.
