Here's Every Free National Park Day in 2024

Paying entrance fees to explore our national parks isn't exactly a new phenomenon; the practice actually predates the National Park Service and goes back more than a century. While not every park requires you to cough up some cash to get in, popular ones like Yosemite and Yellowstone enforce entry fees throughout the year, save for six special days designated by the National Park Service. 

The NPS has officially scheduled its fee-free days for 2024. Three coincide with federal holidays, while the other three were created to honor our priceless public lands. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16)

The first long weekend of the year is the perfect time to check out some national parks. Depending on where you are and what park you go to, conditions might be too cold or desolate for you to have a good time. There are, however, some national parks that are ideal for wintertime visits. 

First Day of National Park Week (April 20)

Every April, the National Park Service celebrates our precious parks with National Park Week. Next year's National Park Week kicks off on Saturday, April 20, making it the perfect day to get out there. 

Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, giving it the same governmental significance as beloved summer holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day. In 2024, Juneteenth falls on a Wednesday, so why not take a break from the work week with some quality time in nature?

Great American Outdoors Day (Aug. 4)

First celebrated in 2020 to mark the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, this free entry day falls at the end of the dog days of summer, making it an ideal time to take the whole family to the parks before the kids start school. 

National Public Lands Day (Sept. 28)

This special day commemorating the preservation of our public lands comes just after the summer tourism rush, making it the perfect time to get a break from the crowds when out on the trail. 

Veterans Day (Nov. 11)

U.S. veterans have free entry to national parks every day of the year. On the day celebrating their service, everyone can enjoy the same benefits they do.