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Should National Parks Be Free?

You have to pay an entry fee to visit many of our country’s natural wonders. Is that fair?

April 2025

by Mary Kate Frank

Waterfalls pouring off cliffs. Bison munching grass. Deep red rock canyons stretching for miles. These are just a few of the natural wonders protected in America’s national parks.

These wild spaces draw millions of visitors every year. And that’s why they were created. There’s a stone archway at one of the entrances to Yellowstone National Park. It reads: “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

But can all people really enjoy these parks?

Certain parks charge an entry fee, including Yellowstone. And research shows that cost is a top reason some Americans don’t visit them.

So now some people are wondering: Should national parks be free?

Waterfalls pouring off cliffs. Bison eating grass. Canyons stretching for miles. These are some of the natural wonders found in America’s national parks.

Many people visit these wild spaces. And that’s why they were created. There’s a stone arch at one of the entrances to Yellowstone National Park. It reads: “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

But can all people enjoy these parks?

Some parks charge an entry fee, including Yellowstone. And research shows that cost is a top reason some people don’t visit them.

Should national parks be free?

Waterfalls pouring off cliffs. Bison munching grass. Deep red rock canyons stretching for miles. These are just a few of the natural wonders protected in America’s national parks.

These wild spaces draw millions of visitors every year—and that’s why they were created. There’s a stone archway at one of the entrances to Yellowstone National Park that reads, “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

But can all people really enjoy these parks?

Certain parks charge an entry fee, including Yellowstone. And research shows that cost is a top reason some Americans don’t visit them.

So now some people are wondering: Should national parks be free?

Nature for All

In the mid-1800s, America nearly lost its natural beauty. Millions of Americans were moving west. Farms and roads began to cover the landscape. The government wanted to save the country’s wilderness. So it created the first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872.

More national parks were created starting in 1890. They were described as spaces where all people could connect with nature. Yet some parks started charging a fee for visitors as early as 1908.

Many still do today. Fees at national parks range from $5 per person to $35 per car for a week’s stay. And that’s just for entering the parks. Food and lodging inside or near the parks can be expensive. For example, a hotel in Yellowstone could cost around $100 to $300 per night. That doesn’t even include the airfare or gas needed to get there.

Plus, national parks are public places that receive funding through taxes. (Taxes are money the government collects from people’s paychecks.) Shouldn’t Americans get to enjoy these parks without paying even more money?

In the mid-1800s, America nearly lost its natural beauty. Millions of people were moving west. There were more farms and roads. The government wanted to save the country’s wilderness. So it created the first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872.

More national parks were created starting in 1890. They were created so that all people could connect with nature. Yet some parks began charging fees as early as 1908.

Many still do. Fees at national parks range from $5 per person to $35 per car for a week’s stay. And that’s just for entering the parks. Food and lodging in or near the parks can cost a lot. A hotel in Yellowstone could cost around $100 to $300 per night. That doesn’t include the cost of getting there.

Plus, national parks are public places that get funding through taxes. (Taxes are money the government collects from people’s paychecks.) Shouldn’t Americans get to enjoy these parks without paying even more?

In the mid-1800s, America was in danger of losing its natural beauty. As millions of Americans moved west, farms and roads began to cover the landscape. The government wanted to preserve the country’s wilderness. So it created the first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872.

More national parks were created starting in 1890. Although they were described as spaces where all people could connect with nature, some parks started charging a fee for visitors as early as 1908.

Many still do today. Fees at national parks range from $5 per person to $35 per car for a week’s stay—and that’s just for entering the parks. Food and lodging inside or near the parks can be expensive. For example, a hotel in Yellowstone could cost around $100 to $300 per night, in addition to the airfare or gas needed to get there.

Making Repairs

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But some people say entry fees are important. In 2023, there were more than 325 million visits to national parks across the U.S. That’s 13 million more than in 2022. More visitors means more wear and tear. Right now, the National Parks System needs about $23 billion worth of repairs. Money from entry fees will help fix roads, buildings, and bathrooms.

National park officials also point out that there are more than 400 sites in the national park system. Only 108 charge visitors. And several fee-free days are offered every year. So there are ways for people to enjoy at least some of the parks for free.

But could there be another solution? Some people have suggested charging higher prices for foreign tourists. That way Americans can go for free. Others think a “pay what you can” model would be more fair.

Then you could decide: What is protecting these wild places worth to me?

But some people say entry fees are needed. In 2023, there were more than 325 million visits to U.S. national parks. That’s 13 million more than in 2022. Visitors cause wear and tear. Right now, the National Parks System needs about $23 billion worth of repairs. Money from entry fees will help fix roads, buildings, and bathrooms.

Also, the national park system has more than 400 sites. Only 108 charge visitors. And there are fee-free days. So you can enjoy some of the parks for free.

There might be other solutions too. Some people suggest charging higher fees for foreign tourists. That way Americans can go for free.

Others suggest a “pay what you can” model. Then you could decide: What is protecting these wild places worth to me?

But some people argue that entry fees are necessary. In 2023, there were more than 325 million visits to national parks across the U.S.—13 million more than in 2022. More visitors means more wear and tear. Currently, the National Parks System needs approximately $23 billion worth of repairs. Money from entry fees will help fix roads, buildings, and bathrooms.

National park officials also point out that there are more than 400 sites in the national park system. Only 108 charge visitors, and several fee-free days are offered every year. So it’s possible for people to enjoy at least some of the parks for free.

But could there be another solution? Some people have suggested charging higher entry fees for foreign tourists while allowing Americans to visit for free. Others think a “pay what you can” model would be more fair.

Then you could decide for yourself: How much is protecting these wild spaces worth to me?