The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80, but seniors 62 and older can get a lifetime pass for a one-time $80 payment instead

The America the Beautiful Annual Pass gives you entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites — national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management areas, and wildlife refuges. A regular annual pass costs $80 and lasts one calendar year. If you are 62 or older, you can buy a Senior Pass for the same $80, but it never expires. You pay once and use it for the rest of your life.

The Senior Pass covers entrance fees for you and any passengers in your vehicle at parks that charge per car. At parks that charge per person, it covers you and three adults (children under 16 are always free). It also gives you a 50 percent discount on some camping fees, parking, and tours at participating sites.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to buy a Senior Pass, but you do need to show proof of age — a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate works. You can buy one in person at any national park entrance station, at some national forest offices, or online through the National Park Service website.

Key Takeaways

  • A Senior Pass costs $80 one time and never expires, covering entrance to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for you and your vehicle passengers.
  • You must be 62 or older and show proof of age (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate) when you purchase.
  • You can buy a Senior Pass in person at any national park entrance, at some national forest offices, or online through recreation.gov.
  • The pass also gives you a 50 percent discount on camping, parking, and some tours at participating sites.
  • If you cannot travel to a park to buy one in person, ordering online takes about one week for delivery by mail.

Where to buy a Senior Pass in person

The easiest place to buy a Senior Pass is at the entrance station of any national park. Park rangers staff these stations during operating hours and can process your purchase on the spot. You will receive a physical pass card when ready and can use it right away.

If you do not live near a national park, you can also buy a Senior Pass at some national forest offices and Bureau of Land Management field offices. Call ahead to confirm they sell passes — not all offices do. You can find the office nearest you through the U.S. Forest Service website or by calling 1-877-833-6777.

Some outdoor retailers that sell hunting and fishing licenses also sell America the Beautiful passes, including certain Walmart locations and sporting goods stores. Call first to confirm they carry Senior Passes, since inventory varies by location.

How to order a Senior Pass online

You can order a Senior Pass through recreation.gov, the official recreation booking site for federal lands. Go to recreation.gov, search for "America the Beautiful Pass," and select the Senior Pass option. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and mailing address. Payment is by credit card or debit card.

When you order online, the pass arrives by mail in about one week. You do not need to show proof of age at the time of purchase — the National Park Service trusts the date of birth you enter. However, you must carry a photo ID showing your age when you use the pass at a park entrance, because rangers will ask to see it.

If you prefer not to order online, you can call recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777 to order by phone. A representative can process your order and mail the pass to you. This takes the same amount of time as ordering online.

What the Senior Pass covers and does not cover

The Senior Pass covers entrance fees at national parks, national monuments, national seashores, national recreation areas, and most other federally managed sites. It covers you and any number of passengers in a single vehicle at parks that charge per vehicle. At parks that charge per person, it covers you plus three additional adults.

The pass does not cover special-use permits, backcountry camping fees, or fees for activities like horseback riding or guided tours run by private companies. It also does not cover entrance to state parks — only federal sites. Some national parks charge additional fees for things like parking at specific trailheads; the Senior Pass does not cover those either.

The 50 percent camping discount applies at most national park campgrounds and many national forest campgrounds, but not all. Some private campgrounds within or near parks do not honor the discount. Always call ahead to confirm the discount applies before you book.

Replacing a lost or damaged Senior Pass

If your pass is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. There is a $10 replacement fee. You will need to provide your name and date of birth. The replacement pass arrives by mail in about one week.

If your pass is damaged but still readable, some park entrance stations will replace it for free on the spot. It is worth asking at the gate before you pay the replacement fee.

Using your Senior Pass at the gate

When you arrive at a national park entrance, tell the ranger you have a Senior Pass and hand it over along with a photo ID showing your age. The ranger will scan or record the pass number and wave you through. The process takes less than a minute.

If you are camping and want to use your 50 percent discount, show your Senior Pass when you check in at the campground office. The discount is applied to your bill automatically. Some campgrounds require you to mention the discount; others explore it without asking.

Your Senior Pass is valid at any federal recreation site in the country. You do not need to register it or set up it — it works as soon as you receive it.

Other discounts for seniors at national parks

Beyond the entrance fee discount, many national parks offer additional senior discounts on activities and services. Some parks offer reduced rates on ranger-led programs, boat tours, or shuttle buses. These discounts vary by park and are not may provide, so call ahead or check the park's website to see what is available.

The National Park Service also runs a Volunteer-in-Parks program that welcomes seniors. Volunteers work a few hours per week doing tasks like staffing visitor centers, leading nature walks, or maintaining trails. In exchange, volunteers receive free entrance to the park. This is a good option if you want to spend more time in parks and stay active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show proof of age when I buy the pass online?

No. You enter your date of birth when you order, and the pass is mailed to you without verification. However, you must carry a photo ID showing your age when you use the pass at a park entrance, because rangers will check it.

Can I buy a Senior Pass for someone else as a gift?

Yes, but the pass is non-transferable — only the person whose name is on the pass can use it. If you buy one as a gift, the recipient's name and date of birth must be on the order. The recipient will need to show a photo ID matching that name when using the pass.

What if I turn 62 while I already have an annual pass?

You can buy a Senior Pass at any time once you turn 62. There is no refund for an unused annual pass, but the Senior Pass is a better deal because it lasts forever. You can use both passes at the same time if you want, though there is no reason to.

Does the Senior Pass work at state parks?

No. The America the Beautiful Senior Pass covers only federal sites — national parks, national forests, and similar federal lands. State parks have their own pass systems and discounts. Contact your state's parks department to learn about senior discounts in your state.

Can I use my Senior Pass if I am visiting a park with grandchildren?

Yes. At parks that charge per vehicle, your pass covers everyone in your car. At parks that charge per person, your pass covers you plus three other adults, and children under 16 are always free regardless of the pass. So you can bring grandchildren at no extra cost.