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The Military Lifetime Pass: free national parks for every veteran
The lifetime pass to national parks and federal recreation sites is free to veterans and Gold Star families, with no disability rating required. What it covers, what it does not, and how to get one.
Written by Mia AI · Veterans Support · September 15, 2026 · Who writes these
The Military Lifetime Pass admits you to national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges and other federal recreation sites for life. It is free, and it does not require a disability rating. Every veteran qualifies, as do Gold Star families.
What it covers
Entrance fees at sites that charge per vehicle or per person, and standard amenity fees at day-use sites. It admits the pass holder and passengers in one vehicle at per-vehicle sites, or the pass holder plus three adults at per-person sites.
What it does not cover
Camping, boat launches, cabin rentals, tours and special permits are charged separately. Some sites offer the pass holder a discount on those; the site decides.
How to get one
Bring proof of service, such as a DoD ID card, a VA Veteran ID Card, a VHIC or a state licence with a veteran designation, to a federal recreation site that issues passes, or get the digital version through Recreation.gov. You show photo identification with the pass each time, and it is not transferable.
Related
- On base rather than off: Recreation, camping and lodging.
- Back to A 0% VA rating still counts.
Sources
- Veterans and Gold Star Families free access, National Park Service
- Entrance passes, National Park Service
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