What does the pass cover (and what doesn't it)?Updated 3 months ago
What's Covered
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entrance fees at over 2,000 federal recreation sites managed by the NPS, USFS, FWS, BLM, BOR, and USACE.
Entry Rules
- Per-vehicle sites: Pass holder + all passengers in one non-commercial vehicle (up to 15 people)
- Per-person sites: Pass holder + up to 3 additional adults (4 adults total)
- Motorcycles: A single pass now covers up to 2 motorcycles (as of 2026), as long as the pass holder is riding one
- Walk-in, shuttle, and bicycle entry: Treated as per-person (pass holder + 3 adults)
- Children 15 and under: Always free
What's NOT Covered
The pass does not cover or discount:
- Camping, boat launches, backcountry permits, RV hookups
- Guided tours and equipment rentals (concessionaire fees)
- State, city, or county parks — federal sites only
- Timed-entry or day-use reservations (you still need to reserve separately even with a pass)
Is the Pass Worth It?
Most park entrance fees range from $20–$35 per vehicle. If you plan to visit 3 or more fee-charging parks in a year, the $80 pass typically pays for itself.