Visit CA's National Parks For Free On 5 Fee-Free Days In 2023

ALAMEDA, CA — Those looking for a reason to head outdoors in 2023, need look no further than the National Park Service's five entrance fee-free days in the new year, offering free admittance to all national parks.

"With more than 400 parks available, fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee," NPS said in a news release.

The entrance fee waiver is typically held each year to celebrate holidays and milestones in the history of natural preservation. The waiver does not cover amenities or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

With the first free day fast approaching, Californians can plan on visiting any one of those 400 parks, including the 11 parks located in California on the list that includes Joshua Tree National Park and the always-popular Yosemite National Park.

The National Park Service recommends checking the website of the park you plan to visit for the latest information on road and trail closures.

The five free days in 2023 are:

• January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 22: First day of National Park Week
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 23: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

The national park sites in California included on this list are:

• Cabrillo National Monument
• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Lava Beds National Monument
• Muir Woods National Monument
• Pinnacles National Park
• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
• Yosemite National Park

To find a participating park by state visit here.

Those who visit any one of the national parks can submit their photos to kimberly.olson-harris@patch.com.