A Guide to Annual Passes at the Area’s State and National Parks

Jan 26, 2021

While there is an ample amount of free hiking in the DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, there will be days that you will want to splurge and gain access to parks that require an admission fee. Depending on how often you frequent these areas, it may be worth investing in an annual pass. Below is information on passes for Virginia and Maryland state parks, and for national parks, forests and recreational areas, so that you can determine if purchasing an annual pass makes sense for you.

C&O Canal National Historical Park and Great Falls Park Annual Pass

Two of the most obvious parks in the D.C. area that require admission fees are the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland and Great Falls Park in Virginia. Both parks charge a $20 per vehicle admission ($10 fee for pedestrians or bikers, $15 fee per motorcycle) for a 7-day pass that is good for both parks.

If you plan on making two or more visits (not in the same week) to either park throughout the year, then it may make sense to invest in the C&O Canal/Great Falls Park Annual Pass (or possibly an “America the Beautiful Pass” discussed in the next section).

About the C&O Canal and Great Falls Pass:

  • $35 annual pass, accepted at both parks.
  • Covers entrance fee for one vehicle (or a motorcycle) for one year.
  • Covers entrance fee for up to four adults on foot or bike, children 15 and under are free.

Annual passes can be obtained at the entrance gates of either park or online, click here.

“America the Beautiful” National Parks Pass

An America the Beautiful National Parks Pass might make sense for hikers and tourists who plan to visit national parks and federal recreation areas in Maryland, Virgina or throughout the U.S. within a 12-month timeframe. For example, with this pass you could pay a one-time fee and visit the C&O Canal Historical Park/Great Falls Park, the Shenandoah National Park, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park all in one year.

To see a full list of parks that are covered and the admission fees that would otherwise be charged, click here.

About the America the Beautiful pass:

  • $80 annual pass.
  • Covers entrance fees for passengers in a personal vehicle; or up to four adults at sites that charge a per person fee, children under 15 are free.
  • Includes more than 2,000 federal parks and recreation sites nationwide.
  • Includes 5 parks in Maryland: C&O Canal National Historical Park, Fort Washington Park, Assateague Island National Seashore, Antietam National Battlefield and Fort McHenry National Monument.
  • Includes 4 parks in Virginia: Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest Park, and Colonial National Historical Park.

There are also America the Beautiful Senior Passes ($20 for annual pass, $80 for lifetime pass), Disability Access Passes (free lifetime pass), and Military Passes (free to military personnel presenting current military ID). There are no specific veteran’s passes, but veterans qualify for free entry into federal parks with proper identification,

America the Beautiful passes can be purchased at some sites, but not all. For more information or to order online, click here.

“Every Kid Outdoors Pass”

Every Kid Outdoors is a federal initiative that provides free access to fourth graders at national parks nationwide, with the goal of giving an opportunity for the next generation to experience their public lands and waters in person throughout the school year. Passes are available at the start of the school year (September 1st) and end on August 31st of the following year.

For more information on the Every Kid Outdoors program, click here.

Virginia’s “Naturally Yours Passport”

There are approximately 40 state parks in Virginia that are waiting to be explored and a Naturally Yours Passport would cover parking and admission to all of them. For a list of state parks and their entrance fees, click here. click here.

  • Naturally Yours Passport – $85 annual pass, providing parking and admission (4 people) to all state parks for the year.
  • Senior Naturally Yours Passport – $40 annual pass, providing parking and admission (4 people) to all state parks for the year.
  • Disability Passport – free. Provides free parking and admission for the passholder and anyone needed to assist the passholder at parks with a per person admission. Documentation is necessary for application, click here for details.
  • Veteran’s Disability Passport – free. Provides free parking and admission for passholder and anyone needed to assist the pass holder. Documentation is necessary for application, click here for details.

Annual passes may be purchased at a park office or contact station, but they are not available at all locations. You can purchase passes online or find a location to purchase in person by clicking here.

Maryland’s State Park Annual Passes

Maryland offers several passes that provide free access to 53 state parks for a full year. For a list of state parks and their entrance fees, click here.

  • Maryland Passport  – $75 for Maryland residents, $100 for non-residents. Provides unlimited day use for everyone in a vehicle (up to 10 people) to Maryland’s state parks and facilities. Also provides a 10% discount on state-operated concession items and boat rentals. 
  • Golden Age Pass – $10 lifetime pass. Adults 62 and older receive free entrance (for card holders only or their vehicle) to all state parks that charge service fees. Free boat launching and half price camping are included.
  • Universal Disability Pass – free lifetime pass. Passholder and one person receive free entrance to state parks and forests. (Does not include automated gate entrances or service charges, such as camping and boat launching.) Documentation is required. For application instructions, click here.

For more information on Maryland park passes or to order online, click here.

We hope you will take advantage of the state and national parks, forests and recreational areas that the DC, Maryland and Virginia area has to offer. And hopefully this information will help you evaluate whether purchasing an annual pass is right for you. As pricing and requirements can change, please check the website links to the various passes above for up-to-date information on pass prices, coverage, eligibility and purchasing instructions.

Happy Tails and Happy Trails!

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