Where to Find Free National Park Entry on Juneteenth

To honor and celebrate Juneteenth, the federal holiday on June 19 commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States, the National Parks Service (NPS) is offering free entrance to more than 400 of its parks in the U.S.

In the Bay Area’s backyard, that’ll include national parks like Muir Woods and Yosemite.

• Jump straight to: List of national parks that will be free on June 19

Not everyone receives time off work for Juneteenth, so if you can’t take advantage of free entry to one of these national parks, fret not: You still have free NPS days on August 4, September 28 and November 11 this year to look forward to.

In addition to the National Park Service, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBPRD) will also honor Juneteenth by waiving fees for parks that usually require them for entry, parking, dogs, horses, boat launching or fishing.

And if you can’t take advantage of the free park day on June 19, remember that many of the 70+ parks managed by EBPRD offer visitors free entrance and parking all year round.

National parks offering free entry on June 19 near the Bay Area:

1. Muir Woods National Monument: While the entrance fee of $15 per adult to Muir Woods will be waived on June 19, 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.
2. Pinnacles National Park: The entrance fee of $15–$30 per vehicle to Pinnacles National Park will be waived on June 19. However, reservation fees for camping sites will not be.
3. Yosemite National Park: While the entrance fee of $35 per vehicle to Yosemite will be waived on June 19, a reservation via Recreation.gov is required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and on holidays (May 27 and June 19).
4. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: The entrance fee of $35 per vehicle to the park will be waived on June 19. However, reservation fees for camping sites will not be.

Some of the East Bay Regional Park District locations offering free entry on June 19:

1. Crown Beach Memorial State Beach: The parking fee of $5 will be waived on June 19.
2. Coyote Hills Regional Park: The parking fee of $5 will be waived on June 19.
3. Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area: The parking fee of $5, in addition to other park fees, will be waived on June 19.
4. Del Valle Regional Park: The entrance fee of $10 will be waived on June 19.

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.

While California State Parks has not announced any waivers for entrance fees around Juneteenth, there are other ways visitors can get a free pass into over 200 of California’s beautiful state parks. Residents can use the library pass program and other free and low-cost passes available for senior citizens, folks with disabilities and families with kids in the fourth grade.