New national park passes put 'American families first' while tripling entry fees for some

The passes are intended to put "American families first" by implementing a new resident-focused fee beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a press release that the improvements aim to make the parks more accessible, affordable and efficient.

Free passes are offered to miliary members, veterans and Americans with permanent disabilities. 

Through the program Every Kid Outdoors, all U.S. fourth-grade students can get a free pass for their school year as well. 

Federal recreation site volunteers who serve 250 hours of volunteering can also get free passes.

Nonresidents will have to pay $250 for annual passes to ensure the "American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit," the department said. 

Nonresidents who do not obtain an annual pass will need to fork over a $100-per-person fee to enter 11 parks on top of the standard entrance fee.  

"This revenue will help keep our parks beautiful and running well, including [addressing] the deferred maintenance backlog," said the spokesperson. "The nonresident surcharge is a small fraction of total trip costs (airfare, lodging, transport) for foreign tourists."

The passes will support upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance and overall improved services.

Revenue generated from new fee policies will be invested directly back into America's national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance and improved services nationwide.