Many Parks Waive Fees for Public Lands Day

Saturday, Sept. 27 is National Public Lands Day, when many federal and state parks will waive fees and host volunteer and partner events. In California, seven of the nine national parks that normally charge entrance fees will offer free admission (the Channel Islands does not charge an entrance fee but requires paid boat transport, and some Redwood day‑use areas may still have separate fees). Nevada State Parks will waive entry, camping and boating fees, will run programs at sites including Ice Age Fossils State Park, Kershaw‑Ryan, Sand Harbor (hosting a Spooky Harbor film night) and Wild Horse State Recreation Area, and will refund reservation fees for visitors who already booked Saturday. Kansas will mark the day with the 23rd Annual Fall River Rendezvous at Fall River State Park featuring living historians and free park entry, and local BLM and partner events are planned across the country. Visitors are advised to expect heavier crowds, arrive early, bring water, and note that some services—special tours, certain day‑use areas, boat concessions, and reservation‑related fees—may still apply.