Virginia is home to some of the most historically rich and naturally stunning national parks in the country. There are several national parks within a short drive that offer opportunities to explore history and enjoy the outdoors.
Visit for Free in 2025
While visiting national parks is always a great experience, you can plan your trips around the six designated free entrance days in 2025:
- January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 19 – First day of National Park Week
- June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
- September 27 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
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Even outside of the free entry days, there are several ways to enjoy national parks at no cost:
- Military Pass: Active duty service members, veterans, and Gold Star Families can receive a free annual pass to national parks. Click for Military Annual Pass and Golf Star Family Pass applications.
- 4th Grade Pass: Through the Every Kid Outdoors program, 4th graders and their families can visit national parks for free for an entire year. Get the application here.
- Access Pass: Individuals with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass. Find that application here.
- Volunteer Pass: Those who log at least 250 volunteer hours with the National Park Service or other federal agencies can earn a free pass. Get information and find the application here.
Whether you're exploring Civil War battlefields, tracing George Washington’s early years, or hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s national parks offer something for everyone. With free entry days and special pass programs, there’s no reason not to take advantage of these incredible natural and historical treasures near Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford in 2025.
