National Park Service considering hiking entry fees at 17 parks

National Parks have been charging for many years.

The NPS stopped issuing Golden Passes, but they are still honored. For disabled veterans, you can obtain an Access Pass at no cost from any NPS facility that issues passes. You can use your VA notification letter showing your disability rating as proof when you apply.

-Taken from https://www.nps.gov/
Access Pass
•Cost: Free (see note in "how to obtain" for more details)
•Available for: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
•How to obtain: •In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes)
•Through the mail using this application form (PDF). •NOTE: The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is $10 for processing the application (the pass is free).


•Additional information: •The Access Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services.
•The Access Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
•Golden Access Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.
•Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass (USGS website)