Visiting national parks without entrance fees is one of the best travel hacks if you’re on a budget but still want epic views. While many U.S. parks charge a fee to help with upkeep, there are a handful that let you in totally free. That means more money for snacks, gas, and maybe even a cozy cabin nearby. These parks offer the same natural beauty, wildlife, and trails as the big names, just without the price tag. Some are remote and wild, others are tucked right into major cities. Each one has something unique that makes it worth the trip. Whether you’re road-tripping, hiking, or just trying to get away from your phone for a bit, these spots deliver. Here are 16 national parks you can explore for free and why they’re totally worth your time.
1. North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades is a dream for mountain lovers and definitely one of the most underrated national parks out there. You’ll find rugged peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and over 300 glaciers – more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska. Despite all this, there’s never a crowd. It’s the kind of place where you can hike for miles and feel like you’ve got the whole world to yourself. The park stretches along the Canadian border, and there are dozens of trails for every skill level. Diablo Lake is a must-see with its almost glowing turquoise water. Wildlife fans will love spotting black bears, marmots, and bald eagles. The nearby scenic Highway 20, also called the North Cascades Highway, is worth the drive alone. And yes, it’s completely free to get in.
2. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin is full of surprises, especially if you think Nevada is just desert and casinos. This high-altitude park has 13,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes, and one of the darkest night skies in the U.S. That means stargazing here is top-tier. During the day, you can explore ancient bristlecone pine groves and some trees are over 4,000 years old. Lehman Caves is another major highlight, with guided tours that take you through stunning marble caverns. There’s also plenty of hiking, from short scenic strolls to intense summit climbs. Unlike many parks, it rarely feels crowded. You’ll get sweeping views and peaceful trails, often all to yourself. And best of all, it’s one of the highest altitude national parks without entrance fees.
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Tucked between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley is a green getaway that’s easy to reach but still packed with nature. The park follows the Cuyahoga River and has tons of scenic trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Brandywine Falls is a fan favorite, it’s a 65-foot cascade you can reach in under a mile. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is another highlight, great for biking or walking alongside calm water and leafy woods. You’ll often see herons, deer, and even beavers if you’re lucky. Because it’s right near two cities, it’s super convenient for a day trip or weekend adventure. And it’s totally free, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. You can even hop on the scenic railroad for a unique view of the valley.
4. Biscayne National Park, Florida
If you’re into tropical vibes and water adventures, Biscayne is the perfect free-entry park for you. Located just south of Miami, this park is 95% water. That means boating, snorkeling, and kayaking are the best ways to explore. You’ll float over coral reefs, shipwrecks, and seagrass beds filled with sea turtles and colorful fish. On land, there’s a visitor center and a few trails, but the real magic is offshore. Guided tours and boat rentals do cost money, but entrance to the park itself is completely free. Elliott Key, the largest island, is great for a peaceful beach day or a night of camping under the stars. It’s one of those places where you feel far from the city, even though the skyline is just across the bay.
5. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs is a rare national park that blends nature with a dose of history and spa-like relaxation. Located in the middle of Hot Springs, Arkansas, it’s the only park with a full-on bathhouse district. The historic Bathhouse Row features eight preserved buildings from the early 1900s, and you can even soak in the warm spring water at two of them. Outside, the park has forested hills, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. The Grand Promenade is a paved walkway that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll with mountain views. You’ll also find a few natural hot springs tucked away along the trails. It’s a laid-back spot where you can hike in the morning and relax in a tub by the afternoon. And yep, there’s no entrance fee at all.
6. Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Katmai is one of the wildest and most remote national parks in the country, and it is famous for one big reason: bears. Every summer, dozens of brown bears gather at Brooks Falls to catch salmon, and you can watch the action from special viewing platforms. It is like stepping into a real-life nature documentary. Visiting the park takes some planning since you can only reach it by floatplane or boat. But once you are there, it is a total wilderness adventure. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic landscape created by a massive eruption in 1912, is another incredible sight. Hiking, camping, and photography are popular, and you will find few crowds to share the space with. This park offers a raw, untamed experience that is hard to find anywhere else. And the best part is that there is no entrance fee to enjoy it all.
7. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, covering over 13 million acres of wild terrain. Mountains, glaciers, forests, and rivers stretch for miles in every direction. It is a paradise for outdoor explorers, from experienced backcountry hikers to casual visitors looking for scenic drives. The road to the tiny towns of McCarthy and Kennecott is a true Alaskan adventure, and the historic copper mill in Kennecott is a must-see. Wildlife is abundant, with moose, caribou, bears, and eagles all calling the area home. There are also guided glacier hikes and flightseeing tours for those looking to see the park from a new perspective. Because the park is so massive, it rarely feels crowded, even during peak season. The beauty is jaw-dropping and the quiet is unmatched. And like a few others on this list, the entrance is totally free.
8. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree is a hidden treasure in South Carolina, filled with towering old-growth trees and peaceful swampy landscapes. It protects the largest intact bottomland hardwood forest in the country. The park’s elevated boardwalk trail lets you wander through cypress knees, Spanish moss, and reflective pools without getting your feet wet. It is a quiet place where you can spot wildlife like owls, turtles, and even the occasional alligator. For more of an adventure, paddle along Cedar Creek in a canoe or kayak. The sounds of the forest and the stillness of the water make for an unforgettable trip. Unlike many parks, Congaree is small enough to explore in a day but packed with natural beauty. In fall, the trees turn golden and the air is crisp. And you do not need to spend a penny to walk in and enjoy it.
9. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the tallest trees in the world, and they are absolutely awe-inspiring. These trees can reach over 350 feet, and walking among them is like stepping into a peaceful green cathedral. The parks stretch along Northern California’s coast, with trails that lead through misty forests, fern-filled canyons, and scenic beaches. Fern Canyon is especially popular and looks like something straight out of a movie set. Wildlife is easy to spot here too, from Roosevelt elk to banana slugs and seabirds. You can also take a drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which winds through ancient groves. This is the kind of park where time slows down and your phone stays in your pocket. Whether you hike, drive, or just sit under a tree, the experience is unforgettable. And yes, it is one of the National parks without entrance fees!
10. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords is Alaska at its most dramatic, with huge glaciers, icy fjords, and towering cliffs meeting the ocean. Exit Glacier is one of the park’s main attractions and can be reached by road from the town of Seward. There are trails that take you up close to the glacier or to high points with sweeping views of the valley. You can learn about glacial change at the visitor center and see how the landscape is constantly shifting. For a different kind of adventure, boat tours offer a chance to spot whales, puffins, sea otters, and even orcas. The coastal parts of the park are full of marine life and rugged beauty. While boat tours cost extra, visiting the park itself is free. Just pack your layers and your camera. It is one of the most stunning places you can see without an entrance fee.
Read More: Man Documents Everything While Visiting the Highest City On Earth That Has No Laws
11. Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands is a peaceful escape just off the coast of Southern California. This park is made up of five rugged islands that feel like a world away from city life. To visit, you’ll need to take a boat or small plane, but the journey is part of the fun. Once you arrive, you can hike along scenic cliffs, explore sea caves, or snorkel in clear waters filled with marine life. Each island has its own charm, with different trails, beaches, and wildlife. Sea lions, dolphins, and even island foxes are common sights. There are no shops or restaurants, so visitors should bring their own supplies. That sense of solitude is what makes it special. And like all the national parks without entrance fees, it is free to enjoy the views, hikes, and coastline.
12. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs is a water lover’s dream. This northern Minnesota park is made up of interconnected lakes, rivers, and forests that are perfect for paddling, boating, and fishing. The name comes from French-Canadian fur traders who traveled these waters centuries ago. Today, you can explore by kayak or houseboat and feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Campsites are only accessible by water, so it is a unique kind of adventure. Wildlife like loons, bald eagles, and even moose are commonly seen. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. You can even see the northern lights on clear nights. And the best part? There is no fee to enter the park, making it a great value for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Kobuk Valley is one of the least visited parks in the U.S., but it offers a landscape like no other. This remote Alaskan park is famous for its massive sand dunes, which seem totally unexpected in the Arctic. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes stretch across 25 square miles and create a surreal scene against the surrounding tundra. Every year, hundreds of thousands of caribou migrate through the park, making it an incredible spot for wildlife observation. There are no roads leading into the park, so access is only by bush plane. That means solitude is practically guaranteed. Hiking and camping here are for the adventurous, but the rewards are unmatched. As with other Alaska parks, there is no fee to get in, making it one of the most unique free parks in the country.
14. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Lake Clark is another Alaskan gem that combines mountains, volcanoes, and brilliant blue lakes in one wild landscape. The park is known for its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows to salmon-filled rivers. It is only accessible by small plane or boat, but that just adds to the thrill. Many visitors come to see bears fishing for salmon along the streams, especially near Silver Salmon Creek. The park also features active volcanoes like Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, which create dramatic backdrops for hiking and photography. Because of its remote location, there are very few crowds. You will likely have the trails and views all to yourself. There is no entrance fee, so your budget can go toward travel and gear instead of tickets.
15. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska
If you want a true wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic delivers. This park sits entirely above the Arctic Circle and has no roads, trails, or visitor centers. It is raw, untouched land filled with jagged peaks, wild rivers, and endless sky. Visitors typically access the park by bush plane, and once you are in, there are no signs or marked paths. It is all about self-guided exploration. You might spot caribou herds, grizzly bears, or even wolves in this vast and silent place. The experience is not for beginners, but for seasoned hikers and campers, it is unforgettable. Gates of the Arctic is one of the most remote national parks without entrance fees, and that makes it feel even more special. You are not just visiting a park here—you are stepping into complete and timeless nature.
16. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia is a beautiful place that is free for all visitors. It features stunning views of deep canyons and forested mountains. The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. The New River Gorge Bridge is a highlight and one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. Fall brings vibrant colors to the trees, making it a perfect time to visit. Wildlife like deer, foxes, and eagles can be spotted throughout the park. There are over 70,000 acres of protected land to explore. Scenic overlooks give amazing photo opportunities. With rich history and natural beauty, the park is a peaceful escape. It is open year-round and offers something for everyone.
Conclusion
Exploring the great outdoors doesn’t have to be expensive. These 16 national parks without entrance fees prove that some of the country’s most stunning places are completely free to visit. From the glaciers of Alaska to the redwoods of California, each park offers something unique and unforgettable. You can hike, paddle, camp, or just take in the view without ever opening your wallet. Many of these parks are a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of their magic. They’re peaceful, scenic, and full of surprises. So if you’re planning a trip and want to keep costs down, consider adding one or more of these free parks to your list. Nature is always worth the visit, especially when it doesn’t cost a thing.
Read More: Top National Parks to Visit by State
