Take your furry travel buddy to a pet friendly national park, monument, or historical site on these six days in 2024 when admission to America’s national parks is FREE!

Smiling brindle dog in a red harness and bandana at America's White Sands National Park in Alamagordo, NM
 

Is your dog or cat hoping to visit a pet friendly national park this year? If so, we have some great news! The National Park Service has scheduled six free admission days in 2024. On these dates, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks, monuments, and sites across the United States.

Getting free entrance to the national parks is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes and important historical attractions, without spending a dime!

Keep in mind that there are 423 National Park Service sites in the United States. And only 108 of them currently charge an entrance fee. So there are hundreds of places you and your pet can visit for free every day of the year!

But if you’re planning to visit one of the country’s more popular parks – like Acadia, Arches, the Grand Canyon, Glacier, or Yellowstone – the admission cost can be as much as $35 per vehicle.

READ MORE ⇒ Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park With Pets

Dog in a red harness on the dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
 

Pets At National Parks

It’s also important to know that many national parks have strict policies prohibiting pets from the trails. Before planning your visit, search our blog for tips on exploring the many national parks we’ve seen with our dogs. And then check the park’s website for their most current pet policy, so you know how much you and your pet can do together.

Fortunately, there are a few national parks that make it super easy to bring Fido. Learn more about them in our post on America’s best pet friendly national parks!

READ MORE ⇒ The Most Pet Friendly National Parks in the U.S.

Man and two dogs enjoying the view at Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Man walking a dog on the paved Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Two dogs sitting in front of the stone and wood entry sign for Glacier National Park in Montana.
Glacier National Park, Montana
 

2024 National Park Free Days

Mark your calendar, and make sure to take advantage of these national park free admission days in 2024:

If you’re planning to visit several national parks this year, it could be worth investing in an annual pass. For $80, you’ll have access to hundreds of federal recreation sites for one year.

Certain groups are even eligible for free annual passes, including current U.S. military members and their dependents, all U.S. 4th grade students, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Plus, U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 and older can get an annual pass for $20, or a lifetime senior pass for $80.

Brindle dog in red harness sitting on the sign at Arches National Park - Moab, UT
Arches National Park, Utah
 

National Park Bark Ranger Program

At some national parks your pet can even be a BARK Ranger! The BARK Ranger program was originally introduced to educate visitors with pets about the park’s rules. But it’s become so popular with guests collecting badges for their pets that it’s spreading quickly.

Learn more about the 60 national parks where your pup can become a Bark Ranger.

READ MORE ⇒ National Park Bark Ranger Program

Bark Ranger tag display in the counter at Petrified Forest National Park
 

We hope this information helps you plan a great national park adventure with your furry travel buddy!

And if you’d like to visit some of Canada’s wonderful national parks with your pets, be sure to check out these blog posts:

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