When is entrance fee-free at Kings Canyon 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

An America the Beautiful pass or the $70 Sequoia & Kings Canyon annual pass covers the entrance fee AND waives the $100 nonresident fee for the holder and passengers (or holder plus three adults for per-person fees). It does NOT cover wilderness permits, camping, lodging or cave tours. 2026 change: fee-free days now apply only to U.S. residents. Pre-2026 passes keep their original terms.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

How will fee free days work? Fee free days generally allow free entrance to all park visitors. Beginning in 2026, fee free days at national parks will only be for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents will have to pay the entrance fee and nonresident fee as normal.

Official fee-free-day policy