There are many options for experiencing the beauty of national parks without spending a lot of money. One way is to visit on a free entrance day, when the National Park Service waives the usual entrance fees. In 2023, there will be several free entrance days, giving you the opportunity to explore and enjoy these natural wonders without spending any money on entrance fees.

Another option is to purchase an annual pass, which allows you unlimited access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks. These passes are available for a one-time fee and are a great value for those who plan to visit multiple parks in a year. There are several different types of annual passes available, including a senior pass for those over the age of 62 and a military pass for current military members and their dependents.

Another option for experiencing national parks on a budget is to take advantage of the many free or low-cost educational programs and activities offered at many parks. These programs can include ranger-led hikes, talks, and demonstrations, as well as self-guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Overall, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty and splendor of national parks without breaking the bank. Whether you visit on a free entrance day, purchase an annual pass, or participate in educational programs, you can experience the natural wonders of these special places without spending a lot of money.

The five free entrance-fee dates in 2023 are as follows:

January 16 (Monday): Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. - Not only are entrance fees waived, but it is marked as the MLK Day of Service, where hundreds of volunteers participate in service projects across the country. Check the listing to find events near you ranging from volunteering (planting plants, cleanup, etc.) to ranger talks, films and even virtual events.

April 22 (Saturday): First day of National Park Week - The week kicks off with free entrance to national parks, then each day with a new theme. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #NationalParkWeek and #sParkConnections. Each themed day also has it's own special hashtag.

August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act - The GAOA funds infrastructure improvements and expands recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands. It also creates the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

September 23: National Public Lands Day - Established in 1994, it celebrates the connection between people and their local green space and encourages environmental stewardship. It's the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort and encourages the use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits

November 11: Veterans Day - Honor American veterans by visiting national parks, including battlefields, military parks, and historic sites. These parks serve as reminders of the values, ideals, and freedoms that our veterans protect and have inspired military members through the years.