National parks across the United States will be free to enter on Tuesday, 27 October, marking one of the last fee-free dates this year.

Free entry is not limited to popular parks like Acadia and Yosemite. Every site in the National Park System that typically requires an entrance pass will be open without an entrance fee, including the country's newest park, Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona.

Why Are Parks Free on 27 October?

The date marks President Theodore Roosevelt's birthday. Roosevelt, or "Teddy," was the 26th US president and was popularly known as the "conservationist president".

During his first administration, Roosevelt made "notable contributions to conservation," including establishing the US Forest Service, adding more than 125 million acres to national forests, and establishing 51 bird sanctuaries. He is also credited with establishing 18 national monuments.

Who Gets in Free — and Who Does Not?

There is one important change this year. Free admission is limited to US citizens and residents. International visitors must pay regular entrance fees and any applicable nonresident charges.

The National Park Service confirms the same rule on its event page: "In 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees".

What Is Still Charged?

Camping, reservations, and special-use permits still apply during fee-free days. Timed-entry tickets, guided tours, transport and parking charges may also still apply, so visitors should check their park's page before travelling.

The savings can still be significant. Yosemite and Grand Canyon, for example, normally charge $35 for a private vehicle entrance pass.

What Is the Last Free Day of 2026?

27 October is the ninth of 10 fee-free days scheduled for the year. The final one is Veterans Day, Wednesday, 11 November 2026 — so if you miss today, that is your last free-entry chance this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all national parks free today? Yes — every National Park Service site that normally charges an entrance fee is included, for eligible US citizens and residents.

Do I need a reservation? Entrance is free, but some parks still require timed-entry reservations, and camping and permits are charged separately.

Can international visitors enter free today? No — in 2026, fee-free entry applies to US citizens and residents only; nonresidents pay the regular fee.