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National Park Senior Lifetime Pass

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Which National Parks Accept The Senior Pass

Seniors line up to buy lifetime national park passes before price hike

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.

What Are The Discount Guidelines

The pass program is managed by six Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Therefore, the discount program for the Senior Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands.

In general discounts are honored as follows

  • Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass owner, not to any additional campsite occupied by members of the pass owner’s party.
  • Campsites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged separately, there is no discount. The discount may apply if the utility fee is combined with the campsite fee.
  • Group Campsites and Facilities: : There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass owner receives a discount others using the site pay the full fee.
  • Guided Tours: The pass offers discounts on some guided tours. Only the pass owner receives a discount if one is offered.
  • Transportation Systems:

What Is The American The Beautiful Pass

The National Park Service offers a pass known as the American the Beautiful Pass. This is an annual pass that gives you access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.

The pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas .

Each pass will cover the entrance fees and standard amenity fees at:

  • Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management
  • Lands managed by the Bureau of Reclamation
  • Lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The cost for this annual pass is $80 but there are several different versions. You can find out much more about the annual pass here.

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Discounts On Annual Passes

The following discounts on the purchase of annual entrance passes are offered to persons who present satisfactory written documentation that demonstrates their eligibility:

Discounted and free passes must be obtained in person at a state park with a staffed ranger station. See our list of eligibility documents required for presentation in order for the passes to be sold/issued. Discounted and free passes cannot be issued or renewed online or by mail.

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How To Qualify For A National Parks Senior Pass

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All of the passes under the National Parks system are known as America the Beautiful passes. The pass is your ticket to all of the National Parks, as well as more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. There are different passes available for members of the military, students, volunteers, and regular citizens.

The senior pass falls under this umbrella. Like most senior discount policies, you have to be a certain age in order qualifyin this case, 62 years or older. You also must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Youll need to provide documentation providing your age and residency as part of the application process.

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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.

Cost Of A Senior Pass

There are two different types of senior pass membership. One is a lifetime membership and the other is an annual membership. The costs for each are:

  • $80 for a lifetime senior pass
  • $20 for an annual senior pass

The lifetime membership can be used for the remainder of your life with no renewal necessary. It also is not affected by any price changes that might occur, unlike the yearly pass. While the price doesnt change often, it recently jumped to $80 for a lifetime membership in 2017. To protect against these changes, purchasing a lifetime pass is a better investment for most seniors.

In addition to the cost above, there is a $10 cost for any passes purchased online or by mail. The only way to avoid this fee is to purchase your National Park pass in person at a National Park location.

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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.

The National Park Senior Pass: Lifetime Access To America The Beautiful

National Parks raise lifetime senior pass prices 700 percent

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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Is A National Park Pass For Seniors Worth It

Getting outdoors and staying active are essential activities for seniors. Getting a national park pass for seniors makes it easy and affordable to do both while enjoying some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. With more than 2,000 locations, youll have no trouble finding a place to use your pass. If you plan to visit multiple sites, the pass can pay for itself in no time! We think its an excellent investment or gift for a loved one! Which national park will you visit first?

Is There A National Parks Pass For Veterans

Unfortunately, there is not currently a special national parks pass for veterans.

However, there is a special pass for current US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as most members of the US Reserves and National Guard.

In order to obtain that pass, proper military ID is required . You can read more about the national parks pas for military members here.

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Everything You Need To Know About The National Parks Senior Pass

If you love adventure and getting outdoors, the National Parks Senior Pass may be just for you. For individuals over age 62, you can apply for an annual pass that grants you access to national parks at a discounted rate. And for true outdoor enthusiasts, the National Park Senior Citizen Lifetime Pass offers lasting value.

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Final Word On The National Parks Senior Pass

Grab a National Parks Senior Pass Before Price Jumps to $80

Its good to remember that access to the majority of National Park Service sites remains freeonly 118 of 417 National Park Service sites have an entrance fee.

So in many instances fees are not an issue.

However, if you think youll be visiting some of the popular sites like Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite National Park, then I think its a good idea to look into the lifetime pass since youll end up saving money in the long-run.

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How Do I Show My Pass

At Federal recreation sites with entrance stations, youll simply show your card to the park ranger working the entrance stations.

But if youre arriving to a site with no entrance station or theres no staff member there to verify your pass, youll need to display your pass or show proof of pass ownership to compliance officers via one of the two following methods:

  • HANGTAGS A valid national parks pass can either be displayed on your rearview mirror using a free hangtag or on your dashboard with the signature side showing.
  • If you own an open-topped vehicle you can obtain a free decal to display on your vehicle to serve as proof of payment

Where To Use The Senior Pass

The Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers honor the Senior Pass at sites where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

In addition, the Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Senior Pass. Visitors are always encouraged to contact the site they plan to visit and inquire about pass acceptance before visiting.

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Veterans Gold Star Families Get Free Lifetime Pass To National Parks Wildlife Refuges Other Public Lands

New pass provides free lifetime access and waived recreation fees for Veterans

On Veterans Day 2022, the National Park Service will unveil a lifetime pass providing free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families. The Interagency Military Lifetime Pass waives entrance fees for the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and standard amenity recreation fees for the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites for current military service members and their dependents, Veterans and Gold Star Families.

Veterans and their families have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestylefrom serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping, and much more.

The Military Pass has been expanded to include a pass that does not expire for Veterans and Gold Star Family members. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 authorized a free lifetime pass to national parks and other federal recreational lands for eligible Veterans and Gold Star Families. In recent years, they were able to receive annual passes.

Whats Included In The National Parks Senior Pass

Lifetime National Park senior passes are going up from $10 to $80

Both the Annual and Lifetime Senior Pass allow access to over 2,000 national parks, national monuments, national wildlife refuges, and national forests and grasslands. Many of these sites will include their own visitor centers, where you can spend an afternoon browsing interesting artifacts and educational materials.

FYI: Most national parks contain visitor centers where, in addition to brochures and exhibits, you can find naturalists and park rangers who can help you plan your drive or excursion through nature.

Additionally, both passes include the added bonus of a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees, such as camping or guided tours. At Yosemite National Park, for example, senior pass holders may reserve a campsite for as low as $15 dollars .

These discounts vary by location, so be sure to ask at the entrance gate or visitor center if your pass discount applies when making purchases and reservations.

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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 .

General Information About The Senior Pass

The Senior Pass is a card available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 62 years and older. It provides access to recreation areas managed by six federal agencies, including National Parks. It also provides the pass owner a discount on some amenity fees, such as camping.

As of August 2017, the cost of a lifetime Senior Pass is $80. An annual pass is $20. A yearly pass can be traded for a lifetime pass if four annual passes were purchased in four consecutive years. Annual passes cover two people. Yearly passes do not cover expanded amenity fees .

If you have one of the older Golden Age Passports, know that they are still valid for a lifetime and are equivalent to the new Senior Pass. Plastic Golden Age Passports are good for a lifetime. However, if you want the new Senior Pass, you may purchase one with proof of identification . Paper Golden Age Passports will be exchanged free for the new Senior Passes with proof of identification .

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~ Overview Of The Senior Pass ~

1. 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 via mail order from USGS. Mail-order applicants must submit a completed application, proof of residency and age, the $90.00 . Once the application package is received the documentation will be verified and a pass, with the pass owner’s name pre-printed on it, will be issued to the applicant.

2. What is the Senior Pass?

A $80.00 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.

For Seniors on a fixed budget the Department of Interior has created a Senior Annual Pass. The cost for the pass is $ 20.00 and it is good for one year from the date of purchase in all Federal Recreation Areas.

At many sites the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees .

Benefits Of A National Parks Senior Pass

How to get your FREE Lifetime National Parks Pass~Disabilities, 4th ...

There are a lot of unexpected benefits to your senior pass membership. Not only do you gain free entry into all of the National Parks and federal recreation areas, but there are added benefits as well.

  • Travel companions also enter for free with your pass
  • All owner/s and passengers in a vehicle are free
  • Camping, swimming, boat launch, and guided tour fees waived in some locations
  • Covers all entrance and standard amenity fees
  • Discounts on some recreational activities or programs

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Who Qualifies For The Senior Pass

U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 years or older. .

NOTE: Owning property or paying taxes in the U.S. does not automatically qualify you for a Senior Pass. You must be a permanent U.S. resident, or a U.S. citizen with identification such as U.S. Driver’s License, Green Card or U.S. Passport.

Is There A Pass For The Disabled

The National Park Service does offer an Access Pass to United States citizens or permanent residents which is specifically for the disabled, regardless of age. There is no cost for this pass however, the individual will need to provide documentation of the permanent disability. This pass is a great benefit to those who have mobility issues yet still want to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

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Everything To Know About The National Park Pass For Seniors

Including the benefits, cost, and how to obtain one.

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The National Park Service has created a variety of passes, both annual and lifetime, to encourage Americans to visit national parks, monuments, and federal recreational lands. The passes are honored at sites managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service.

A series of passes, including the Senior Pass, all come under the heading of America the Beautiful the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Also referred to as Interagency Passes, they can be obtained at a wide range of federal recreation areas or through the USGS online store.

The Senior Pass can be purchased as a lifetime pass with no expiration date or as an annual pass, which costs less. The annual fee increased in 1987, raising the cost of a lifetime pass from $10 to $80. The legislation also provided for the annual pass at a lower cost. Here are some key details on the Senior Pass.

Qualifications: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as well as 62 years or older. Documentation of age and residency or citizenship are required.

Cost: $80 for a lifetime Senior Pass $20 for an annual Senior Pass.

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