Are the 'america the beautiful/access camping pass' worth getting?

[katelyn]

&nbsp; Hi, I was wondering if anyone else had an America the Beautiful Pass?&nbsp; I looked into it on the national parks website and it said it offered discounts for overnight camping at national parks and forests.&nbsp; I am going to get the Access pass since I'm on disability from a work accident (darn back problems) and wasn't sure how big or small the discounts would be.&nbsp; Guess it depends on what park I guess.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp; thanks<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br>&nbsp; <br><br>

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;Yes , it's definitely worth it even if you have to pay for a yearly pass. You'll get into all federal areas for free.<br><br>&nbsp;If you get an Access pass or the old folks pass (sorry,forgot the real name <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp; ) you'll get into the parks for free and also get half price camping at all federal areas. This is really good at Corp of Engineer's parks because many times you can get electrical sites ,sometimes even full hookups , for about $10.00 a night.<br><br>

 

[katelyn]

I will definitely get one! Thanks<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br>

 

[blars]

The&nbsp; $80 card is worth it if you visit national parks and forests that charge admission.&nbsp; Buy it the 1st of a month and it's good for 13 months.&nbsp; National parks will have free admission Apr 16-24.<br>

 

[katelyn]

Cool thanks!<br>

 

[Gypsyjoe#1]

Where do you get these passes?

 

[B and C]

At the entrance to any national park. I got mine at Yellowstone at the West entrance.

Three ways to get them: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

Straight from the National Parks Service.

 

[MrNoodly]

I was lucky enough to get the senior pass back when it was $10 for a lifetime.

 

[skyl4rk]

Very worth it. We get into expensive national parks for free and camping is often cheap, about $10. Others are paying big bucks to get in the park and then paying high prices for camping. Even if we just drive through a park, it is a nicer drive for us and free. We have the older senior pass.

 

[maki2]

I will bump this up with a current link on how to obtain a free, lifetime valid, National Park Service Pass for persons who have proof of permanent disability.
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#CP_JUMP_5088581

from information I have seen on some websites persons with diabetes may qualify for this pass but you must double check that with the pass providers to verify the information. Until you do verify it consider it to be heresay rather than an absolute truth.
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/pdfs/AccessPass_PublicFINAL_100507.pdf
The term "free" also needs a qualifier. If you do it by mail there is a handling/shipping $10.00 fee. That is a reasonable fee for not having to drive somewhere and wait in line. There may be a wait of about 4 to 6 weeks during the summer time due to high a volume of customers and not enough staff on hand to handle that volume.

 

[highdesertranger]

I could be wrong but I don't think the Renogy link is supposed to be in there. if you PM me the right link I will fix it for you. highdesertranger

 

[Pupalph]

There are countless places I have entered for free with this pass.

 

[Gypsyjoe#1]

I will bump this up with a current link on how to obtain a free, lifetime valid, National Park Service Pass for persons who have proof of permanent disability.

I thank you for the info as I am handicapped printed the application and will be sending it in.

 

[Cstrom]

Because I turned 62 I got one for LIFE for $80. Definitely worth the money. 

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Its worth it if you plan to camp in national forests and would like a table, ring and bathroom, you get half off usfs campgrounds even outside the national parks. The signboard will indicate if its a usfs property even if managed by a utility and/or concessionaire. Day use is free (use facilities all day, then go disperse camp at night).

 

[crofter]

Here is the link for Oregon State Parks pass
 - covers day use fees, if you would visit 6 times it is cheaper to have the pass. Does not cover camping,, but usually have facilities with running water.
https://store.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=&itemTypeId=1

Oregon State Parks Military or Disabled access pass covers camping also, good for 4 years. There is a free application process at this link. 
https://oregonstateparks.org/?do=v.page&id=19

The following links are for more free passes:

• FREE Annual Pass for current US Military and their dependents
  
• FREE Annual Pass awarded to volunteers who contribute 250 or more hours
  
• FREE Annual Pass for US 4th Grade Students

Northwest Forest Pass[size=medium],[/size] covers Oregon and Washington day use areas, [font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]if you would visit 6 times it is cheaper to have the pass.[/font] There is a map at the link of covered areas. They also sell America the Beautiful Annual Passes at this link, $80 for 12 months.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/passes-permits/recreation

ps://www.discovernw.org/store_annual-northwest-forest-pass-national-forests-in-wa-and-or-only_09942.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkMaynMLh5QIVA6rsCh3ElA66EAAYASABEgIW0fD_BwE

America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass

https://store.usgs.gov/senior-pass

Lifetime pass is $80 OR Annual Pass is $20.
Federal Lands - Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers. May provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. 

[size=medium]*For all passes, [font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Be sure to present your pass to staff up front,[/font][font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif] or write the pass number on the self pay envelope so you get the discount.   ~crofter[/font][/size]

 

[crofter]

It's time to renew! Here is a working link for the Northwest Forest Pass - works in WA and OR.    ~crofter

www.discovernw.org/store_annual-northwest-forest-pass-national-forests-in-wa-and-or-only_09942.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkMaynMLh5QIVA6rsCh3ElA66EAAYASABEgIW0fD_BwEhttp://www.discovernw.org/store_ann...MLh5QIVA6rsCh3ElA66EAAYASABEgIW0fD_BwE[/SIZE]

 

[Tony's Dream]

I am a disabled vet so I was able to get the lifetime pass for only $10.00! We haven't really been able to use it yet since we just bought it recently, but we plan to take full advantage of it. We also bought a passport book that lists all the national and many state parks. So we know what is in our area or the area we travel too. We plan to use it as a road map and maximize the pass.

 

[Oldwolf]

Now that I have passed the 62 yo mark, I plan to get the Senior Pass.