WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees for several national parks close to Washington, D.C. this Sunday. The move comes in honor of The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a bipartisan law passed in 2020 to boost funding and improve infrastructure across U.S. national parks.
Here's a quick rundown of nine national parks near the District that will be waiving fees:
Maryland
This historic park is located about 70 miles north of D.C. It offers a glimpse into the battle that erupted after the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North back in 1862.
Visitors can join a Park Ranger for a battlefield talk, or take the self-guided 8.5-mile auto tour through the battlefield. There are 11 stops in the tour, which begins at the Dunker Church. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash at all times when in the park. Standard entry passes usually cost between $10-$20 during the rest of the year.
Assateague Island National Seashore
If you’re looking for wind, waves and wildlife, then look no further than Assateague Island. Located 154 miles outside of D.C., the park is a 37-mile-long island across the coasts of both Maryland and Virginia. It’s best known for the opportunity to watch wild horses.
Other perks of a visit to Assateague Island include overnight camping opportunities, boating and kayaking, and several ranger-guided programs for kids and adults alike. Dogs are allowed only in a certain section on the Maryland side of the border, and must be leashed at all times. Standard entry passes can cost up to $25 on a regular day.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park promises “184.5 miles of adventure” that boasts opportunities for both history and recreation lovers. The NPS says the park – located 79 miles from D.C. - historically served as “a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market.”
Modern-day visitors can choose between hiking its trails, boating, fishing or horseback riding among activities offered by the park. Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park, but must be on a six-foot leash. Standard entry passes usually cost between $10-$20 during the rest of the year.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
If you’re feeling patriotic and love history, then a visit to Fort McHenry may be worth your while. The park is located 42 miles outside of D.C. The fort has seen several battles from the Civil War to WWII, but is best known for a historic defense during the Battle of Baltimore in September 1814. That conflict inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to the U.S. national anthem.
Visitors have the opportunity for a self-guided tour, a picnic on our waterfront lawns. During the summer, park rangers also offer visitors the chance to help with a flag change or view a real life weapons demonstration. Leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas. A standard entry pass usually costs $15.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry is where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet. Located 63 miles outside D.C., the land is the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people. The historic park spreads across both Maryland and Virginia, and holds historical significance to the fight to end slavery in the U.S.
Hiking, rock climbing, fishing and picnicking are some of the activities available to visitors this summer. Leashed pets are allowed in designated areas. Standard entry passes usually cost between $10-$20 on a regular day.
Virginia
Colonial National Historical Park
Located 152 miles outside of D.C., the park spans across Virginia’s famed historic triangle: Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America back in 1607. The region was home to the early English settlers, Virginia Indians and African slaves. In 1781, American and French troops defeated the British at Yorktown, making this site an important location in America’s Revolutionary War.
Available activities at the park include hiking, biking, and guided historical tours and also opportunities for wildlife sightings. Leashed pets are welcome in the Jamestown areas of the park. A standard entry pass usually costs $15.
George Washington Memorial Parkway's Great Falls Park
Waterfall views are the prime attraction for the aptly named Great Falls Park. The 800-acre park is only about 15 miles from D.C. There are three falls overlooks that offer easy access – each within a five to 10-minute walk from the visitor center and parking lots.
Hike along one of the nation’s first canals, with Potomac views from dramatic clifftops. Or enjoy the park’s picnic areas and museum exhibits. Fishing and swimming are prohibited. Leashed pets are welcome on all park trails, falls overlooks, and picnic areas. Standard entry pass prices usually range between $10-$20.
Prince William Forest Park
Campers, hikers, bikers and nature lovers can all find something to do at Prince William Forest Park, which first opened back in 1936 to house children's "relief" camps during the Great Depression. This national park is around 36 miles from the District.
Park rangers offer special guided tours for children of all ages, including activities like bird watching and slide programs. Visitors staying overnight will have the option to choose from tent, cabin, and RV campsites. Dogs are not allowed in cabin camps or the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area, but are welcome on-leash in several other park areas. A standard entry pass usually costs between $10-$20, and the park does not accept cash.
Five-hundred miles of trails are offered by this park located 70 miles from D.C. Shenandoah National Park is best known for its cascading waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, jaw-dropping vistas and also quiet wooded hollows over 200,000 acres of protected lands.
Take a basket and have a picnic, or pack an overnight bag for camping. The park usually allows fishing, but has currently closed streams due to drought conditions. Pets are allowed on a six-foot leash on most trails. Standard entry passes usually range between $15-$30.
Visitors to any of the parks above are encouraged to check individual park details on the National Park Service website for specific rules and closure alerts ahead of travel. Although entrance fees are waived, additional activities like overnight camping may require prior planning and payment. If you miss your chance this weekend, you’ll have two more chances to visit these nine parks for free this year. NPS will also be waiving entrance fees on Sept. 28 for National Public Lands Day, and later on Nov. 11 to mark Veterans Day.
