Free National Park Days: Sept. 28 & Nov. 11 Celebrate Public Lands & Veterans

America's national parks represent natural treasures available for the enjoyment of all. But that comes at a price -- an admission fee usually is charged at many national parks, national forests and other federal lands.

Free National Park days in September and November are great opportunities for family outings and enjoying nature in Georgia and beyond.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

But Georgia residents can enjoy two more free days at any of America's national parks -- including 11 National Park managed sites in Georgia -- coming up in September and November of 2024, according to the US National Parks Service.

That's because the US National Park Service offers free admission to its parks and other federal lands several days each year. And there are two free admission days remaining in 2024: Sept. 28 and Nov. 11.

The free day on Saturday, Sept. 28, celebrates National Public Lands Day. "National Public Lands Day is organized annually and led by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service and other federal agencies. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes—from iconic national parks and rivers to local urban green spaces and everything in between," according to the National Park Service.

Georgia is home to 11 sites that are designated National Parks or managed by the National Park Service. Those sites attract more than 11 million visitors each year, according to the US National Park Service. Plus, the National Park Service manages additional locations in Georgia designated as National Heritage Areas, National Trails, National Register of Historic Places Listings, National Historic Landmarks and National Natural Landmarks.

Vacation travelers can enjoy all 425 National Park sites, including Arches National Park, free on Sept. 28 and Nov. 11.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

The free day on Monday, Nov. 11, is in honor of Veteran's Day, honoring all who have served in the US military to protect our freedoms. Many National Park properties in the US have a significant or direct connection to US military events and veterans, including Ft. Patrick McHenry, where a British bombardment inspired the writing of the US National Anthem.

According to the National Park Service, regular entry fees range from about $3 per person to $35 per vehicle. After entering, visitors pay for activities like camping, boat launches, special tours and transportation.

Of the 425 national park sites, more than 300 are free to visit, while more than 100 charge an entrance fee.

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