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The Department of the Interior just announced the biggest modernization of national park access in decades, and the changes affect how passes are bought, how fees work, and even who gets free entry on certain holidays. Everything rolls out on January 1, 2026, so travelers planning next year’s visits will want to know what’s changing and how it affects them.
The update introduces a digital system for America the Beautiful passes, a new resident-focused pricing structure, redesigned annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle coverage, and a set of resident-only fee-free days. The Department frames the move as a way to make national parks more accessible, more affordable, and more efficient for American families.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
New Resident-Focused Fee Structure
A major part of the change is a new fee structure that prioritizes U.S. residents. Under the new plan:
- The Annual Pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents.
- The same pass will cost $250 for nonresidents.
- Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.
According to the Department, these policies are designed to keep access affordable for American taxpayers while asking nonresidents to contribute more toward maintaining and improving national parks.
Resident-Only Fee-Free Days In 2026
The Department also announced a series of patriotic, resident-only fee-free days for 2026. U.S. residents will not be charged an entrance fee on the following dates:
- President’s Day (February 16)
- Memorial Day (May 25)
- Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday (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)
- Veteran’s Day (November 11)
These fee-free days apply only to U.S. residents as described in the release.
Digital America The Beautiful Passes
Starting in 2026, all America the Beautiful passes listed in the release, including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, and Access, will be offered in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to purchase passes instantly, use them immediately, store them on mobile devices, and link them to physical cards if they prefer having both.
The Department says digital validation tools and updated training for field staff will support this rollout and help create a smoother entry process across the National Park System. Annual passes will also feature refreshed artwork with bold, patriotic designs that appear on both digital and physical versions.
Expanded Access For Motorcycles
Motorcycle riders will see a clear benefit under the updated rules. All America the Beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles per pass, which offers more flexibility for families or groups riding on separate bikes.
How Revenue Will Be Used
The Department states that revenue generated from the new fee structure will be invested directly back into national parks. Funds will support upgrades to visitor facilities, maintenance needs, and improved services across the system.
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