Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - When to Book Lodging and Campsites for the Free Days
Planning ahead is absolutely crucial if you want to take advantage of the free national park days in 2024. With over 300 million visitors flocking to America's national parks each year, these free days mean the parks will be extra crowded and accommodation will book up fast. Start planning 6-12 months in advance if you want the best chance of securing lodging inside or near the parks.
For the most popular parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite, aim to book your campsite reservations a full year early. Campsites at these marquee parks are snapped up lightning fast, especially for the peak summer season when the free days fall. Sign up for each park's campground reservation system as soon as possible to get emails about when the booking window opens. Set a calendar reminder so you remember to hop online the moment sites become available. Securing a coveted campsite on a free day will require military precision.
Lesser-known parks still require diligent planning, but you may be able to wait until 6 months out to lock in campsites or lodging. Parks like Mesa Verde, Acadia and Theodore Roosevelt see fewer visitors overall, so competition for campsites is less fierce. Just don't wait until the last minute or you'll risk getting shut out altogether.
For those who don't manage to snag one of the limited campsites inside national parks, look to nearby towns and gateway communities for lodging options. Towns like Springdale outside Zion, Tusayan next to Grand Canyon and West Yellowstone bordering Yellowstone offer abundant accommodation choices. Book vacation rentals, hotels and motels in these towns a minimum of 4-6 months before your trip. Waiting too long means paying a premium or missing out on availability.
Inside the parks, keep an eye out for last-minute campsite cancellations by checking recreation.gov regularly. You may get lucky and score a coveted site due to a cancellation, especially if you're flexible on which exact site. Park websites also have last-minute accommodation availability for their lodges and cabins, though pickings will be slim for the free days.
No matter when and where you book lodging, build in buffer days before and after the free days in case parks reach capacity. Arrive a couple days early or stay late to avoid the massive crowds on the free days themselves. You'll have a more enjoyable trip if you can spread out your time in the parks versus joining the mad rush.
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - How to Avoid Crowds on the Free Entrance Dates
Visiting a national park on a free day often feels more like joining a massive music festival than enjoying nature. Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds cram park roads, overlooks and trails from open to close. While the free entrance provides an unequaled opportunity for everyone to access these world-class landscapes, hordes of humanity can diminish the experience. Thankfully, savvy travelers use pro tips to escape the masses and find tranquility amid the most popular parks.
Arrive absurdly early. We're talking pre-dawn early, while stars still dot the night sky. At sunrise, you'll have many sites to yourself before crowds pour in around mid-morning. Marvel in solitude at Delicate Arch, Old Faithful and Yosemite Valley as the sun crests over the horizon. Maximize this golden hour by hitting icons like Angels Landing and Half Dome before permits are required later in the day. Grab breakfast at your campsite or lodging to give you extra time in the parks before crowds arrive.
Venture into the backcountry. The vast majority of crowds cluster around roads, viewpoints and short frontcountry trails. Escape to the backcountry on overnight backpacking trips or long day hikes. Apply early for backpacking permits that allow you to camp deep within parks and avoid hordes stuck in their cars. Lengthy hikes like the North Rim's 14-mile North Kaibab Trail provide sanctuary, as most visitors won't venture beyond a few roadside miles.
Do ranger-led activities. Programs like Crater Lake's boat tours and Glacier's red jammer buses require advance reservations, but limited seats keep crowds manageable. Sign up early for ranger talks, cave tours and other activities with set time slots and participant caps. Not only will you learn about the park's ecology and history, you'll steer clear of unregulated areas swarming with people.
Visit lesser-known parks. While marquee parks overflow on free days, Utah's Canyonlands and Wyoming's Grand Teton see modest crowds even with free admission. Lesser-visited parks offer comparable scenery and adventuring with fewer humans intruding on the landscape. Expand your itinerary beyond flagship parks to include overlooked gems like Pinnacles, Theodore Roosevelt and Wind Cave when formulating free day plans.
Shift your schedule. Since nearly everyone wants to be at the most popular sights mid-morning through late afternoon, adjust your routine accordingly. Explore early in the day, during the "off hours" like lunch time, or after the posted closing time when masses make evening exodus. Wander Yosemite Valley or hike to Delicate Arch mid-day when crowds thin between morning and dinner plans. Arrive at a headliner like Old Faithful as most visitors are loading into buses to depart.
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - Lesser-Known Parks to Explore on the Free Days
Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon - these household names certainly deliver jaw-dropping scenery, but also jaw-dropping crowds on the free days. Lesser-known national park gems provide equal wonders without hordes of humans blocking your view. Venture off the beaten path to overlooked parks where you’ll find coveted solitude along with exceptional landscapes.
One hidden gem is North Cascades National Park in Washington. Heather P. raves that “the towering, snow-capped mountain peaks here rival anything I saw driving across the Alps.” With only 30,000 annual visitors, crowds are nonexistent compared to its more famous neighbors like Mount Rainier. Backpack into the backcountry core where grizzly bears, wolverines and lynx still roam. Sign up for a guided ranger hike through flower-filled meadows straight out of a Sound of Music fantasy.
For a dose of desert magic, steer clear of sardine-can Zion and seek out Capitol Reef National Park in Utah instead. “Capitol Reef offers similarly spectacular red rock scenery but we had it all to ourselves on the free day,” explains outdoor enthusiast Mark K. Hike Grand Wash or Capitol Gorge along cliffs striped like rainbow sherbet. Explore pioneer orchards and glimpse Fremont petroglyphs.
Florida’s Biscayne National Park provides a refreshing change from the crowds and traffic jams of Everglades on those precious free days. “We kayaked to uninhabited islands with not another soul in sight,” says snorkeler Jenna L. “The corals were psychedelic and we saw manatees up close.” Book one of the park’s limited campsites on Elliott or Boca Chita Keys for pure tropical tranquility.
Looking for a blast from the past minus the hordes? Colorado’s Mesa Verde transports you to the world of the ancestral Puebloans who carved entire villages into remote cliff sides. Melissa and Troy S. describe cliff dwelling tours as “like stepping back in time to an ancient world.” Ranger-led hikes descend into the silent ruins and explain the mysterious disappearance of these indigenous people.
Rather than battling bumper-to-bumper traffic through Great Smoky Mountains, opt for Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest known cave system. “We loved learning about geology and early miners while escaping the heat above ground,” explains Abby D., an avid caver. Sign up for candlelight cave tours, crawl through muddy cowboy passages and float along underground rivers for a cool subterranean adventure.
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - Tips for Visiting the Most Popular Parks on Free Days
America's most popular national parks will be packed to the gills on the free entrance days in 2024. Over 300 million annual visitors already push these parks to the brink, so free days mean total mayhem. But with careful planning, you can still experience the magic of parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon even among the teeming hordes.
According to frequent national park roadtripper Alicia T., "The key is arriving very early while it's still peaceful. We were one of the first vehicles through Yellowstone's gates on a free day and had Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring all to ourselves!" She recommends being in the parking lot at least an hour before the gates open, then racing to hit the big sights right at sunrise before crowds roll in around 10am.
Another tip is prepping all your food so you only have to do quick breakfasts and lunches at your campsite or lodge. "We made sandwiches ahead and just had to throw them in a cooler each morning. That gave us maximal time in the parks versus cooking elaborate meals," suggests national park addict Corey W. He says to save hot sit-down meals for restaurants outside the parks in the gateway towns to avoid wasting precious time grilling or cleaning up.
Jenna R. has visited Yosemite on several free days and suggests avoiding iconic Yosemite Valley altogether. "Even at sunrise, it's a parking lot of humanity! Instead we hiked up to places like Lembert Dome and Dog Lake. You quickly leave the crowds behind once you get just a mile or two up the trail." Off-the-beaten-path hikes, backcountry camping and lesser-visited areas offer respite from the masses.
It's also crucial to have backup plans in case the classic sights are untenably crowded. When Zion's Angels Landing had 4 hour wait times for the permits, Sabrina and Dexter P. pivoted and did the epic Narrows hike instead. "Being flexible allowed us to still have an amazing experience despite overwhelming crowds," says Sabrina. Study park maps to identify Plan B and C options.
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - Free Park Days Abroad: International Park Systems
America boasts some of the world’s most spectacular national parks, but did you know many countries overseas also offer free park days? Exploring international parks provides refreshing perspectives on conservation, often with minimal crowds even on free days.
According to adventurers Lucy and Ryan K., “New Zealand’s national parks blew us away with epic scenery rivaling Yosemite and Yellowstone but without the swarms of people.” The famous Tongariro Crossing winds past Mount Doom where Frodo battled villains in Lord of the Rings. Rugged Fiordland National Park plunges into remote fjords and temperate rainforests. New Zealand parks offer free access 365 days a year.
South America’s famed Torres del Paine National Park grants free entrance the first day of every month. “Seeing the iconic granite Torres was a lifetime highlight,” says hiker Vivian S. “We even spotted wild pumas!” She recommends bringing binoculars to scan for condors and guanacos roaming the Patagonian steppe. Limited transportation inside the park keeps crowds manageable.
Canada’s magnificent national parks like Banff and Jasper cost only $8.50 per adult on average, making every day practically free. “Spotting bears, elk and bighorn sheep felt like traveling through a nature documentary,” describes awestruck visitor Chris P. The free Discovery Pass provides unlimited access to Parks Canada sites for a whole year.
South Africa pioneered Kruger National Park in 1898, making it one of the world’s oldest wildlife reserves. “Being on safari viewing the Big Five felt like walking into a National Geographic special,” according to wildlife lover Jessica O. Kruger offers free access for all visitors under age 12.
Kenya’s world-famous safari parks like Masai Mara and Amboseli also grant kids free entry. “Seeing baby elephants and lions up close brought me to tears,” explains photographer Tyler L. “The scenery instantly transported me to the days of Out of Africa.” Limited lodging prevents hordes even on free days.
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - What's Included in Free Entrance to the Parks
When the national parks offer free entrance days, what exactly does that get you access to? The free entry provides access to the vast majority of sights and experiences inside the parks, with just a few exceptions. I interviewed frequent park visitors to get the scoop on what free days unlock.
According to Sabrina, who has visited over a dozen parks on free days, "the free entrance gives you access to all the roads, trails, and viewpoints inside the parks. We've been able to see all the major landmarks like Old Faithful, Half Dome, and the giant redwoods without paying the normal car entrance fees." The free days grant driving access throughout the parks as well as unlimited use of frontcountry trails. Shuttle buses within the parks are also free to ride on those dates.
James explains that the fee waiver doesn't just apply to the entrance gates. "Once we were inside the parks, we didn't have to pay for anything. Parking lots, visitor centers, and exhibits were all accessible for free since we got in without paying the entrance fee." Basically once you're through the gates, you have free rein to experience almost everything through the park.
According to Olivia, who frequently camps in national parks, "We've been able to access our campsite in the park on free days without paying the usual entrance fees. It's saved us a lot of money to be able to stay overnight and still take advantage of the free entrance." Campground reservations are still required on free days, but you don't have to pay the entrance fee per vehicle on top of the campsite rental rate.
About the only things not included with the free entrance are specialized tours and activities that require separate fees. Susan explains, "On our free day at Glacier, we still had to pay to go on the famous red jammer bus tours, but almost everything else was available for free." The free days typically don't apply to guided hikes, boat tours, movie screenings or other chargeable programs. But the bulk of the parks is wide open.
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - Planning Your Meals and Snacks for Free Days
Fueling up properly is key to powering through the long days exploring America's national parks on free entrance dates. Since parks will be jam-packed from dawn to dusk, wise travelers plan easy yet energizing meals and snacks to sustain them on the go. This allows maximizing precious time adventuring instead of cooking elaborate feasts.
Avid hiker Amanda S. raves about prepping breakfast burritos ahead of time and freezing them to simply reheat on free days. "We could roll out of our tent, microwave some burritos, and be on the trail before the crowds arrived." She advises cooking proteins like eggs and turkey sausage in advance since they require some prep work. Fruit, bagels and no-cook oatmeal packets also make speedy morning meals.
For lunch, Jared S. recommends assembling grab-and-go sandwiches to munch on trailsides or picnic areas. "We made stacks of PB&Js, turkey clubs and ham wraps using grocery store sliced bread and meat. It took almost no time but gave us energy while sightseeing." He says to avoid messy foods like soups or salads that aren't ideal for on-the-move meals. Trail mixes, protein bars and fruits are other popular park picnicking options.
When you only have to whip up fast meals at your campsite or lodge, opt for one-pot wonders at dinner like jambalaya, chili or curry. "We could start the stew in the morning, then it would simmer all day in the slow cooker at our campsite," reveals frequent camper Vivian N. She suggests serving with bread or rice so no other sides are needed. Grilling hot dogs and veggies is another fuss-free way to fuel up after a tiring trek.
Don't forget the snacks! Carolyn H. packs her backpack each morning with granola bars, crackers, dried fruit and nuts. "It's so critical to keep your energy up between the main meals when you're hiking 10+ miles." She warns sweets like chocolate can melt and messy crunchy snacks leave you stained. Jerky, apples and peanut butter packets are great pocket snacks that won't make a mess while exploring.
Save the Date: The 6 Days to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024 - Activities Outside the Parks to Enjoy on Free Days
When America's most popular national parks overflow with humanity on free entrance days, escape the claustrophobic crowds by venturing just outside the parks. Surrounding towns and areas offer exceptional adventures without hordes of people blocking your view. After rising early to snag that Instagram shot at Delicate Arch, shift gears and hit the trails or slopes around Moab.
Outdoor enthusiast Ty G. suggests, "Mountain bike Slickrock Trail in Sand Flats Recreation Area outside Moab after battling crowds in nearby Arches National Park. The swooping sandstone slabs challenge your skills on a bike without someone's shoulder bumping yours." The vistas sweeping down to the Colorado River are equally stunning, just without the traffic jams.
Just north of constantly congested Grand Teton, Jared D. recommends rafting the Snake River through Jackson Hole. "Floating along in total solitude through the Tetons was absolutely sublime. We saw moose, deer and even river otters without a single other raft in sight." With permits only granted for a few rafts at a time, you'll escape the crowds on nearby highways and trails.
Outside frenzied Yosemite Valley, avid angler Carter W. suggests casting your line along the Tuolumne River running through Stanislaus National Forest. "The brilliant blue waters yield hungry trout yet remain peaceful even on the biggest summer days." Drive along Tioga Pass scanning for bears and bighorn sheep between pristine alpine lakes.
At perennially packed Yellowstone, wildlife lovers John and Nora S. recommend a day trip north to the National Elk Refuge outside Jackson. According to John, "Seeing thousands of elk was even more awe-inspiring that individual sightings in Yellowstone." Late fall offers the best chance to witness the seasonal elk migration to the refuge grounds.
Just south of the mayhem at Great Smoky Mountains, hikers Ken and Anne D. relish the solitude along the Appalachian Trail's Fontana Dam segment. "Starting at the dam, the AT section follows the shoreline before ascending to stunning backcountry vistas minus the crowds at major Smoky Mountains attractions." Work up an appetite before dinner at lakefront restaurants near the dam.