Explore National Parks for FREE in 2023

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Written By Mandy

Are you just starting to plan your 2023 adventures or are you already deep in researching?  Don't forget to add the FREE days at our national parks as well as national monuments to your lists. There are over 400 sites to explore completely for free, I guarantee there is something for everyone!

The first day, January 16th in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be here before you know it! Time to start planning now. Winter is one of the best times to avoid huge crowds at NPS sites so I highly encourage you to get out there and explore.

And if you happen to have a 4th grader, don’t forget that every day is free for them through August 31, 2023!

Why visit US National Parks on free days?

Cost savings - Visiting a national park can be expensive, especially if you are planning to visit multiple parks. Free days allow you to visit a park without having to pay the entrance fee, saving you money.

Accessibility - National parks can be expensive for some families, and free days make it easier for everyone to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of these places.

Education - National parks offer a unique opportunity to learn about the history and natural resources of the United States. Free days can encourage more people to visit and learn about these important places.

Recreational opportunities - National parks offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and more. Free days allow more people to take advantage of these opportunities and enjoy the great outdoors.

Give back - Many people find that this is the perfect time to give back to the NPS and volunteer their time - cleaning up trash, helping with trails, or making improvements to the park. Contact your local park to see how you can lend a hand.

can I visit Zion National Park for free?

Why are US National Parks so important?

US national parks are important for a variety of reasons:

  1. Conservation - National parks protect and preserve some of the most beautiful and important natural resources in the United States. These include forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. By preserving these resources, national parks help to ensure that future generations can enjoy them as well.

  2. Educational opportunities - National parks offer a unique opportunity to learn about the history and natural resources of the United States. Many parks have visitor centers, ranger-led programs, and other educational resources that help visitors learn about the park and its history.

  3. Recreational opportunities - National parks offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and more. These activities allow people to get outside, enjoy the natural beauty of the parks, and get some exercise.

  4. Economic benefits - National parks also provide economic benefits to the local communities that surround them. Many parks have lodges, restaurants, and other amenities that provide employment and generate income for the local economy.

  5. Cultural significance - Many national parks have cultural and historical significance as well. They may contain artifacts, structures, or landscapes that are important to the history and culture of the United States.

What days can I get into US National Parks for free?

Which US National Parks can I visit on free days?

These are just a few of the 400 federal lands you can visit on free entrance days:

Alaska
Denali National Park & Preserve

Arizona
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Grand Canyon National Park
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Petrified Forest National Park
Pipe Spring National Monument
Saguaro National Park
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Tonto National Monument
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Tuzigoot National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Wupatki National Monument

Arkansas
Fort Smith National Historic Site

California
Cabrillo National Monument
Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Pinnacles National Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Yosemite National Park

Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Hovenweep National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park with kids

Bring Along GyPSy Guide On Your Next National Park Trip!

A GyPSy Guide tour is the perfect choice for any national parks trip because it provides a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective way to explore the parks. Whether you're traveling alone or with a group, a GyPSy Guide tour will enhance your experience and help you get the most out of your visit.

  1. Self-guided audio tours: GyPSy Guide tours provide self-guided audio tours that allow visitors to explore the parks at their own pace. This means that visitors can spend as much time as they like at each location, without feeling rushed.

  2. Comprehensive commentary: The audio tours provide a comprehensive commentary on the history, geology, and culture of the parks. This commentary is both informative and entertaining, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.

  3. GPS-enabled app: The tours are GPS-enabled, which means that visitors don't have to worry about getting lost or missing important locations. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, ensuring that visitors can navigate the parks with ease.

  4. Flexibility and customization: Visitors can customize their tours to suit their interests and preferences. The app provides suggestions for places to stop and explore, but visitors can choose which locations to visit and how much time to spend at each one.

  5. Cost-effective: GyPSy Guide tours are cost-effective, as they provide a comprehensive tour at a fraction of the cost of a private tour guide. Visitors can enjoy a high-quality tour without breaking the bank.

Find a GyPSy Guide tour for places like Utah’s Mighty 5, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Great Smokies, and many many more!

We have loved GyPSy Guides since 2018 and look forward to using them every time we visit a new area, and now we are a GyPSy affiliate! This means when you use our links to purchase a guide we get a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for using our links!

Read more of our recent posts about US National Parks -

2023 Free Entry Fee Days for US National Parks and why you should visit

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Free entry days to US National Parks in 2023 and where to go

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Mandy https://www.campfiretravelers.com
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