The Best Free National Parks in the U.S.

Exploring America’s stunning national parks doesn’t have to cost a dime. While many of the most famous parks, like Yellowstone and Yosemite, charge entrance fees, there are dozens of national parks that are completely free to visit year-round.

From towering mountains to coastal escapes, this guide will cover the best free national parks in the U.S., along with what to see, when to visit, and how to make the most of your trip—all without spending a cent on entry fees.

🏞️ Quick List: Free National Parks in the U.S.

Here’s a quick look at some of the best free-entry national parks:

💡 Did you know? Over 300 sites in the National Park System are free to visit year-round!

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN & NC)

🏕️ Why Visit?

• America’s most-visited national park (and it’s always free!)
• Breathtaking mountain scenery and diverse wildlife
• Hiking, waterfalls, and historic cabins

🚶 Best Free Activities:
✔ Hike Clingmans Dome – Highest point in the park with stunning views
✔ Explore Cades Cove – Wildlife spotting & scenic drives
✔ Hike Laurel Falls Trail – A short, family-friendly hike to a waterfall

💡 Best Time to Visit: Fall (for stunning foliage) or Spring (for wildflowers)

2. Redwood National Park (CA)

🏕️ Why Visit?

• Home to the tallest trees in the world 🌲
• Completely free! Unlike Yosemite or Sequoia, there’s no entrance fee
• Stunning coastal views & lush hiking trails

🚶 Best Free Activities:
✔ Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway – A road trip through ancient redwoods
✔ Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail – A peaceful, easy walk through massive trees
✔ Visit Fern Canyon – A magical, moss-covered canyon featured in Jurassic Park

💡 Best Time to Visit: Summer & early fall (May-October) for pleasant weather

3. Hot Springs National Park (AR)

🏕️ Why Visit?

• A unique urban national park featuring historic bathhouses and natural hot springs
• Completely free! The only national park with a free public bathhouse
• Short, scenic hikes around thermal water features

🚶 Best Free Activities:
✔ Walk Bathhouse Row – Explore historic bathhouses & architecture
✔ Visit the Grand Promenade – A scenic walkway above the city
✔ Fill a bottle with free spring water – Several fountains offer free, naturally heated spring water

💡 Best Time to Visit: Fall (cooler temperatures & colorful leaves)

4. Gateway Arch National Park (MO)

🏕️ Why Visit?

• One of the smallest national parks, but packed with history & views
• Home to the famous Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the U.S.
• Completely free to enter! (Though the tram ride to the top has a fee)

🚶 Best Free Activities:
✔ Walk along the Mississippi Riverfront – Great photo spots 📸
✔ Visit the Old Courthouse – Learn about historic legal cases, including the Dred Scott decision
✔ Explore the Arch grounds – Iconic views of St. Louis

💡 Best Time to Visit: Spring & Fall (pleasant weather & fewer crowds)

5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH)

🏕️ Why Visit?

• One of the most underrated free national parks in the Midwest
• Features waterfalls, lush trails, and scenic train rides
• Perfect for nature lovers & photographers

🚶 Best Free Activities:
✔ Visit Brandywine Falls – A 65-foot waterfall with an easy viewing platform
✔ Bike or Hike the Towpath Trail – Follow the historic Ohio & Erie Canal route
✔ Explore The Ledges Trail – Unique rock formations & caves

💡 Best Time to Visit: Spring (for waterfalls) & Fall (for colorful foliage)

6. New River Gorge National Park (WV)

🏕️ Why Visit?

• America’s newest national park (designated in 2020)
• Famous for whitewater rafting, hiking, and epic bridge views
• Completely free! Unlike many newer parks, no entrance fee is required

🚶 Best Free Activities:
✔ Walk the Canyon Rim Boardwalk – Incredible views of New River Gorge Bridge
✔ Hike Endless Wall Trail – One of the best scenic hikes in the park
✔ Drive Fayette Station Road – A historic winding road with stunning river views

💡 Best Time to Visit: Fall (for amazing foliage) or Summer (for rafting & hiking)

FAQs: Visiting Free National Parks in the U.S.

1. Are all national parks free to enter?

🔹 No—only about 120 out of 400+ sites in the National Park System offer completely free entry year-round.

2. How can I get into paid national parks for free?

🔹 Visit on fee-free days, such as:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January)
• National Park Week (April)
• National Public Lands Day (September)
• Veterans Day (November)

3. What are the best free national parks for road trips?

🚗 Top road trip-friendly parks:

• Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC) – Scenic drives & wildlife
• Cuyahoga Valley (OH) – Waterfalls & biking trails
• Redwood National Park (CA) – Coastal roads & massive trees