What Is The National Park Senior Pass
By: Author The Drivin’& Vibin’ Team
Home » What is the National Park Senior Pass?
Theres so much natural beauty and magnificence across the country, but nowhere is it more evident than throughout our National Parks.
The United States has 63 National Parks, each featuring grandeur unique to the region.
One extraordinary gift to this countrys senior citizens is the National Park Senior Pass, which makes exploring the countrys natural wonders affordable to Americas elders.
Lets dive in to the details!
Benefits Of The Lifetime Senior Pass
The lifetime pass will provide many benefits that will save seniors money while visiting the national parks of their choice. Here are some examples of these benefits.
- Discount on Expanded Amenity Fees, such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.
- Discounts on campsites that are physically being used by the pass owner.
- Guided Tours: pass offers discounts on some guided tours. Only the pass owner may receive a discount if one is offered.
Who Is Eligible To Gain Free Access As A Member Of A Gold Star Family
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the US 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 US Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
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Castillo De San Marcos National Monument Florida
Nestled in St. Augustine, considered to be the oldest city in the U.S., Castillo de San Marcos is home to a 17th-century Spanish fort with connections to the American Revolution. Enjoy the natural appeal of the bordering Matanzas Bay and semi-tropical weather while admiring priceless artifacts and stone-work.
Virtual Exploration: You can visit the National Park Service website to virtually explore an array of parks via live webcams and photo galleries. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with possible destinations or to prepare for an upcoming trip.
Which National Parks Accept The Senior Pass
The America the Beautiful â the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass gives you access to it all. The Senior Pass covers entrance fees and the standard day-use recreation fees at more than 2,000 sites around the country. The pass gives you access to sites managed by:
- The National Park Service
- US Forest Service and
- The US Army Corps of Engineers.
The Senior Pass is accepted at any of the 118 locations with an entrance or standard amenity fee. The other 299 National Park sites, as well as many other locations, donât have an entrance fee. If the entrance fee is per vehicle, the pass covers the pass holder and the occupants of the non-commercial vehicle. If itâs a per person entrance fee, it covers the pass holder and three other adults.
The Senior Pass covers your entry to the 118 state parks with entrance or standard amenity fees.
They can also give discounts on certain recreation fees at some locations. These recreation fees may include services like camping, swimming, or access to a boat launch. Other sites discount amenity fees for facilities. The Senior Pass does not cover special recreation permit fees or concessions, however.
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What Is Covered By The Free Access Program
The voucher covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands and on lands managed by the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers.
What Is The Senior Pass
The $80.00 lifetime and $20 Annual Senior Passes provide admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.
At many sites the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees .
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Obtaining A Senior Pass
The pass can be obtained in person at most federally operated recreation areas, online, or through the mail using the application form. There is a one-time processing charge and proof of age must be supplied.
Learn more about the national park service and locate parks and recreation areas throughout the country.
Birthday Gift To Myself
So when my son asked what I wanted for my birthday, I said no gifts, just come with me on a day trip to see Skyline Drive oh and please bring Calvin . And so by 9 am yesterday, we are headed down Route 66 in Virginia with a half-dozen donuts covered with hot chocolate icing, no napkins and chocolate smeared all over our faces and hands. Calvin bravely sits in his crate in the back, eagerly accepting pieces of a plain donut that I push through an opening in the crate.
One of the things I am slowly learning through this pandemic is that near is dear and that you dont have to cross an ocean in a jet to be a female solo trekker. While my world is limited to as far as I can travel in my BMW, I have managed to safely travel as far as Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire in the north and the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina in the last six months. So this birthday I celebrated by buying myself the Lifetime Pass.
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Where Can I Get A Senior Pass
You can buy a Senior Pass in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office. See Site Locations that issue the Senior Pass.You can buy a Senior Pass using the USGS online store. Applicants must upload proof of residency and age. This may be done by photographing your document and uploading it to the order. You will need to provide a credit card payment of $90.00 for the lifetime pass, or $30 for the Annual Senior pass . Once the documentation is verified and payment is received, a pass, with the pass owners name pre-printed on it, will be issued to the applicant. If you cannot order a Senior pass online, you can submit a Paper Application by mail to the USGS using the paper application and enclosing the same documents and $10 fee
Online Senior Pass applications are processed and shipped within 5 business days from the day they arrive at USGS. Transit time varies, and is dependent upon the service selected: USPS – typically 5-10 business days FedEx Ground – typically 3-5 business days FedEx 2nd day – typically 2 business days FedEx Overnight – typically 1 business day
If you need your pass within 4 weeks or less, it is recommended that you either obtain your pass at the first site you visit, or request expedited shipping services for your order.
Free Lifetime Access Pass
A Federal Recreational Lands Pass covers entrance fees to more then 2,000 sitesincluding national forests and grasslands. There are a number of passes available, many of them discounted or free for certain groups. These include seniors, youth, volunteers, military and their families, and those with permanent disabilities.
Those with permanent disabilities can receive a free, lifetime pass to these Recreational Lands.
The Interagency Access Pass can be issues to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have been medically determined to be permanently disabled as defined in 29 U.S.C 705. This defines a permanent disability as a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more of the persons major life activities.
Passes must be applied for in person. The issuing officer will need to see appropriate documentation. Applicants are required to show one of the following forms of identification:
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How Do I Show My Pass At A Site That Doesn’t Have An Entrance Station
At Federal recreation sites that don’t have entrance stations you need to display your pass or show proof of pass ownership to compliance officers via one of the two following methods:
HANGTAGSA pass can either be displayed on your rearview mirror using a free hangtag or on your dashboard with the signature side showing. Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and is not valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass.
If you own an open-topped vehicle you may obtain a free decal to attach to your vehicle that will serve as proof of payment at sites that don’t have a staffed entrance station.
- your Pass, driver’s license and vehicle registration. The name on all three documents must match.
- All sites that issue passes issue free hangtags
Is Buying A National Park Lifetime Pass Worth It
When you purchase a National Park Lifetime Pass, youre getting more than free entry. Youre getting a lifetimes worth of memories and experiences. With access to 2000+ federal recreation sites, youll never run out of places to visit.
You wont have to worry about going to these incredible locations alone, either! The National Park Lifetime Pass also includes admission for guests of the card holder. So grab a friend or two and get to planning your next adventure.
Not only does the park pass get you and your guests admittance into parks, but also discounts on amenities. One of the favorite perks used by many pass holders is the incredible discounts on camping. Some campgrounds are known to offer 50%+ discounts on camping. Who doesnt like saving a buck on a great campsite?
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How Do You Qualify For The National Parks Senior Pass
The National Parks Senior Pass is available for: U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over.
Keep in mind that applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.
Documentation that may be required includes:
- A U.S. State or Territory issued Drivers License
- Identification or Birth Certificate
- A U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- A Permanent Resident Card
How To Use The Senior Pass
The Senior Pass admits pass owners and passengers on bicycles or in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, and the pass owner plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. Children younger than 16 years are always free. Only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. A second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee or must have a second pass. This applies even if you are traveling together on two motorcycles.
The Senior Pass may also provide the pass owner a discount on some expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, guided tours, transportation systems, and special-use permit fees. Discounts do not apply at onsite bookstores or gift shops.
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What Is The National Parks Senior Pass
The National Parks Senior Pass is version of the American the Beautiful Pass created specifically for senior citizens in order to allow them access to the national parks at a discounted rate.
It offers a discounted membership rate that can be purchased on a lifetime basis for on an annual basis for a lower cost. That means that when you visit parks like Yellowstone National Park, youll be able to save money or eventually get in for free!
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The National Park Senior Pass: Lifetime Access To America The Beautiful
The National Parks are the crown jewels of the United States. With the National Park Senior Pass, seeing them all is even easier!
One of the advantages of living in the United States is the National Park System. Championed by Teddy Roosevelt, and established by Woodrow Wilson, theyâre the nationâs crown jewels. Our country has some of the most iconic parks on the planet. Thereâs the Grand Canyon, the Hawaiâi Volcanoes, and Yellowstone. Each has its own charm and personality.
With so many different national parks, it may seem impossible to see them all. If you want to, though, you have an ace in the hole â the America the Beautiful â the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
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Explore America The Beautiful
While many people have visited a National Park, how often do they take the time to visit the ones outside of their own home state, coast, or side of the world? The National Park senior pass makes it affordable for seniors 62 and older to visit as many parks as they wish. From the Everglades to Yellowstone, theres so much to see.
Who said the second act of your life has to be boring? While its important to start end-of-life planning, its also essential that you make the most of this opportunity to focus on what you love. Are you ready to explore?
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Discover The Best Free Camping Across The Usa
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America .
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site!
Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA . Access the list by submitting your email below:
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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.
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Sep 12, 2021 · For seniors in the United States who love the outdoors, a NationalPark Lifetime Pass provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. Instead of having to pay pricey day use fees or entrance fees, youll be able to use this pass to gain access for free! The owner of the pass will also receive other benefits including a discount on …. The Interagency SeniorPass belongs to the signer only and s/he must be present for the pass to be used. Photo identification may be requested to verify pass ownership. Concessionaires may or may not honor the Interagency SeniorPass, according to the terms of their current permit. Interagency SeniorPass holders may receive a 50% discount on.
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What Is The Difference Between America The Beautiful Pass And Senior Pass
The most widespread national park passes are the America the Beautiful Pass and America the Beautiful Senior Pass. Both passes provide access to more than 2,000 recreation sites with the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers. However, the Senior Pass offers more than the standard pass.
The Senior Pass includes discounts on special use permit fees, concessionaires, transportation, tours, and camping. Discounts vary by the site, so inquire whenever youre making any reservation. However, the deals can amount to quite a savings if you take advantage of them!
How Do I Get A Senior National Park Pass
The Senior Pass is available to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident whoâs 62 or older.
The Senior Pass is available to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident whoâs 62 or older. When applying, you must also provide verification of your identity and citizenship or permanent residency. This includes a driverâs license, U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card . You can pick one up online, through the mail, or at a federal recreation site like those that site pass gives you access to. This makes it easier than ever to pick up a pass and see the country!
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The National Parks of the United States are the gem in the crown of America. These majestic landscapes, forests, and fields forged the country that we know and love today. With the help of the National Park Senior Pass, itâs possible to see and celebrate each and every one. For only $80, you can explore the National Parks from sea to shining sea for the rest of your life.
Just like you, your health is one of a kind. What works for one person may not for another, so the information in these articles should not take the place of an expert opinion. Before making significant lifestyle or diet changes, please consult your primary care physician or nutritionist. Your doctor will know your own health best.
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