If you would have asked me one year ago about anything outdoors related, I probably would have laughed and told you to go away.
These days, I talk about the outdoors and my love for it so much on my blog that I’m probably annoying everyone.
I love the outdoors now. I love hiking, rock climbing, mountains, camping and more. The outdoors are beautiful, and the United States offers so much, especially when it comes to national parks and recreation areas.
So, when I found out that we could get an annual parks pass for just $80 a year (for the both of us), I knew we had to get it. No, it’s not the cheapest thing on earth, but if you plan on hitting up many national parks in one year, the price can be well worth it.
How the annual park pass saves us money.
In 2014, we went to several national parks. We went to Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado National Monument, Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and a few others.
Paying the entrance fee separately each time would have equaled over $100, but last year we decided to buy an annual park pass.
The fact that we can go on many vacations for a full year and not have to pay the entrance fee because of this pass is a huge plus. We can go on unlimited wonderful hikes, see beautiful scenery, summit mountains, and more and it’s all included in this one pass. Also, since we take part in credit card rewards, our vacations are nearly free and absolutely amazing now.
The annual parks pass (America the Beautiful is what the pass is called) is $80 and is a GREAT value, especially if you live near national parks and/or want to visit them often. We still have over half a year on our annual parks pass left, and we plan on using it several more times.
I highly recommend this pass to anyone who loves the outdoors. The United States is absolutely beautiful, and there are so many amazing places to visit right around where you live most likely!
Some information on the America the Beautiful annual park pass in case you are wanting one as well.
The America the Beautiful annual parks pass allows you to enter more than 2,000 federal recreation areas. It covers you and anyone else in your car. Also, if you are a senior, you can actually get a lifetime pass for just $10! Awesome, right?
You can buy your annual park pass by driving up to an entrance and simply paying for one. It takes just a few minutes and you don’t have to give them any information so it is really quick!
What’s the best thing you’ve bought recently? Has it saved you money?
Do you have an America the Beautiful annual park pass?
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I definitely want to get one of those passes when we go on our next road trip! We did purchase a state parks pass last year and enjoyed Mount Rainier and The Olympic National Park many times!
An item we’ve purchased that has saved a lot is not a quite as exciting as the parks pass but has been a huge savings. It is a mail scale;0) When selling on eBay, you get a cut rate in shipping items when you print and pay for the postage online!
Sounds like a great money-saving purchase Jayleen. Good job!
Super cool idea! If I lived closer to a national park I’d definitely consider it. Or for a road trip. 🙂
Thanks!
$80 for an unlimited pass to all the National Parks is a super deal! I wish we had more parks closer to Maine that would make the pass worth it for me. Acadia is the closet park, which is absolutely stunning. You’re spolied out west!
There isn’t really anything close to where we live sadly either. We are only able to use our pass on trips.
Annual park pass seems really worth it. Things that I consider really worth it is getting plain tickets in advance for late this year or for next year, this will just simply save lots of money and give us time to prepare for. I have scheduled trip for May, which I prepared for more than a year. Happy New Year Michelle.
Happy New Year Jayson! 🙂 I hope it’s a great one for you.
We have done the same before. When we know we will be spending our vacations in multiple national parks we purchase the pass. We seem to do a Parks vacation year every three years and while I am in the the throws of planning 2015 travels you have reminded me to make this year one to maybe explore the parks again. Great post and money saving tip.
Thanks! Yes, you should do another national parks vacation 🙂
You’re posts and amazing pics are really giving me the itch to visit more parks. Just today we visited a local park and walked about 5 miles of trails. Being outside and enjoying the fresh air is the ultimate frugal and relaxing activity,
Glad I’m making you want to go! 🙂
$80 for a year is such a great deal! Good luck getting cable for $80 a MONTH! Super deal and thanks for the info! 🙂
Welcome 🙂
I agree 🙂
Don’t forget to get a “Passport” along with your annual pass!
My son and I would have fun going to the station and stamping our passport at each park we went to. It adds a whole other level of fun.
Fun!
Great information. As I get ready to retire from my FT job and be FI, I plan on doing some RVing to many of the national parks. It’s a great way to see the country.
I agree! We both want to RV around the country one day as well.
I have been looking at Keystone Montana’s. Probably a late 2016 purchase.
Hopefully one day you will be able to again 🙂
That’s such a great use of your money! I don’t live that close to many national parks and honestly just don’t have time to make it out to many in a given year, but if I had a different job or was at a different point in life I would definitely buy one!
Yes, I love having it. Thanks for stopping by DC!
My folks live right by Acadia National park and Eric and I go to sand beach at least once a summer while we’re visiting them. I’m going to have to look into getting the annual pass (or maybe buying one for my folks and/or grandparents who definitely qualify as “seniors”). It would be as cheap as going one day and paying the fee, and they’d get to go as much as they want. Thanks for the tip.
Welcome 🙂
Same here! When we have children I definitely want to have a national park pass and use it like crazy 🙂
We have a annual park pass, and we use it a lot, especially for family events, or just getting the entire family together. I love having a annual park pass.