Now is a great time to lace up your hiking shoes and explore one of the region’s national parks — without the admissions fees. On August 4, all National Park Service–run sites will be open to the public free of charge.
Monday, August 4 is one of seven fee-free National Park days offered throughout the year. The free entry day is in recognition of the fifth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, a 2020 piece of legislation that provided funding for infrastructure improvements and recreation opportunities at parks across the country.
According to the the Department of Interior’s website: “The Great American Outdoors Act … is a historic investment in the protection and sustainment of our public lands and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools. GAOA established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA LRF) to address overdue maintenance needs.”
The fee-free day applies to all of the more than 400 parks operated by NPS. Near Northern Virginia, popular sites include Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls Park, and Prince William Forest Park.
After August 4, there will be two remaining fee-free days in 2025:
- September 27 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
Additional National Park fees like timed entry or reservation fees may still apply.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
