National Park Fees Are Changing in 2026: What You Need to Know
National Parks are woven into so many of our favorite memories: road trips, trail dust, sunrise lookouts, and family photos that feel more dramatic than they really were.
Next year, though, the cost of stepping into those oases will shift as part of the wider National Park fee changes in 2026, and you’ll want to know what’s new before planning your next trip.
Here’s a clear look at the upcoming changes and how they might shape our visits in the coming year.
New Costs at the Most Visited Parks
U.S. National Park entry costs are getting an update in 2026, especially at the most visited parks.
Residents with the annual America the Beautiful pass will keep their current $80 rate. But, visitors from outside the country will see new entry fees, along with a higher rate for their annual pass.
These international visitor park fees are part of a broader effort to balance the cost of maintenance and services.
The idea is this: residents already support the parks through federal taxes, while international travelers help share the cost of maintenance, trail repairs, and visitor services.
Whether you’re local or visiting from abroad, it’s worth knowing what your trip will look like before you go.
Where the New Fees Apply
A handful of parks will be part of the updated system. They are:
Acadia National Park | Maine
Everglades National Park | Florida
Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado
Glacier National Park | Montana
Yellowstone National Park | Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming
Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona
Bryce Canyon National Park | Utah
Zion National Park | Utah
Yosemite National Park | California
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks | California
For travelers from outside the U.S., these parks will have an additional entry cost, unless they purchase the new annual pass.
If you already have trips in mind, you’ll want to double-check the parks’ pricing pages because the updates will take effect at the start of the new year.
What Passholders Should Expect
Along with the price differences, America the Beautiful pass updates will roll out for both residents and nonresidents.
U.S. residents will continue to pay the standard $80 for the annual pass. International visitors will have their own version of the pass at a higher rate.
When using it at the entrance, everyone will need to show an ID that matches the residency tied to their pass.
Once inside, the experience stays the same: bison still roam, sequoias still tower, and canyon walls still glow at sunset. The updates affect the gate, not the trails.
More Fee-Free Days for US Visitors
There’s a quiet perk tucked into the new fee structure: National Park free days in 2026 are expanding, giving U.S. residents more opportunities to visit without paying an entrance fee.
In 2026, people living in the United States will enjoy an expanded list of days when National Parks waive their entrance fees.
These dates line up with major federal holidays and a handful of anniversaries tied to the National Park Service itself, giving residents a few more chances to step inside without paying extra.
International travelers are still welcome on those days, but the regular entrance costs and new nonresident surcharges will remain in place.
If you’re planning trips from within the U.S., these fee-free dates can make spontaneous long weekends or last-minute adventures much easier.
Here’s the full lineup for 2026:
President’s Day: February 16
Memorial Day: May 31
Flag Day: June 14
Independence Day Weekend: July 3 - 5
110th Birthday of the National Park Service: August 25
Constitution Day: September 17
Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday: October 27
Veterans Day: November 11
Other Updates Coming Next Year
Along with the pricing changes, we can expect new digital versions of the America the Beautiful pass. Now, it can be stored on phones and linked to physical cards. These updates are meant to simplify entry and reduce paper waste.
A few small policy adjustments will roll out, as well, such as coverage for additional motorcycles under one pass and refreshed pass artwork that highlights new landscapes and historical themes.
Why Park Planning Matters in 2026
A little preparation goes a long way. Updated fees may influence which parks you choose, how long you stay, or whether an annual pass makes more sense than single-day entry.
Planning ahead is especially important for international visitors. It’ll be helpful to weigh the new pass price against the additional per-person cost at the busiest parks.
And, for residents, keeping an eye on the fee-free days can turn an ordinary weekend into a scenic escape.
Accessible Natural Beauty
National Parks open the gates to some of the most natural beauty in the world.
With a bit of planning, 2026 can still be a year of long hikes, wide views, and memories that stay with us long after we leave the trail.
Did you find this information useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline to share with your friends.