America’s national parks belong to everyone — and for the men and women who have served in uniform, the National Park Service says thank you with free entrance passes. Current U.S. military members and their dependents can receive a free Military Annual Pass, while veterans and Gold Star families qualify for a free Military Lifetime Pass, unlocking fee-free access to national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other federal recreational lands.
These are America the Beautiful passes issued through the National Park Service, and they cover far more than just the big-name parks. Here is who qualifies, what the passes cover, and exactly how to get yours.
Who is Eligible for the National Parks Military Pass?
There are two military passes, each with its own eligibility:
- Military Annual Pass (free) — current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, and Reserves, plus U.S. military cadets and active reservists.
- Military Lifetime Pass (free) — U.S. military veterans and Gold Star families.
Documentation is required. For the annual pass, accepted proof includes an unexpired Common Access Card (CAC), an unexpired DD Form 1173, or the Next Generation Dependent ID. Veterans and Gold Star families need a valid veteran ID or Gold Star Family voucher for the lifetime pass.
How Much Military Discount Do the National Parks Provide?
Both military passes are completely free — a 100% savings versus the standard $80 annual America the Beautiful pass. Here is what they cover:
- Entrance fees at National Park Service sites and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites
- Standard amenity (day-use) fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites
- Admits the pass holder plus all passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas — or the pass holder plus up to 3 additional adults at sites that charge per person
The passes are non-transferable and non-refundable, and they cannot be replaced if lost or stolen, so keep yours somewhere safe. You must show valid photo ID along with the pass at each visit.
How to Claim the National Parks Military Pass
You can get your pass in person or online. Details are on the National Park Service’s official military access page.
- Confirm which pass fits you. Currently serving (or a dependent)? You want the free Military Annual Pass. A veteran or Gold Star family member? You want the free Military Lifetime Pass.
- Gather your documentation. Bring an unexpired CAC, DD Form 1173, Next Generation Dependent ID, or a valid veteran ID / Gold Star Family voucher, depending on which pass you are claiming.
- Get the pass in person or online. Visit any federal recreation site that issues passes and present your documentation to receive the pass on the spot — or order it from the USGS Online Store (note: processing and shipping fees apply to online orders).
- Show it at the gate. Present your pass with valid photo ID at park entrances. The pass covers your whole vehicle or party as described above — timed-entry or reservation fees, where applicable, are separate.
FAQs About the National Parks Military Pass
Is the national parks military pass really free?
Yes. Both the Military Annual Pass (current military and dependents) and the Military Lifetime Pass (veterans and Gold Star families) are issued free of charge. Only online orders through the USGS store carry processing and shipping fees.
Which parks and lands does the military pass cover?
The passes cover entrance fees at National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites, plus standard amenity fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers sites.
Do military dependents get a free national parks pass?
Yes. Dependents of current U.S. military members are eligible for the free Military Annual Pass, with an unexpired DD Form 1173 or Next Generation Dependent ID as proof.
What is the difference between the Military Annual and Lifetime passes?
The Military Annual Pass is for currently serving military and their dependents and is valid for one year. The Military Lifetime Pass is for veterans and Gold Star families and never expires.
Can I replace a lost military lifetime pass?
No. The passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen, so store yours securely.
Do the passes cover everyone in my car?
At per-vehicle fee areas, the pass admits the pass holder and all accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. At per-person sites, it admits the holder plus up to 3 additional adults (ages 16 and over).
