Guide
The Senior Pass (age 62+)
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident age 62 or older, the Senior Pass is the best value in federal recreation. It covers the same entrance and day-use fees as the $80 Annual Pass — but a Lifetime Senior Pass is also $80 and never expires, or you can pay $20 for a single year.
Lifetime vs. Annual Senior Pass
The Lifetime Senior Pass costs $80 once and never expires. The Annual Senior Pass costs $20 and is good for a year — and four annual passes can be traded toward a lifetime pass. For most people the lifetime pass is the obvious choice.
What it covers
Same coverage as the standard pass: entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers sites. The Senior Pass may also give a discount on some expanded amenity fees like camping at certain sites.
How to get one
Buy online through the USGS store or Recreation.gov (proof of age and residency required; an online processing fee may apply), or in person at a federal recreation site for the base price. Bring a government-issued photo ID showing your date of birth.
Frequently asked
How much is the Senior Pass?
$80 for a lifetime pass that never expires, or $20 for an annual pass. Both are for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older.
Is the Senior Pass better than the $80 Annual Pass?
Yes, if you’re 62+. The Lifetime Senior Pass is the same $80 but never expires, so you never pay again.
What discounts does the Senior Pass include?
It covers the same entrance and day-use fees as the standard pass, plus a possible discount on some expanded amenity fees like camping at participating sites.
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