When is entrance fee-free at Shenandoah 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

A pass covers the entrance fee only. It does NOT cover the Old Rag day-use ticket - NPS states explicitly that even holders of free Access or Military/Gold Star lifetime passes must still reserve an Old Rag ticket, and that no fee waivers of any kind are offered for it.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

I'm entering with a free lifetime pass. Do I still need to reserve an Old Rag day-use ticket? Yes. Even if you are entering the Park with a free Access Pass or a Military Veterans and Gold Star Family Access Pass, you will still need to reserve an Old Rag day-use ticket.

Official fee-free-day policy