I had heard of this before but got this in a Email today. Great way to get out this Memorial Day weekend Long story Short if you have 10% or more disability rating from the VA you take proof to the nearest National Park Service managed location and you get a Lifetime Access Pass for FREE! It’s good for you and anyone in your vehicle. I have also heard there is something similar for other types of parks and outdoor REC areas but I don’t know any details. (I know MS has one for example but is a lot harder to get) https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/60...letter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VAntage?
Many states also offer a discount on camping/park fees and such, as well as discounted hunting and fishing licenses.
I recently researched this to replace a lost pass and things changed, but here's the info: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm See a list of all federal recreation sites (PDF), including national parks, where the passes are issued. The following passes are available: Annual Pass Free Annual Pass for U.S. Military Annual 4th Grade Pass Senior Pass Access Pass Volunteer Pass The "Access Pass" is available free if you have a significant impairment or disability. They now have an affidavit you file and don't press you for the Doctor's Statement. This is a LIFETIME PASS. As Federal waterways are managed by the Army Corps. of Engineers, I went to a local dam with an Army Corps office right at the base of the dam. For other info here is some copy/paste from https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm Annual Pass Cost: $80 annual pass Available for: Everyone How to purchase: In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes), By phone at: 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), extension 2 (Hours of operation are: 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time) Online—Buy now from the USGS store! __________________________________________ Free Annual Pass for U.S. Military Cost: Free annual pass Available for: Current U.S. military members and dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard as well as Reserve and National Guard members. How to obtain: In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes) by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID (Form 1173). Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Pass for U.S. Military (USGS website) __________________________________________________ Annual 4th Grade Pass Cost: Free (valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year though the following summer (September-August) Available for: U.S. 4th graders (including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age) with a valid Every Kid Outdoors paper pass How to obtain: Paper passes can be obtained by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and can be exchanged for the Annual 4th Grade Pass at federal recreation sites that charge Entrance or Standard Amenity fees (Day Use Fee) (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes). Digital version of the paper pass (such as on smart phones or tablets) will not be accepted to exchange for an Annual 4th Grade Pass. More information: Non-transferable. Educators can also be involved! Learn more at the Every Kid Outdoors website. Additional Details about the Annual 4th Grade Pass (USGS website) see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes) ______________________________ Senior Pass Cost: $80 Lifetime Senior Pass $20 Annual Senior Pass Available for: U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship. How to purchase: In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes) Online–buy the lifetime pass or the annual pass online now through the USGS store! Through the mail using this application form (PDF). NOTE: There is an additional cost of $10 for passes purchased online or by mail. See more information about changes to the Senior Pass. Additional information: The Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. The Senior Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. Golden Age Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Senior Pass (USGS website) see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes) _____________________________ Access Pass Cost: Free (see note in "how to obtain" for more details)Available for: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship. How to obtain: In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes) Online through the USGS Store. Note: The cost of obtaining an Access Pass online is $10 for processing (the pass is free). Through the mail using this application form (PDF). NOTE: The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is $10 for processing the application (the pass is free). Additional information: The Access Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. The Access Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. Golden Access Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass (USGS website) You can also see a list of all federal recreation sites (PDF), including national parks, where the passes are issued. _____________________________________ Volunteer Pass Cost: Free (valid for 12 months from the date of issue) Available for: Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program Contact your local federal recreation site for more information about volunteer opportunities or visit Volunteer.gov. More Information These six agencies participate in the Interagency Pass Program: National Park Service U.S. Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Reclamation U.S. Army Corps of Engineers For more information about the terms used (for example, "non-commercial vehicle" or "pass owner," see Pass Program Definitions on the USGS website. You can also see a list of all federal recreation sites (PDF), including national parks, where the passes are issued. Hope this helps someone.
