Kick Off National Park Week with Free Entry on Saturday

Once again, it’s time to celebrate the more than more than 400 national parks across our beautiful country during National Park Week. This year, National Park Week is being observed Saturday, April 19  through Sunday, April 27. And, as in previous years, the celebration is kicking off with entrance fees being waived at all national parks on April 19, 2025. So if you live near a park, are traveling to a park, or are inspired to take an impromptu road trip in the Bronco to experience our country’s natural beauty, this Saturday is a great time to go.

Can’t make it to a park for this Saturday’s fee–free day? Many sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit any day, but for those that require an entrance pass, here are a few more opportunities to visit free of charge this year:

• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 27: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

There are also many pass options available to get into the parks — from a one-time day pass or annual pass, to free lifetime passes for select groups. Check out this article, “Bronco Adventures: Celebrate Our National Parks!”, to get more details about visiting the parks.

National Park Week Celebrates Everything Parks. The natural beauty they offer, the history behind each, the families who enjoy discovering them together, the volunteers who help make every visit memorable, and more. Those are all celebrated every day of the year, but during this one special week, the spotlight really shines on them. The 2025 theme is: National Park Playlist, which celebrates musical connections to national parks and the American story. The National Park Service has planned “a record collection” of things to do and see during National Park Week. Check out the events and activities they've planned and get ready for an amazing visit to a national park.

Here Are a Few Other Ways to Celebrate National Park Week

• Celebrate Junior Ranger Day (4/19/25) — Kids of all ages are invited to "explore, learn, and protect" while earning their Junior Ranger badge! There are fun activities for the whole family to enjoy while getting to know the national parks.
• Celebrate Earth Day (4/22/25) — National Park Week typically coincides with Earth Day each year, and 2025 is no exception. Whether in a backyard, local recreation area, or an iconic national park, the National Park Service provides opportunities for everyone to discover the benefits that come with spending time outdoors.

• The National Parks Service website is a great place to start. It’s loaded with park info, history, trip ideas and so much more. I learn something new and/or find another park to visit every time I’m on the site.
  
  

• The NPS App is the official app for the National Park Service and puts every park at your fingertips. Bronco Nation member @Mal commented in the forums, “The National Park Service app is ridiculously awesome and absolutely free. It is totally worth installing and using to help plan your park, national monument or national forest visit.”
  
  
• Once you’ve actually arrived at a park, be sure to start your visit at the Visitor Center. You can check out displays, pick up maps and ask park rangers any questions you may have. “Last October we were in the Black Hills and stopped at the USFS office and probably got the best maps and trail info we've ever gotten,” Bronco Nation member @Ditchrunner shared in the forums. “I will always stop at those offices from now on. If there's an office near your destination, check it out.”
  
  
• You can also connect with the National Park Service on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to receive park updates, news releases, photos, videos, and access to live streams.

EXTEND AN OFF-ROADEO ADVENTURE WITH A NATIONAL PARK VISIT (OR TWO!).

We previously shared national parks near each Bronco Off-Roadeo basecamp here. Since then, the Tennessee Off-Roadeo location opened its trails. Here are a few of the national parks that you can cross off your bucket list when attending Bronco Off-Roadeo in Tennessee.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park 
• Mammoth Cave National Park

Been to any national parks? Have a favorite? Let us know below where you’ve visited and where you may be taking your Bronco to experience America the beautiful next!