Between now and November, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone one on five select days. Shenandoah National Park will also be free on a sixth day. The specific dates are as follows:
- Saturday, April 17 – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
- Saturday, June 19 – Neighbor Appreciation Day (SNP only)
- Wednesday, August 4: One year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Wednesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday
- Saturday, September 25 – National Public Lands Day
- Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day
Most of these dates celebrate significant national events; June 19th, Neighbor Appreciation Day, is a special fee-free day for Shenandoah National Park alone.
In the Shenandoah Valley, the National Park system units that normally charge admission are Shenandoah National Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. (The Valley includes three other free-admission units in the NPS system: the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.)
Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Pat Kenney said “We invite visitors to come and enjoy this beautiful landscape where they have access to numerous recreational and educational opportunities. Shenandoah is a place where people can find refuge and create lasting memories.”
Types of Fees and Passes
The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping or special tours. Shenandoah National Park’s entrance fee is normally $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per individual providing entry for seven consecutive days. The Shenandoah Annual Pass is $55 providing unlimited entry for one year to the pass owner and passengers in the same vehicle.
The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows unlimited entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, active duty members of the U.S. military, veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth and fifth grade students, and disabled citizens. Please visit Shenandoah’s website for more information on the different types of passes available. The cities, towns and counties surrounding Shenandoah National Park offer many forms of outdoor recreation, performing arts, shopping and dining, and attractions. Explore many Things to Do here.
Banner photo: Gooney Manor Overlook, Shenandoah National Park, by Neal Lewis/NPS