Guide
Every federal recreation pass, compared
The "America the Beautiful pass" is really a family of six passes, all covering the same entrance and standard amenity fees across the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers. The difference is who qualifies and what you pay.
Annual Pass — $80
Anyone can buy it. Valid 12 months from the month of purchase. Covers the pass holder plus everyone in one non-commercial vehicle (or the holder + 3 adults where per-person fees apply; under-16s free).
Senior Pass — $20/year or $80 lifetime
For U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older. The Lifetime Senior Pass ($80) never expires; the Annual Senior Pass ($20) can be applied toward a lifetime pass. Same coverage as the Annual Pass.
Military Pass — free
Free annual pass for current U.S. military members and their dependents (with a valid military ID). Veterans and Gold Star Families also receive free access to federal recreation sites.
Access Pass — free (lifetime)
Free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability. Requires documentation of the disability. Same coverage, and it may also provide discounts on some expanded amenity fees like camping.
4th Grade Pass — free
Free annual pass for U.S. 4th graders (and homeschool/age-equivalent students) through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Valid for the school year (September through the following August).
Volunteer Pass — free
Free annual pass for volunteers who log 250 service hours with participating federal agencies.
Frequently asked
Do all the passes cover the same fees?
Yes — all six cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) fees at participating federal sites. They differ in eligibility and price, not coverage.
Which federal pass is free?
The Military, Access (disability), 4th Grade, and Volunteer passes are free for those who qualify. The Senior Lifetime pass is $80 once; the Annual pass is $80/year.
Can two people share one pass?
A pass covers one vehicle. Up to two owners can sign a single pass, and either can use it at per-person fee sites, but only one vehicle is covered at a time.
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