I know it's only February, and everyone up north is just trying to make it through the winter...but here in Miami, we are already trying to map our vacation plans for 2013! As much as I love to travel, I try to make each trip as budget-friendly as possible. So of course I plan on taking advantage of the 2013 free US National Park Entrance Days as much as possible!
We love the outdoors! I was lucky in that I married a man who loves being outside just as much as I do. Whether it be fishing, nature trails, or just taking a canoe out on a lake in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest while we're visiting family, we always end up outside during our vacations.
Our favorite is the Smoky Mountain National Park, which includes Pisgah Forest right outside of Brevard, where my family is from. We love visiting Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls on a hot summer day!
National parks are a wonderful place to plan your vacation around - or to even just include in your vacation plans!
A trip to a national park provides an experience that you just can't get at your local theme park or on a cruise. The United States' most awe inspiring landscapes, from the breathtaking mountain ranges in Alaska to the sawgrass prairies of the Florida Everglades are all in national parks!
Why not take advantage of the free entrance days in US national parks for 2013 and schedule a trip or two that includes a day spent admiring some of the most beautiful places in the United States?
America The Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
If you're planning a trip that includes multiple national parks, you might even want to consider the American the Beautiful National Parks and Recreational Lands Pass, which is only $80. It provides entrance for the pass holder and their passengers to all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and many other Federal lands. There are more than 2,000 locations included in the pass, and you can find a listing of specific locations here.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is even offered free to all active duty military members and their dependents!
Go out and explore nature!
Free Entrance Days in US National Parks For 2013
- April 22-26 - five days during National Park Week
- August 25 - National Park Service Birthday
- September 28 - National Public Lands Day
- November 9-11 - Veterans Day weekend
Not only is there the opportunity to enjoy visiting National Parks during these free entrance days in 2013, but did you know that 265 of the United States' 398 national parks never even charge an entrance fee to begin with? You can find out more about your local National Parks on the National Park Service website.
Sheri
That's a great deal!
Kelly
That looks like the perfect place to be on a hot summer day!
Maryann
you need to pot this again in april so we remember.
rachel
WE love, love, LOVE the free days!
lynn
SO great to stumble on your your post. I am a Park Ranger for the NPS and we are so happy to welcome our visitors on on these days that we celebrate the National Park service and those that make it possible. If you have kids, don't forget to ask about the Jr. Ranger Program at the visitor's center before you begin your visit.
Marcie W.
I am a big time planner so it's great to have information like this well in advance. Thanks so much for sharing!
Ty
How cool! Bookmarking this now so that I wont forget!
Leilani
Awesome! I'm marking these on my calendar so I can make sure to visit Yosemite.
Lolo
Yay!! I love going to National Parks!! Especially when it is free.
Shell Fruscione
I've been wanting to get to a National Park for awhile now! Maybe we'll plan something for later this year.
HilLesha
Thanks for the info!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
Thanks for the list of dates!
Kathleen
We definitely plan on taking advantage of these!
Kelly
Thanks - I can't wait to check out some of the local parks around us that we haven't seen!
Emily
Sounds like the perfect time to check out Zion National Park!! thanks!