National Parks Tips

Is there a fee to enter Yosemite National Park?

Ray Kai

Is there a fee to enter Yosemite National Park?

In June of 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) announced the entrance fee for Yosemite National Park will now cost:

  • Vehicles: $35
  • Motorcycles: $30
  • RVs: $35
  • Person (no car) : $20

These fees help the mark to update park infrastructure and improve the visitors experience. The fees are split between 80 percent going directly to improve Yosemite National park and 20 percent going to other national park projects. By paying the fee you get access to the park’s amazing shuttle system, bathrooms, and are able to explore one of the most beautiful national parks in the states.

How long is the National Park Pass valid for?

The National Park Pass for Yosemite National Park is valid for seven days if you are entering the park with a non-commercial car, truck, RV, or van with less than fifteen seats. All you have to do is display your receipt on your dashboard and you’re good to explore the park for a full seven days.

How can I save money on my entrance fee?

If you are trying to save money and don’t want to pay the full price, there are three ways you can save money before entering a national park. The National Park Service has had these awesome offers to help visitors save money in a variety of ways.

  1. Get the Annual Pass for $80 to enter as many parks as you want for 365 days
  2. Visit on a Fee-Free Day: Martin Luther King Day, First day of National Park Week, National Parks Birthday, National Public Lands day, and Veterans Day
  3. Ask your 4th-grader to a pass for Free- Have them fill out a form at Everykidoutdoors.gov

The annual pass is great as you can save a ton of money if you are planning on exploring at least five national parks in the same year. This pass saves you money on the park entry fee and allows you to use the federal facilities and amenities. You get your moneys worth and so much more. Not only is this pass valid at national parks, but various national monuments, and other federal lands. This is a fantastic deal!

If you plan on visiting during the holidays above, anticipate many others with the same thing in mind and expect much more foot traffic and traffic during your visit. I personally think it is not worth it to visit the park during these busy times as you will be waiting in line for shuttles and sitting in traffic.

For the 4th-grader pass, this initiative was created to encourage the next generation to be inspired and visit our lovely national parks. There is no catch to this free pass, all you have to do is fill out a form, print it out, and turn it in to the ranger. They do not accept electronic copies, so do not forget your pass on your way out of your house! This pass not only gives you access to National Parks, but hundreds of federal lands and water areas. This is a great deal!

What if I’m only there for a day?

Unfortunately, even if you’re only visiting Yosemite National Park for a day you will still have to pay for entry into the National Park. The passes are required regardless if you’re staying there for a few hours or the full seven days. There are rangers at each entry way into Yosemite National Park that will be checking for entry receipts or national park passes before you enter!

Can you drive your car through Yosemite National Park?

You can drive your car through Yosemite National Park, however you will still need to pay the park entry fee to drive through the park, otherwise you will have to drive all the way around the National Park. There are 5 major entrances to Yosemite National Park and in order to get through you must pay the entry fee unless you own a national park pass.

Summary

Visiting Yosemite National Park is an absolute thrill as it offers stunning views of majestic granite peaks, gorgeous towering waterfalls, lush green forests, and a ton of wildlife. The Yosemite National Park entry fee is definitely worth it as you’ll get to see amazing views and contribute to the park’s maintenance and facilities. As each year goes on more and more visitors will visit this National Park which will require more maintenance and more facilities to accommodate for the massive amount of foot traffic.