Likely Cancelled: Free National Parks Day | MLK Jr. Day 2019

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Free National Parks Days 2025

Sometimes you’ve just got to get away from it all and clear your head with the peace and serenity of a national park.

On certain “fee-free” days throughout the year, enjoy free entry to all national parks and monuments including Muir Woods and Yosemite National Park, and free admission aboard all of the historic vessels at the Hyde Street Pier of SF’s Maritime National Historical Park.

Please always check with each National Park before heading out to confirm that the park and its facilities are open and admission is free. 

Free National Parks Days 2025

Parks listed on this page typically waive their entrance fees on nationally designated fee free dates. Please check with each park below for operating hours and event schedules. See the latest updates.

Participating California National Parks – See the full list
*Last Updated 12/12/25

• Cabrillo National Monument – San Diego – (lighthouse and tidepools) – $20 vehicle, $15 motorcycle, $10 foot/bike fees waived – fee details
• Death Valley National Park– Mostly in Inyo County (near the border of CA & NV) – $30 vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 per person fee waived – fee details
• Joshua Tree National Park – Riverside/San Bernardo Counties – $30 vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 foot/bike fees waived – fee details
  
• Lassen Volcanic National Park – Near Redding – $30 vehicle ($10 in winter), $25 motorcycle ($10 in winter), $15 per person fee ($10 in winter) waived – fee details
  
• Lava Beds National Monument – Northeast California near Oregon border – $25 vehicle, $20 motorcycle, $15 foot/bike fees waived – fee details
  
• Muir Woods National Monument – Marin County – While the $15 entrance fee is waived, parking ($9.50) or shuttle ($3.75); reservations are required, even on “free” days. Get shuttle info – fee details
  
• Pinnacles National Park – 80 miles southeast of San Jose – $30 vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 foot/bike fees waived – fee details
  
• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park – Fisherman’s Wharf/Hyde St. Pier – $15 per person fee waived, includes access to historic ships Since November 4, 2024, the $15 fee has been temporarily suspended – fee details
  
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks– East of Fresno/Visalia – $35 vehicle, $30 motorcycle, $20 individual pass waived – fee details
  
• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area – Shasta County – $25 vehicle, $20 motorcycle, $15 foot/bike fees waived – fee details
  
• Yosemite National Park – $35 car, $30 motorcycle, $20 foot/bike/horse fee waived – fee details

2025 Yosemite Reservation Updates

>> Please note, NPS will announce details on plans for managing visitor access in summer 2025 by the end of the year. – Last checked Dec. 13, 2024

Here’s the reservation details from 2024:
A reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite for visitors on select dates in 2024.

A reservation will be required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on some days in February 2024 and from April 13 through October 27, 2024, for those driving into the park between 5 am and 4 pm as follows:

• • February 2024: A reservation is required February 10-11, February 17-19, February 24-25
  • April 13 through June 30, 2024: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (May 27 and June 19).
  • July 1 through August 16, 2024: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day.
  • August 17 through October 27, 2024: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2 and October 14).

Driving through the park will also require a reservation if entering between 5 am and 4 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.

Check out all the fee-free national parks in the nation.

Monday, January 21, 2019
Free National Parks Days 2025

Please note, this is likely cancelled due to the government shutdown. Some national parks may remain accessible to visitors; however, access may change without notice. Some parks are closed completely. Some visitor services may be available when provided by concessioners or other entities. For most parks, there will be no National Park Service-provided visitor services, such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities, or road maintenance. For more information, see www.doi.gov/shutdown and the park website.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.