While visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park are lucky enough to enjoy free entry, many other national parks require an entrance fee. If you’re planning to visit some of our nation’s other parks throughout the year, your best option may be the America the Beautiful Pass! This annual pass covers entrance fees at national parks across the country, and it even offers a significant discount for applicable pass holders who want to go camping in the Smokies! Here are the top 3 benefits of purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass:
1. Money Savings On National Park & Other Entrance Fees
The most significant benefit of the America the Beautiful Pass is the money that you can save on entrance fees! The pass not only covers access fees to national parks but also to other lands managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the US Army Corps of Engineers! Depending upon the type of entrance fee charged at a site, the pass covers either one private vehicle or up to 4 people. It only takes a few national park visits to come out ahead on the pass, and seniors can enjoy an annual pass for a huge discount! Seniors can also purchase a lifetime pass for a reasonable fee, while current US military members and dependents can enjoy an annual pass for free!
2. Half Off Camping Fees In GSMNP For Two Pass Types
While the America the Beautiful Pass is not necessary for free entry into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park does offer a 50 percent discount on camping fees for two America the Beautiful pass types (Access and Senior). The Access Pass is available for free to US citizens and permanent residents with a permanent disability, while the Senior Annual/Lifetime Pass is available to US citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years and older.
3. Convenient Access To Park Entrances
Another one of the top benefits of purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass is that it offers convenient access to park entrances! Simply present the card to park rangers upon arrival at any park or recreation area entrance. For unstaffed entrances, display it either via a hangtag on your rearview mirror or your dashboard with the signature side up. Remember that you’ll need to bring your physical card with you as rangers are unable to use email confirmations, phone numbers, etc. to confirm your membership! As a reminder, the America the Beautiful Pass does NOT cover the parking tag fee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Now that you know about the benefits of purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass, you’ll be ready to hit the road and explore our country’s wonderful national parks! Don’t forget that Access and Senior America the Beautiful pass holders can take advantage of a 50 percent discount on camping fees right here in the Smokies! Be sure to check out our top 5 reasons why you’ll love camping in the Smoky Mountains!
