Free U.S. Federal Parks and Recreation Access Pass for Persons with Disabilities

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/07/15 - Updated: 2023/10/05
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Travel Information - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees. The Access Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities.

Introduction

What is the U.S. Parks Disability Access Pass?

The Federal Parks and Recreation Access Pass is available at no cost to U.S.citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. A ticket to more than 2,000 Federal Recreation sites, each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

Main Item

A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 and under are admitted free. Passes also include an Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, and a Volunteer Pass.

At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

Who Qualifies for the Access Pass?

The Access Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any 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. If I am partially disabled do I qualify for the Access Pass

The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities.

How Do I Prove I Am Permanently Disabled?

Some examples of acceptable documentation include:

• Statement by a licensed physician;
• Document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency;
• Document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income.

Where Can I Use My 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 for entrance or camping discounts.

Are Golden Access Passports Still Valid?

Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime however, if they physically wear out you will need to obtain a replacement Access Pass with proper identification.

Can My Permanently Disabled Child Get an Access Pass?

Yes. There is not an age requirement for this pass.

Where Can I Get an Access Pass or Replacement Card?

• Obtain an Access Pass in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office.
• In depth information regarding the U.S. Parks Access Pass is available at: https://www.recreation.gov
• America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass

Note: Some of Oklahoma's state parks will start charging entrance fees from June 15th, 2020.

Area parks charging the new fees include Arrowhead area at Lake Eufaula, Cherokee Landing State Park, Honey Creek area at Grand Lake State Park, Greenleaf State Park, Keystone State Park, Lake Eufaula State Park, Osage Hills State Park, Robbers Cave State Park, Sequoyah State Park, Tenkiller State Park and Twin Bridges area at Grand Lake State Park.

The base single-day rate for 22 parks will be $10 per vehicle. If you have an Oklahoma license plate - or a plate from an Oklahoma tribe - the price is now $8. A 50% discount will be available to those who are disabled. 3 day and annual passes good throughout the system are available. Fees are waived for honorably discharged veterans and Oklahoma residents 62 or older - including their spouses.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.