Sunday, March 24, 2024

Veterans Free National Park Pass

Don't Miss

How To Access Free National Park Admission

Veterans, Gold Star families granted lifetime passes to National Parks

To take part, veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, must present one of the following forms of identification or the Interagency Military Pass when entering a national park:

  • Department of Defense Identification Card
  • Veteran Health Identification Card
  • Veteran ID Card
  • Veterans designation on a state-issued US drivers license or identification card

A Gold Star Family member must download and and either present it to park staff, exchange it for an Interagency Military Pass or place it on their vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites.

The rules stipulate that free access will be given to the veteran or holder of a Gold Star Family voucher, plus traveling companions who are occupants of a single, non-commercial vehicle. Where per-person fees are being charged, the veteran may get free admission for three persons 16 and older.

The program waives entrance or standard amenity fees for sites run by the following agencies:

  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • U.S. Forest Service

Get Free Annual Pass To National Parks

Current U.S. military members and their dependents, Reserve and National Guard members, U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Family members can obtain the National Park’s annual Pass for free. For more details, visit the National Park site.

Military.com provides discount information as a service to our members. We make every effort to ensure accuracy, but are not liable for the availability of discounts provided by a third party. Discounts may vary by location. The discount provider may track how you navigated to their site, but we do not share personal information with them.

Don’t Ignore Other Money

Active-duty military members, veterans, and their families can also take advantage of other money-saving deals. Life is expensive, so every discount adds up, and can help you reach your personal finance goals sooner.

Here are some other deals that you won’t want to miss:

  • Apple: A 10% discount is available to current and veteran members of the U.S. Military, National Guard and Reserve and immediate family members residing in the same household.
  • Costco: Current, retired, and veteran military members can get a $20 Costco digital gift card when becoming a new Costco member.
  • Home Depot: Get 10% off eligible purchases , available to active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses.
  • The North Face: A 10% discount is available to active, reservist, veteran, and retired U.S. military personnel.
  • Verizon: Current military members and veterans can save up to $25/month on Verizon Wireless unlimited phone plans.

While these are just a few examples of deals, many other brands offer savings to U.S. military members and veterans. Be sure to ask if a discount is available before you rush to swipe your at the checkout line.

Don’t Miss: What Is Short Term Disability Leave

Introducing The Interagency Annual Military Pass

The Interagency Annual Military Pass is available to current U.S. military members, veterans, dependents, and Gold Star families.

Passes are free at sites that issue passes, including parks and federal recreation sites. Passes can also be obtained online through the USGS store, but a $10 processing fee applies. Plan to bring documentation to show you qualify for the pass.

The Interagency Annual Military Pass covers entrance fees to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites and National Park Service sites.

Additionally, the pass covers standard amenity fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites.

If you’re visiting parks and lands with family or friends, they can also enjoy free entry:

  • The pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle can gain entry at no cost at sites that charge a per-vehicle fee.
  • At sites that charge fees per person, the pass holder, and up to three additional adults are admitted at no cost.

What Parks Are Free For Military

U.S. Veterans to Receive Free National Park Passes for Life

The three most popular free military admission programs are sponsored by some of the largest theme park chains in the country: Disney, Six Flags, and Busch Gardens. Disneys Armed Forces Salute: All active and retired military personnel are entitled to one multi-day free admission park ticket from Walt Disney World.

You May Like: Is A Food Allergy Considered A Disability

Free Entrance To National Parks For Veterans And Gold Star Families

Duration:
1 minute, 17 seconds

The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.

Gold Star Families and US military veterans are eligible to receive free lifetime access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. The free Military Pass is a way to thank Americas veterans, Gold Star Families, and current military and their dependents for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters.

How Do I Get Into National Parks For Free

At park sites that charge per vehicle, the pass covers passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle who accompany the pass owner. At sites that charge per person, the fourth-grade pass owner can bring up to three adults for free. Any other children in the group under the age of 16 can also join in for free.

Recommended Reading: How Do I Get Tested For Ptsd

Veterans Get Free Entrance To National Parks Refuges And Other Public Lands

Veterans, Gold Star Families, current Military and their dependents have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle, from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping and much more.

VA launches new Enrollment Verification requirement to protect GI Bill students

Enjoy An Outdoor Adventure On A Budget

Veterans & Gold Star Families Get Free Entry To All National Parks Indefinitely

Visiting a national park can be affordable, especially for service members and their families, so pick a park, pack up your car and hit the road. Here are a few travel tips as you plan your next vacation to one of the countrys 423 national parks or areas:

With free passes, discounted outdoor gear and tons of activities, you can spend quality time exploring the countrys national parks. Get free, year-round access to national parks and other federal recreation spots with the America the Beautiful Military Pass.

Read Also: Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis Considered A Disability

Types Of National Parks Passes

National Parks passes are sold at most national parks. If the park does not charge a fee, this may not be available. So call first.

  • NPS Access Pass: A free, lifetime pass that is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.
  • 4th Graders-President Obama started a wonderful program to allow 4th graders to get a pass to our National Parks.
  • Senior Citizens, Veterans and Volunteers may also qualify for a free pass. Visit your local park office for more information on those specific programs.

Can Current Members Of The Military Receive Free Entrance To National Parks Who Else Can Receive Free Entrance

Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents can enter national parks for free with an annual Interagency Military Pass through the America the Beautiful the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program. There are a total of seven Interagency Passes available. For more information and to obtain these passes, please visit the USGS Store.

Read Also: Can You Be On Disability And Collect Social Security

The Outdoors As Therapy

Lofgren, a congressional aide for Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz, and former volunteer for Sinema, died at Death Valley National Park last April.

Before joining Grijalva’s office as a Wounded War Fellow in 2019, he served four years in the Army as a combat engineer and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, according to the announcement of his hiring.

Grijalva said Lofgren loved the outdoors and used it as therapy.

“Alex working with us here saw that nature, our open spaces, our state and federal park lands and wilderness areas and public places were therapeutic, that they were important in the reintegrations of veterans back into our civilian life here after they completed their service to the nation, and he was a huge proponent of that,” Grijalva told The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.

“As a veteran, I know firsthand the importance of national parks as a place of connection and healing when dealing with the visible and invisible wounds of war,” Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said in a statement.

He and fellow veteran Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, introduced the bill in the House last summer.

Following the law’s signing, Miller-Meeks, a doctor who served 24 years in the Army, said in a statement, “We often say that we support the physical and mental health of our veterans, and it is great to see legislation pass that will do great things for the health of our heroes.”

Washington State Parks Discount Pass Rules And Expectations

How to get your FREE Lifetime National Parks Pass~Disabilities, 4th ...

Pass holder expectations:

  • Do not alter or make copies of your pass. Never share your pass or pass number with others.
  • Pass holders will be charged $15 to replace lost, stolen, or damaged passes.
  • The pass does not provide discounts on annual permits, extra vehicle fees, roofed shelters, group camps or other services, except as noted.
  • The pass cannot be used with any other pass or discount.
  • The pass holder must cancel reservations if unable to use them.
  • The pass holder must be camping and present at the site to receive a discount.
  • The pass is only valid for the person it is issued to. The pass must be valid and physically with you during your visit. Be prepared to provide photo ID.
  • All camping discounts and associated benefits are limited to the site the pass holder is camping in. Discounts and fee reductions are limited to 1 campsite or moorage site per night.
  • Do not make duplicate or multiple reservations for the same night. Including double sites.

Park rules:

  • Camping is limited to 10 consecutive nights at any single park from April 1 through Sept. 30, and 20 consecutive nights the rest of the year.
  • Moorage is limited to three consecutive nights at any single park.
  • Pass holders are expected to treat park staff with respect, always follow park rules and staff guidance.

Violations of these rules, or any other park rules, may result in pass benefit suspension or revocation. Must surrender pass upon request.

Recommended Reading: Is Speech And Language Delay A Disability

Veterans Gold Star Families Get Free Entrance To National Parks Refuges Other Public Lands

Entrance fees for the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and standard amenity recreation fees for the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites are waived for current Military Service-members and their dependents, Veterans and Gold Star Families.

They now have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle, from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping, and much more.

Are you eligible?

For purposes of this program, a Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and is able to present one of the following forms of valid identification:

  • Department of Defense Identification Card
  • Veteran ID Card
  • Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. drivers license or identification card

Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a qualifying situation, such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces.

The America the Beautiful the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program

How to get your Interagency Pass

Where To Buy America The Beautiful Pass

Wondering where to buy America the Beautiful passes? The good news is that service members dont have to buy it. Get your free military annual pass in person at any of these federal recreation sites. You will need to bring your Common Access Card or Military ID. U.S. military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members are eligible.

Read Also: Can You Work While Waiting To Be Approved For Disability

How Does A Veteran Gain Free Entrance To A National Park

In national parks that charge an entrance fee, a veteran will need to present one of the following forms of identification to receive a free Interagency Military Pass:

  • Department of Defense Identification Card

  • Veteran Health Identification Card

  • Veteran ID Card

  • Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. drivers license or identification card

Its especially important to obtain the Interagency Military Pass to display on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites. View a list of federal locations that issue passes.

At sites that do not issue annual Interagency Military Passes, showing the above forms of identification will allow free entrance.

Veterans can also obtain a free Military Pass online through the USGS Store. There is a $10 online processing fee.

Free Access Granted To Military Veterans And Gold Star Families

National Parks To Be Free For Veterans And Gold Star Families

Without those brave men and women that served our country and uniform, and without the support of their families, our nation would not be what it is today. To show our gratitude for their selfless service, the USDA Forest Service announced it will offer U.S. military veterans and Gold Star families fee-free access to their national forests and grasslands.

Beginning on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020, the Forest Service began offering a fee waiver granting veterans and Gold Star families free access to all Forest Service operated day-use standard amenity recreation fee sites such as trailheads, picnic sites, visitor centers and most other day-use recreation sites.

To access the benefit, veterans can present any of several government issued documents verifying veteran status:

  • Department of Defense Identification Card
  • Veteran Health Identification Card
  • Veteran ID Card
  • Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. drivers license or identification card

Note: Form DD-214 is not accepted.

Gold Star families can download and print a voucher to show a ranger or place on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites. Find out more and .

You May Like: Can A Green Card Holder Get Disability Benefits

Alert: Highest Cash Back Card We’ve Seen Now Has 0% Intro Apr Until 2024

If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our expert loves this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR until 2024, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee.

In fact, this card is so good that our expert even uses it personally. for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Veterans Getting Free National Parks Passes Nationwide

U.S. military veterans are now able to get free National Park passes nationwide. This is all thanks to an Indiana Dunes National Park employees suggestion.

NWI.com reports that in 2020, former Secretary of Interior, David Bernhardt, visited the Indiana Dunes National Park. During a Q& A session with employees, Indiana Dunes. Fee Program Supervisor, Ryan Koepke asked why there were no free National Parks passes for veterans.

Following the discussion with Koepke, the Department of the Interior made a recommendation that veterans are to be able to visit any federal-funded National Park through the U.S. for free. Congress then voted to grant veterans, as well as Gold Star families, free visitation in more than 2,000 federal recreational sites. This includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Lakeshores .

The media outlet revealed that anyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces is no longer needs to pay to enter National Parks. They may provide a Department of Defense Identification Card as well as a Veteran ID card. Active military personnel already qualify for America the Beautiful passes. The passes grant free admission to National Parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Mount Rainer, Acadia, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

You May Like: Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System

America The Beautiful Pass For Military And Families

Current U.S. military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members are eligible for the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass for FREE .

The pass grants access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands.

For parks with a vehicle admission, the pass will cover the car in which the pass owner is riding in. For parks with a per-person admission, the pass covers the pass owner and three accompanying adults age 16 and older.

No entry fee charged for children 15 and under. Pass owner and up to 3 other bicyclists can enter for free at most parks, but check in advance for the policy of each park.

How Long Will Free Access For Veterans & Gold Star Families Be Available At The National Parks

Military veterans with a VA disability rating qualify for a free ...

According to its website, free access to the National Parks for veterans and Gold Star families will continue indefinitely. The officials also noted that the Gold Star Voucher is valid for one calendar year. New vouchers for successive years can be obtained by downloading a new voucher and completing the self-certification. Annual Interagency Military passes are valid for one year from the month of issuance.

The National Parks also explains that the vouchers cover entrance fees at parks and National Wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at National Forests and Grasslands and at lands managed by the National Park Service, the US Fish, and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers. Fees still apply for expanded amenities such as camping, tours, and special recreation permits. Reservation fees and fees for organized groups or concession-operated facilities or activities may not be covered by the voucher or Interagency Pass.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Highest Paying State For Disability

More articles

Popular Articles