On Sunday, August 4, the National Parks Service (NPS) is once again offering free entrance to more than 400 of its parks in the United States.
In the Bay Area’s backyard, that’ll include national parks like Muir Woods and Yosemite.
NPS offers several free entry days throughout the year to commemorate key dates, anniversaries and holidays. This latest free day will mark the fourth anniversary of the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act.
But if you can’t take advantage of free entry to one of these national parks, fret not: You still have two more free NPS days on September 28 and November 11 this year to look forward to.
National parks offering free entry on June 19 near the Bay Area:
- Muir Woods National Monument: While the entrance fee of $15 per adult to Muir Woods will be waived on August 4, visitors will still need to reserve and pay for parking and shuttles. Children aged 15 and under can enjoy free entrance to the park all year round.
- Pinnacles National Park: The entrance fee of $15–$30 per vehicle to Pinnacles National Park will be waived on August 4. However, reservation fees for camping sites will not be.
- Yosemite National Park: While the entrance fee of $35 per vehicle to Yosemite will be waived on August 4, a reservation via Recreation.gov is required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and on holidays.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: The entrance fee of $35 per vehicle to the park will be waived on August 4. However, reservation fees for camping sites will not be.
What about free entry to California state parks?
If you’re looking to explore the newest California state park — Dos Rios — entrance fees are waived for the initial opening phase of the park this summer.