Buy a National Park Pass

Revised on Monday, December 17, 2007 by Lolo

If you're planning to spend more than 5 days visiting national parks during a year time period, it makes sense to purchase a $50 National Park Pass. Entry into some of the more premier parks, such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are $20 alone, so it doesn't take too much time to recoup your investment.

(Update - This card has been superceded by the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass which now costs $80. So do the math and figure out whether it makes sense. For us this past summer it was cheaper to pay for the individual parks.)

This pass provides admission into any National Parks, Monuments, Historical Sights, etc. and is valid for one full year from it first use.

For an additional $15, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

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Terie on February 21, 2010

If you or one of your fellow travelers is at least 62 yrs. old, pay $10 for the America the Beautiful Senior pass. It allows the card holder and up to 3 companions in the same vehicle into the parks for free and you usually get half off your camping fees and entrance fees for special attractions. If you're camping in a National Forest campground, you can pay as little as $2.50 a night.

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Herb on February 21, 2010

Thanks Terie for the money saving tip. Lolo and I are not there yet... but the money saving opportunities associated with 60+ age are approaching at a frighteningly fast rate! Safe travels - Herb

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UK Nomad on December 14, 2011

Loved reading about your adventures and wondered how it would work for us.
We live in the UK and are looking to spend a couple of months during our winter in the USA in warmer places.
We fancy renting a RV and enjoying ourselves.
I am 61 this year and my wife is 53 and its time we had some fun.

Its knowing where to start....any tips

Thanks

Nick and Rosie

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Herb on December 19, 2011

Hi Nick and Rosie,
Apologies for the late response, I've been fighting a flu the past week.
Glad that you've found some inspiration in our travelogue.
There are a few challenges in renting an RV overseas and spending any extended time traveling in it. I'm not that sure,,, (and I hope to educate myself doing the same in reverse to Europe in the next few years), but the costs of such an arrangement might be a consideration.
Most of the US RV rental places such as https://www.cruiseamerica.com/ and http://www.elmonterv.com/ let you see what is available and at what price. It would be a good place to start.
From there, I would see what availability would be at some of the campgrounds near your points of interest.
You are not the only ones trying to escape the cold, and campsites in Florida are usually pretty busy in the winter. Nevertheless, if you are flexible as I was last winter, you can spend a wonderful month+ in sunny 80 degree days.
Definitely agree with your consensus that "its time we had some fun".
Good luck, and please let us know how your plans develop.
Herb

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Stacey on February 23, 2016

Hi Guys

We are a young family from Ireland and I have thoroughly enjoyed your site, I stumbled across it whilst researching our dream vacation. Our plan is to go in two years time , I know its so far away but we want to have everything in place, and give our two kids a little time to grow.

Fabulous pics, and you seem like a great family.

Makes me even more excited to experience our own trip

Warmest wishes

Stacey Doyle

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Herb on February 23, 2016

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for the kind words about our website.

Glad we have been able to help inspire you to travel as well.

In two years time, you should be able to plan quite and adventure. Please let us know if we can help in any way.

Best regards,

Herb and Lorry

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