The Senior Pass covers entrance fees at most national parks, monuments, and recreation areas run by the National Park Service

The America the Beautiful Annual Pass for Seniors — officially called the Senior Pass — lets you enter over 2,000 federal recreation sites for free. It covers entrance fees at national parks, national monuments, national seashores, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management areas. You pay once, and the pass works for the rest of your life.

The pass costs $80 and is a one-time purchase if you are 62 or older. It covers you and any passengers in your vehicle at sites that charge per-vehicle entrance fees. At sites that charge per-person, it covers you, your spouse, and your children under 16.

What the pass does not cover is important to know: it covers entrance only. Camping, parking fees, tours, lodging, food, and special-use permits cost extra. Some parks charge a separate fee to drive scenic byways or use boat launches — those are not included.

Key Takeaways

  • The Senior Pass costs $80 one time and covers entrance to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for the rest of your life.
  • At national parks and monuments, the pass covers you and your vehicle passengers; at per-person sites, it covers you, your spouse, and children under 16.
  • Camping, parking, tours, and special-use permits are not covered by the pass and cost extra at each site.
  • You can buy the pass in person at any national park entrance station or online through the National Park Service website.
  • The pass is transferable — you can give it to someone else, but only one person can use it at a time.

What entrance fees the pass covers at different types of sites

At national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite, the Senior Pass covers the entrance fee for your vehicle. You drive through the gate without paying. If you arrive on foot or by bicycle, the pass covers your entrance fee as an individual.

At national monuments and recreation areas, the pass works the same way — it covers the entrance fee charged at the gate. Some smaller monuments do not charge an entrance fee at all, so the pass has nothing to cover there, but you can still visit for free.

At national forests and Bureau of Land Management areas, most do not charge entrance fees. The pass is useful mainly if that particular forest or area has a fee recreation site within it — a specific campground, scenic area, or trailhead that charges to enter. The pass covers that fee.

Some parks charge separate fees for things that look like entrance but are not. The Natchez Trace Parkway, for example, does not charge an entrance fee at all. Joshua Tree charges an entrance fee that the Senior Pass covers, but also charges separately to camp or use certain facilities.

Camping, parking, and other fees the pass does not cover

Camping is the biggest cost the Senior Pass does not cover. If you want to stay overnight in a campground at a national park, you pay the nightly rate in addition to your entrance fee. Campground costs vary widely — some run $15 to $20 per night, others $30 to $50 or more, depending on the site and season.

Day-use parking fees at some parks are separate from entrance fees. If a park charges you to park your vehicle in a specific lot, that fee is not covered by the Senior Pass. The entrance fee and the parking fee are two different charges.

Guided tours, ranger-led programs, and special events usually cost extra. If you want a ranger to lead you on a backcountry hike or a boat tour, you pay that fee separately. Some parks offer free ranger programs, but ticketed ones are not covered.

Permits for backcountry camping, fishing, or special activities are not covered. If you want to camp in the wilderness or fish in a national park, you need a permit that costs money beyond your entrance fee.

How to buy the Senior Pass and where to use it

You can buy the Senior Pass at the entrance station of any national park or recreation area that charges an entrance fee. Bring proof of age — a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. The ranger will issue the pass on the spot, usually a plastic card that lasts your lifetime.

You can also buy the pass online through the National Park Service website at recreation.gov. You will need to upload a photo of your ID and pay the $80 fee. The pass arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Some national parks and recreation areas have visitor centers or ranger stations away from the main entrance where you can buy the pass. Call ahead to confirm the location accepts pass sales.

Once you have the pass, it works at any federal recreation site that honors the America the Beautiful Pass program. That includes national parks, national monuments, national seashores, national forests with fee areas, and Bureau of Land Management sites. It does not work at state parks, city parks, or private recreation areas.

Who can use your pass and whether you can transfer it

The Senior Pass is issued in your name and has your photo on it. You are the only person who can present it at the gate. However, the pass covers your vehicle passengers at parks that charge per-vehicle fees, so your family can enter with you without paying.

You can give the pass to someone else to use, but only one person can use it at a time. If you hand it to your grandchild to visit a park, you cannot use it that same day at a different park. The pass itself is not locked to you the way some government IDs are, but it is meant to be used by one person per visit.

If your pass is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any park entrance station or by contacting the National Park Service. There is usually a small replacement fee.

Discounts and benefits beyond entrance fees

The Senior Pass sometimes includes discounts on camping and other services, but this varies by site. Some parks offer a 50% discount on campground fees for Senior Pass holders, while others do not. Always ask at the campground reservation desk or check the park's website before you book.

Some parks offer discounts on lodging, food, or tours for Senior Pass holders, but these are not may provide. A few parks have partnered with local businesses to offer discounts to pass holders, but the list changes. Check the specific park's website or ask a ranger when you arrive.

The pass itself does not include any medical or emergency services, insurance, or other benefits beyond entrance fee coverage. It is strictly an entrance fee waiver.

How the Senior Pass compares to the Annual Pass and other options

The regular America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers entrance for one year, regardless of your age. The Senior Pass also costs $80 but lasts your lifetime. If you plan to visit national parks regularly for more than a few years, the Senior Pass is the better deal.

If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability, you may be able to get a free Disabled Veteran Pass instead. If you are blind or have a permanent disability, you may may have access to for a free Interagency Annual Pass. These are different programs with different requirements — check the National Park Service website to see which one applies to you.

If you visit parks only once or twice a year, you might skip the pass and pay per-visit entrance fees. A single park entrance fee ranges from $15 to $35 per vehicle depending on the park. The Senior Pass pays for itself after two or three visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Senior Pass work at state parks?

No. The Senior Pass is a federal pass and covers only sites run by the National Park Service, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management. State parks have their own pass systems. Some states offer senior discounts on state park passes, but you need to check with your state's parks department.

Can I use the Senior Pass if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to buy the Senior Pass. You need to be 62 or older and have proof of age. A passport works as proof of age.

What happens if I lose my Senior Pass?

You can get a replacement at any national park entrance station or by contacting the National Park Service. There is usually a small fee, around $5 to $10. Bring proof of age and your original pass number if you have it.

Does the Senior Pass cover my spouse if they are not 62 yet?

At parks that charge per-vehicle fees, yes — your spouse can enter with you in your vehicle. At parks that charge per-person fees, only you and your children under 16 are covered by your pass. Your spouse would need their own pass or pay the per-person entrance fee.

Can I buy the Senior Pass online and use it right away?

If you buy online, the pass arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you need the pass when ready, buy it in person at any national park entrance station. You will have it the same day.