Buy a National Park Pass

If you're planning to spend more than 5 days visiting national parks during a year time period, it makes sense to purchase a $50 National Park Pass. Entry into some of the more premier parks, such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are $20 alone, so it doesn't take too much time to recoup your investment.

(Update - This card has been superceded by the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass which now costs $80. So do the math and figure out whether it makes sense. For us this past summer it was cheaper to pay for the individual parks.)

This pass provides admission into any National Parks, Monuments, Historical Sights, etc. and is valid for one full year from it first use.

For an additional $15, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Terie on February 21, 2010

If you or one of your fellow travelers is at least 62 yrs. old, pay $10 for the America the Beautiful Senior pass. It allows the card holder and up to 3 companions in the same vehicle into the parks for free and you usually get half off your camping fees and entrance fees for special attractions. If you're camping in a National Forest campground, you can pay as little as $2.50 a night.

Herb on February 21, 2010

Thanks Terie for the money saving tip. Lolo and I are not there yet... but the money saving opportunities associated with 60+ age are approaching at a frighteningly fast rate! Safe travels - Herb