National Parks With No Entrance Fee
National parks are some of the most incredible places to visit. The vast majority of national parks have an entry fee associated with them varying from a few dollars to $30 for a day pass and $70 for a park-specific annual pass.
There are fifteen national parks that have no entry fee and are free to enter. These parks give the public the opportunity to experience their stunning beauty and natural landscape for free.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada not far from the Utah border. It will take you just under 4 hours to drive from Salt Lake City. If you are coming in through Nevada you can expect a 4-hour drive from Las Vegas.
Great Basin National Park is well known for its impressive Lehman Caves. These limestone caves are the ideal place to observe the unique shield formation. The caves are truly one of the most remarkable experiences that you will find hard to replicate elsewhere.
While it is free to enter Great Basin National Park if you are wanting to tour the caves which is definitely a must if you are there there is a fee associated with the tour. However, the prices are very reasonable. Under 5’s are free, children $8 and adults $12.
Other activities within the park include free ranger-led astronomy tours. These are exciting for families of all ages and seeing the night sky out in the middle of the desert is pretty amazing. You never realise how bright the stars and moon are until you have seen a desert night sky.
Camping is also an option in Great Basin National Park. There is are options of either paid campsites or free primitive camping. Be aware that campgrounds are usually closed during the winter months.
Voyageurs National Park
You can find Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota right near the Canadian border. The closest major city is Duluth Minnesota. It will take you approximately 3 hours to drive. If you are coming from further south in Minneapolis the drive is 5 hours and slightly shorter coming from Winnipeg, Manitoba in the north.
Voyageurs National Park is famous for being the location to experience the inspiring Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. Once the sun goes down and the sky darkens late in the night you are able to see the rainbow of colours dancing across the night sky. It is a true sight to behold that many long to witness in their lifetime.
Boating is very popular in Voyageurs National Park and boat ramps are plentiful. There are even water taxis to take you around to different areas of the park. It is definitely something that is quite unique to Voyaguers.
Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is often grouped together with the Redwood State Parks. This is because they are a collection of Redwood Parks in close proximity to each other.
The Redwoods National Park is where you are going to find the tallest trees in the world. You will feel utterly dwarfed standing at the base of these mighty giants and it is no wonder that visitors flock from all corners of the world to see them.
There are various options for exploring nature in the Redwoods National Park. Hiking trails are numerous and offer something for all ages and fitness levels. You can even bring your furry friend into certain parts of the park.
Many visitors love to take in the surroundings on bike and explore the many bike trails hidden amongst the forest. Sometimes you just want to enjoy the view from the comfort of your car…where the snacks abound and the music is good. There are incredible scenic drives that will have you begging for more.
The closest major city to the Redwoods is San Francisco which will take approximately a 6-hour drive north towards the Oregon border.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is unique in that it is located right in the middle of the town of Hot Spring Arkansas. Little Rock Arkansas is about an hour away.
There is no doubt that if you are visiting Hot Springs National Park that you are there for the hot pools. There are nine architecturally rich bathhouses that you can explore within the park that are seeping in history.
If you are wanting to soak in the mineral waters you have two options. The Buckstaff Bathhouse is a more traditional bathhouse. You can see their rates and amenities here. The other option you have is to go a little more modern at the Quapaw Bathhouse which has the typical spa-like facilities and atmosphere. You can see their rates here.
Aside from the bathhouses, there are also plenty of hiking trails and the town of Hot Springs is fun to explore.
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Great Smokey Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the country. The fact that it still remains free to guests is such a blessing. In 2020 the park set a record with over 12.5 million people pass through its gates.
The draw of Great Smokey Mountains National Park is that is a park for everyone. There is so much on offer that you are totally spoiled for choice.
Hiking is the obvious activity when visiting the smokies. The most popular hikes include
The Smokey Mountains have hikes for all ages and abilities. You are sure to find something that you will love.
Driving tours are also a popular activity in the Smokies. Because the park is so large driving is a great way to cover a lot of ground. It is particularly beautiful during the fall when all the trees are changing colours.
You can also visit many waterfalls and step back in history by visiting old historic buildings.
Overall you need to spend at least 3 days visiting Smokey Mountain, National Park. This will allow you to take in numerous hikes, explore the historic features and truly immerse yourself in everything it has to offer.
Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands National Park is a series of five separate islands off the coast of California. It is easily accessible via boat. The trip from the mainland will take 1-4 hours depending on the island you wish to visit.
The five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park are Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel and Santa Barbara islands.
The closest city to the Channel Islands National Park is Ventura which is where the visitors centre is located. Here you are able to learn more about the park and see various exhibits relating to the flora and fauna that you can expect to see.
While hiking and backpacking are popular at Channel Islands National Park, what really sets it apart is its incredible caves. For this reason, sea kayaking is one of the most exciting and memorable activities found here.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Sandwiched between the urban centres of Cleveland and Akron Ohio is where you will find Cuyahoga National Park. Renowned for its scenic train ride through the park you will be blown away by its beauty.
Not only can you ride the train through the park but there are a multitude of other activities that will entice all members of the family. Golfing is quite a unique feature of this national park but Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to a brilliant gold course.
Horseback riding, biking and hiking through the woods are all options for families and individuals at Cuyahoga Valley.
Cuyahoga Valley has been home to people for thousands of years and the national park service has done an excellent job of helping visitors to really embrace and learn about the history of the area. There is just so much to learn and do.
Wrangell St Elias National Park
Wrangell St Elias National Park is one of the biggest national parks spanning more than 13 million acres. You will find Wrangell St Elias in the backyard of Alaska. If you are privileged enough to visit you will be welcomed with a sampling of some of the best wildlife Alaska has to offer.
This beautiful wonderland is the perfect place to hike mountains and marvel at the glaciers. Scenic flights are one of the best way to really take in all there is to see of this gigantic national park.
Congaree National Park
You will find Congaree National Park in the stunning North Carolina less than 30 mins out from Columbia. Congaree is known for its magical kayaking adventure among some of the most biodiverse landscapes in the country.
Even the youngest in your party will experience the wonder and beauty of kayaking down the river. The video below shows the true magic far better than I could explain!
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is the perfect combination of coral reefs, crystal clear blue water and islands to explore. It is most well known for its water activities. This comes as no surprise given its incredible location.
Biscayne National Park is just minutes from Miami but worlds away. The best way to get to Biscayne is to head to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. This is the only part of the park accessible by car. You will be able to use a boat to reach the rest of the park.
Entry to Biscayne National Park is free however there are a lot of tours available to fully enjoy all the beauty on offer. These tours are for a fee but provide access to areas you would not be able to see otherwise. Snorkling reefs is a very surreal experience.
Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park is another of Alaska’s beauties. It is here that you will get a glimpse of true Alaskan wildlife. From wild salmon runs to bears foraging through the rugged wilderness.
If you are wanting to visit Lake Clark National Park you will need a plane or boat. There are no roads in or out of the park. There are plenty of air taxi services that can help you access the park if needed. Boating is available but is often too dangerous and most visitors opt for flying.
The closest major city to Lake Clark National Park is Anchorage. There are air taxis that fly directly from Anchoage.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park is well known for its caribou crossing. Some 500,000 caribou cross the mighty Kobuk River twice a year in quite a spectacle. On land these animals are incredibly fast however in water they are at a significant disadvantage. This river crossing has been the time in which hunters can finally out run the mighty caribou.
Like many of Alaska’s national parks you will also need to fly in. Many operators have tours available with activities to join. Dog sledding in a popular choice for many.
Gates of the Arctic National park
Access to the Gates of the Arctic National Park is via Fairbanks Alaska. There are no roads in or out and flying is necessary. Air taxis are able to assist you in making your way into the park and are redily available.
Gates of the Arctic is one of the last remaining truly wild places that you are able to visit and really feel like you are alone in the world. If isolation and solitude is what you are after then Gates of the Arctic is for you.
Visitors generally spend their time hiking, fishing and hunting. It is essential that if you are going to visit that you are confident in your abilities to be self sufficient and care for yourself in a very remote area.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Perhaps one of the most famous alaskan national parks is Kenai Fjords. You can not visit Alaska without a trip to Kenai Fjords National Park. Its sheer beauty will blow you away.
The towering glaciers are phenomenal and provide the perfect backdrop for epic photos.
Youwill have to plan carefully as the park is generally inaccessible during the winter months. However, summer can be the perfect opportunity to take in this beauty. The prime months to visit Kenai Fjords National Park are June, July and August. This is when you are going to get the most from your visit.
The closest town is Seward Alaska.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is located a few hours from Seattle Washington. Not only is it free to visit, it is also the around cheapest national park to visit. You can check out our full post dedicated to why North Cascades is the cheapest national park here.