STARS Act Waives All Federal Park Fees on September 17, 2026, for US 250th Anniversary

The aptly named Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act (STARS Act) is short, sweet, and focused on one thing: making sure you can visit federal recreation sites for free on September 17, 2026.

The Free Day: September 17, 2026

This bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture waive all standard entrance and amenity recreation fees across their managed lands on that specific date, which marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. If you’re planning ahead for a long weekend in 2026, mark your calendar, because this covers huge swathes of land: every unit in the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service will be free to enter. The fees being waived are specifically defined as the "entrance fee" and the "standard amenity recreation fee" as outlined in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Sec. 2).

What Does This Mean for Your Wallet?

For most people, this is a clear win for access and affordability. Say you and your family want to visit a major National Park like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, which often charge a vehicle entrance fee of $35 or more. On September 17, 2026, that fee is wiped out. This is especially helpful for folks on tight budgets or those who live close to a park but rarely visit due to the cost. It’s a one-day national holiday gift, encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy our public lands without the usual financial barrier.

The Trade-Off: A One-Day Revenue Hit

While this is great news for visitors, it’s important to remember that those entrance and amenity fees—which can include charges for day use, specific trails, or developed picnic areas—aren't just pocket change; they fund maintenance, staffing, and operational costs for the agencies like the National Park Service and the Forest Service. By waiving these fees for a single day, the STARS Act creates a one-day loss of revenue for these agencies. For example, if a popular national forest relies on those amenity fees to keep its restrooms clean or trails maintained, they’ll have to absorb that loss, though the overall impact is minimal since it’s only 24 hours (Sec. 2).

Expect Crowds

Since this free access applies to every single site that normally charges a fee, federal agencies should prepare for a massive surge in visitors on September 17, 2026. If you plan to take advantage of this free day, remember that popular sites might be extremely crowded. While the bill’s intent is celebratory and focused on public access, the practical challenge for park staff will be managing the high volume of traffic and ensuring visitor safety, especially at sites with limited infrastructure or parking. It’s a good reminder that free access is only as good as the infrastructure that supports it.