Planning a 2025 National Park Trip? Keep These Tips and Free Entrance Days in Mind!
America's national parks have only grown in popularity with travelers in recent years, with 2025 expected to bring the same or even higher levels of interest.
To accommodate, the National Park Service (NPS) is waiving the entrance fee to national parks on six days and is encouraging group travel professionals to plan their group's next national park trip early.
On designated days throughout the year, all visitors can enjoy an opportunity to experience the wonders of nature, culture, and history at more than 400 national parks across the country—without the cost of entry!
2025 FREE ENTRANCE DAYS:
- January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 19: First Day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
- September 27: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
In addition to fee-free days, NPS has also shared its top tips for planning a national park trip. Whether this year marks your first group trip to a national park or your 50th, these pointers are always prudent.
HOW TO PLAN A NATIONAL PARK TRIP
Where: With over 400 national parks, monuments, and historic sites, there's something for everyone. Visit NPS.gov/findapark to explore the park options nearest you. If your group is visiting a park that normally charges an entrance fee, review your entrance pass options before you arrive.
When: Like previously mentioned above, NPS is waiving the entrance fee for parks on six days in 2025, so consider planning your visit then. Otherwise, pick a date that works for you and your group to visit and keeping in mind seasonal changes, how much daylight you'll need, and if you need to get to the park early in the day to get parking or take advantage of lower temperatures.
How: Some national parks require advanced reservations for camping, lodging or timed entry. Research and book early to secure your spot, especially for popular parks.
Pick the right activity for you: Review the possible activities, including ranger-led programs, scenic hikes, tours and more. Planning allows your group to maximize their experience while balancing active days with relaxation. Consider your group's experience and skill level when picking your activity.
Prepare for the unexpected: Sometimes, travel plans might change last minute or even during the hike. Do your research to know what else the park has to offer if your group doesn't end up being able to do what was originally planned that day. For example, if there's more rain than you prepared for, visit the park museum or take a scenic drive. Make sure you check the park website or the NPS App for updated conditions, seasonal closures and alerts.
Bring the right gear: Plan like a Park Ranger and pack essentials like water, appropriate clothing, and maps. You can download park maps for offline use from the NPS App so you can find your way even if there's no Wi-Fi. Note that water might be hard to come by in some parks, so make sure you bring your own, especially if you'll be outside for a while.
Keep in mind that most parks are free to enter all of the time; approximately 100 out of more than 430 national parks charge an entrance fee. With at least one national park in every state, no one is too far from an adventure. Take a look to see what adventure awaits and refer to NPS's Trip Planning Guide as you prepare for your next visit.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Main image courtesy of NPS Photo.
