The National Park Service announced that the public will be invited to experience all national parks, including Assateague Island National Seashore, without entrance fees, on five days in 2019.
The 2019 entrance fee free days are:
· January 21: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
· April 20: Start of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
· August 25: National Park Service Anniversary
· September 28: National Public Lands Day
· November 11: Veterans Day
“National parks connect all of us with our country’s amazing nature, culture and history,” said Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Debbie Darden. “These fee free days provide opportunities for the public to participate in service projects, enjoy ranger-led programs, or just spend time with family and friends exploring these diverse and special places. We hope that these fee free days offer visitors an extra incentive to enjoy Assateague and other National Park Service sites in 2019.”
Assateague Island National Seashore usually has an entrance fee of $20.00 per car. These entrance fee free days do not waive camping or Over Sand Vehicle permit fees. Nationwide, 115 of the 418 national parks charge an entrance fee. The other 303 national park units do not have entrance fees. Last year, Assateague Island National Seashore had more than 2.3 million visitors. Those visitors spent $99.8 million in local communities which helped to support 1,300 jobs.
The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that charge an entrance fee. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth grade students, and disabled citizens.
