Is A National Park Lifetime Pass Worth It?

National Parks are a fantastic way to see some of the best landscapes and environments the United States has to offer. Admission fees often vary from one park to another, so people who visit our National Parks often can take advantage of an annual or lifetime pass to make entry easier and cheaper throughout the year.

National Parks have various passes you can take advantage of and in this article we will break down the differences to determine if a lifetime pass is a good option for you.

What Benefits Does A Lifetime Pass Provide?

The National Park Lifetime Pass allows the card holder admission to more than 2000 Federally operated recreation sites all across the United States.

Not only does the pass holder get admitted for free, but also any accompanying guests in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle as well.

Another benefit of purchasing a pass is discounts on amenity fees, such as camping, swimming, boating, and guided tours.

Who Can Buy A Lifetime Pass For The National Parks?

While anyone can be the guest of a Lifetime Pass holder, not everyone can be a pass holder.

The Lifetime Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 years old or older, Military personel and individuals with a permanent disability.

Individuals 62 years and younger can purchase an annual America the Beautiful Pass.

How Much Does it Cost?

If you’re eligible to buy a Lifetime Pass, you’ll be happy to hear it won’t break the bank. Heres the breakdown and how it compares to other passes.

Standard entry pass – good for 1-7 days, price varies per park
Annual pass – available to everyone for $80
Annual Senior Pass – US citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old and only $20
Annual Military Pass – Current US military and dependents, free
Lifetime Military Pass – Gold Star Family members and veterans, free
Lifetime Senior Pass – US citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old, $80
(Lifetime) Access Pass – US citizens and permanent residents with permanent disability, free

There are also passes available for 4th graders and federal recreation site volunteers, more info is available on that at the national park website here.

All passes purchased online or by mail face an additional $10 processing fee. So, do yourself a favor and save $10 by buying your pass from a friendly park ranger in person!

Where Can You Buy A Lifetime Pass?

A National Park Lifetime Pass is available for purchase in one of three ways. The easiest and least expensive way to purchase your pass is in person. You can visit one of the many federal recreation sites in person to purchase your pass.

The United States Geological Survey has created a list of all the federal recreation sites where passes can be purchased. You might be surprised to see how many places you can visit to buy a National Parks pass!

To purchase through the mail, you’ll need to submit an application, provide a photocopy proof of your age and citizenship/residency, and pay an additional $10 processing fee. You’ll receive your official pass in your mailbox shortly after the National Park Service finishes processing your application.

A Lifetime Pass is also available for purchase online. Purchasing online allows consumers to purchase from anywhere but also comes with a $10 handling fee. Customers will instantly receive a printable pass, then their official one through the mail.

You can get your pass here from the national park website.

Is Buying A National Park Lifetime Pass Worth It?

We think this ones a no-brainer. Two thumbs way up!

When you purchase a National Park Lifetime Pass, you’re getting more than free entry. You’re getting a lifetime’s worth of memories and experiences. With access to 2000+ federal recreation sites, you’ll never run out of places to visit.

You won’t have to worry about going to these incredible locations alone, either! The National Park Lifetime Pass also includes admission for guests of the card holder. So grab a friend or two and get to planning your next adventure.

Not only does the park pass get you and your guests admittance into parks, but also discounts on amenities. One of the favorite perks used by many pass holders is the incredible discounts on camping. Some campgrounds are known to offer 50%+ discounts on camping. Who doesn’t like saving a buck on a great campsite?