National Parks: Accessible to Everyone

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America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – (Free Access Pass)

How to Obtain an Access Pass | Access Pass Use | Access Pass Benefits

The National Park Service is an important participant in the new Interagency Pass Program which was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

The Access Pass is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Access Pass

  1. What is the Access Pass?

The Access Pass is the replacement for the Golden Access Passport as of January 2007. The pass is for citizens or permanent residents of the United States, regardless of age, who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability. It provides access to, and use of, any Federal recreation site that charges an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee and provides a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees. The pass must be obtained in person.

 

  1. What does it cost and how long is it valid?

The Access Pass is free, and it is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder. Photo identification may be requested to verify pass ownership.

 

  1. If I have a Golden Access Passport is it still valid?

Yes, Golden Access Passports are valid for a lifetime and are equivalent to the new Access Pass.

 

 

How to Obtain an Access Pass:

  1. Where can I obtain an Access Pass?

An Access Pass can be obtained in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office.

 

  1. Who qualifies for the Access Pass?

The pass may be issued to U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., regardless of age, that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities.

A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

 

  1. What type of documentation do I need to present in order to get the Access Pass?

Some examples of acceptable documentation include: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.

 

  1. If I am partially disabled do I qualify for the Access Pass?

If you believe you qualify based on the definition of permanent disability and have supporting official documentation for the disability, you can be issued a pass.

 

  1. Can my child get an Access Pass?

Yes. This allows the caregivers to enter Federal Recreation sites when accompanying the child.

 

  1. What if my Access Pass is lost, stolen or damaged?

If an Access Pass is lost or stolen, you may be issued a new one with proper documentation. The Access Pass is replaceable if damaged as long as identification is provided to validate ownership and a portion of the pass is identifiable.

 

Access Pass Use:

  1. Which agencies honor the Access Pass?

The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Access Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged. In addition, the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass. Check with the local site for more information. http://www.recreation.gov

 

  1. Why is the US Army Corps of Engineers accepting the Interagency Senior and Access passes but not issuing or selling the passes?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was not included in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 (REA), which created the new America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program authority. Although the Corps will not sell or issue the new passes, the Corps will accept only the new Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Passes or previously issued Golden Age or Access Passports as proof of eligibility for age- and disability- related discounts. More information may be found at: http://www.CorpsLakes.us/fees.

 

  1. What does the Access Pass cover?

The Access Pass admits pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (Children under 16 always admitted free).

 

  1. My family is traveling in two cars; will the Access Pass let all of us into the site?

Only the vehicle with the pass holder is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee, or must be carrying a second pass.

 

  1. My spouse and I are each riding our own motorcycle or scooter; will one Access Pass cover both our entries?

No. At sites with per vehicle entrance fees the Access Pass will cover entrance for the pass holder on one motorcycle only.

 

Access Pass Benefits:

  1. Does the Access Pass include any discounts at Federal Recreation sites?

The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. Inquire locally for pass acceptance policies.

 

  1. What are the 50% discount guidelines?

Inquire locally for pass acceptance policies. In general discounts are honored as follows:

    • Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder’s party.
    • Sites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged for separately there is no discount. The discount may apply if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.
    • Group Campsites and Facilities (including, but not limited to, group facilities, picnic areas or pavilions): There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass holder receives a discount; others using the site pay the full fee.
    • Guided Tours: The pass offers discounts on some guided tours. Only the pass holder receives a discount if one is offered.
    • Concessionaire Fees, Special Recreation, and Special Park Use Permit Fees: These fees might include, but are not limited to, lodging, campgrounds, tours, etc. Each concession contract varies with the site and the agency. Please check directly with the local recreation site about their discount policies.  
  1. How can I tell the difference between a Standard Amenity Fee, an Expanded Amenity Fee, a Special Recreation Permit Fee, or a Concessionaire Fee?

There are thousands of Federal recreation sites and fees vary across the Federal agencies. Please inquire locally about fees, pass acceptance and discount policies.

 

  1. Does my Access Pass provide any discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores or gift shops that are located in the Federal Recreation sites (i.e. the Grand Canyon or Okeefenokee bookstores)?

No. The Access Pass does not cover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift stores.

 

  1. Is an Access Pass valid at State Parks or local Recreation Areas?

No. Federal Recreation sites are operated by the Federal government, whereas State Parks are operated by state governments, and local Recreation sites are operated by local governments.

 

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National Park Service Mediaroom                                                           Updated: July 8, 2008 - 05:55 p.m.

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