Does an America the Beautiful pass cover Hot Springs?

Direct answer

Yes. The pass does not cover the entrance fee and does not cover reservations, timed entry, or permits.

Coverage, kept separate

Accepted: Yes
Entrance fee: Not covered
Reservations and permits: Not covered

There is no entrance fee for a pass to cover — no pass of any kind is needed to enter Hot Springs. The park sells a limited set of America the Beautiful passes (Access, 4th Grade, Military Annual, Military Veterans and Gold Star Families Lifetime) at the Fordyce Bathhouse for use at OTHER parks. The 2026 fee-free day list on this park's fees page applies to NPS sites that do charge a fee.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

An entrance pass is not required to access Hot Springs National Park. ... Please note: Only the Access, 4th Grade, Military (Annual), and Military Veterans and Gold Star Families Lifetime* passes are available in the Fordyce Bathhouse.

Official pass policy