National Parks Pass

[Bajadoc]

There is now a lifetime America the Beautiful National Parks Pass available to Gold Star Families and Veterans. I brought in my DD214 and drivers license and left with a lifetime pass at no cost. A great deal if you visit National Parks or other areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

[Sistema1927]

And, for those of us who have a military disability, you can get the Access pass. In addition to free entrance, you also get 1/2 price camping with the Access pass.

 

[cmj8591]

I didn't even know this existed. I was driving into Arcadia Nat'l Park in Maine and stopped to pay. I asked how much and the girl at the entrance asked me if I was a vet. I told her that I was retired and she asked if I had a military ID, which I did. She filled out a form and gave me a card and told me that it was no charge. Sweet!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Several years ago I picked up a Colorado Parks & Wildlife brochure to brush up on fishing and small game regulations. Scrolling through the pages, found one page describing the veteran programs, basically any disabled vet (50% or more) and all Purple Heart vets can have a free lifetime small game hunting and fishing license.

First time I heard about it. I had been purchasing the combination fishing & small game license every year for a half-century. Once I was in the Parks & Wildlife computer system I received notification that I could have a free Colorado State Parks pass (usually $60 annually). No more entry fees, daily use fees, parking fees at fishing areas (I think they still expect campsite fees).

One set of Purple Heart license plates every year, no fees, no road taxes, no personal property tax. Very nice.

Now I will pick up a National Parks pass, see how that works out.

For a half-century a Purple Heart and a buck-and-a-half might get a cup of coffee at Dennys, maybe, on a good day.

Looking back, I still remember apartment complexes refusing to rent to military personnel, employers reluctant to hire veterans, nice stores and restaurants with signs like 'NO DOGS, NO MILITARY', movies and TV shows depicting Vietnam veterans as drug-addled psycho killers.

A different world.

 

[lihpster]

A different world.

About damn time.

 

[Racer X]

I didn't even know this existed. I was driving into Arcadia Nat'l Park in Maine and stopped to pay. I asked how much and the girl at the entrance asked me if I was a vet. I told her that I was retired and she asked if I had a military ID, which I did. She filled out a form and gave me a card and told me that it was no charge. Sweet!

I had that happen at Dinosaur National Monument when they spotted my disabled parking plate. I need to get one for my partner, as she is disabled too. Many states do the same thing.

 

[swsig]

I bought a Senior Pass (lifetime) for $5 at Red Rock Canyon in 2013. It's valid for admission at all National Parks and Monuments.

 

[TX-Dennis]

I bought a Senior Pass (lifetime) for $5 at Red Rock Canyon in 2013. It's valid for admission at all National Parks and Monuments.

I bought one of those last year on my 62nd birthday. That's the minimum age.

The price has increased since yours ($80 now), but it's still a great deal.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Also bought the Old Guy pass a while back.
Have used it many, many times.
Like at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.