You could save money on a national parks trip if you visit on these days in 2022
Tourists heading to national parks in 2022 could save some money by going on five days this year.
The National Park Service recently announced that all sites will have fee-free days in 2022.
The dates for 2022 include:
Monday, Jan. 17 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Saturday, April 16 – First Day of National Park Week
Thursday, Aug. 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, Sept. 24 – National Public Lands Day
Friday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
“Whether on an entrance fee-free day or throughout the year, we encourage everyone to discover their national parks and the benefits that come from spending time outdoors,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a news release. “National parks are for everyone and we are committed to increasing access.”
More than 100 National Park Service sites charge an entrance fee that ranges from $5 to $35. On those five days in 2022, however, visitors will not be charged a fee.
More people have been visiting the national parks than ever during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, 327 million people visited national parks, according to the park service.
In 2021, the National Park Service said it had one of the busiest summer seasons on record after the coronavirus pandemic halted many vacation plans in 2020.
Some national parks have been overrun by long lines, no parking and overcrowded attractions this summer. Before the summer started, national parks were shattering visitation records.
“National parks have something for everyone,” park officials said. “Recreational experiences can range from a relaxing picnic to a thrilling white-water adventure and everything in between, including walking, camping, fishing, stargazing, swimming and paddling.”
This story was originally published January 3, 2022 at 10:30 AM with the headline "You could save money on a national parks trip if you visit on these days in 2022."