When is entrance fee-free at Badlands in 2026?

Direct answer

February 16, 2026, May 25, 2026, June 14, 2026, July 3, 2026, July 4, 2026, July 5, 2026, August 25, 2026, September 17, 2026, October 27, 2026, November 11, 2026

Published dates

February 16, 2026
May 25, 2026
June 14, 2026
July 3, 2026
July 4, 2026
July 5, 2026
August 25, 2026
September 17, 2026
October 27, 2026
November 11, 2026

2026 America the Beautiful tiers on this page: Resident Annual $80 (US citizens and residents), Non-Resident Annual $250 (non-US residents), Senior Annual $20, Senior Lifetime $80; Military, Access, 4th Grade and Volunteer passes free. Badlands has no reservation of any kind, so nothing for a pass to fail to cover.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to US citizens and residents (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates: February 16 ... November 11: Veterans Day

Official fee-free-day policy