Plan ahead for free week of entry at national parks
PUBLIC LANDS -- Federal land managers offer free entry to parks, forests, U.S. Bureau of Land management lands, refuges and other national interest lands where fees are charged on certain holidays scattered through the year.
But none of the perks are as sweet as the week of entry-fee-free days coming up at national parks:
- Celebrate National Park week with no entry fees April 22-26.
The 13 Fee-Free Days in 2013 include three holidays that involve ALL federal lands such as national parks, forests, BLM lands and wildlife refuges -- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 28), and Veterans Day Weekend (Nov. 9-11).
A list of other dates and participating agencies is listed below. The fee waiver does not cover expanded amenity or user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.
June 8, Great Outdoors Day -- U.S. Forest Service
Aug. 15, National Park Service Birthday -- National Park Service
Sept. 28, National Public Lands Day -- National Park Service, Fish & wildlfie Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service.
Oct. 13, National Wildlfie Refuge Day -- Fish and Wildlife Service
Nov. 9-11, Veterans Day Weekend -- National Park Service, Fish & wildlfie Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service.
Additionally, active duty military members and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass that provides entrance to lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program also offers a free lifetime pass for people with disabilities, a $10 lifetime senior pass for those age 62 and over, and an $80 annual pass for the general public.