Lifetime Senior Pass Price Jumps To $80 For National Parks

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- Starting Aug. 28, the prices of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Lifetime Senior Pass will increase by $70. As a result of legislation passed by Congress in December 2016, the passes will now cost $80 each, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District said.

The Senior Pass is available to all U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older. Applicants must provide proof of age and residency or citizenship to purchase the pass. It's accepted at all parks operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and patrons may purchase the passes at select USACE-operated parks, including the Allatoona Lake Project Management Office in Cartersville and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Sandy Springs.

Please note that some locations may have sold out of these passes, so patrons are encouraged to call the park ahead of time to ensure their availability. Of course, these senior passes can also be purchase online. In addition to the $10 fee for the pass, patrons who purchase the Senior Pass online will be charged a $10 processing fee.

Previously purchased lifetime Golden Age or Senior Passes will be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder. The legislation requires that the price of the lifetime Senior Pass be the same as the Interagency Annual Pass, which is currently $80. The legislation also introduces a new annual Senior Pass that can be purchased for $20. Seniors who purchase annual Senior Passes for four years can trade them in for a lifetime Senior Pass at no additional charge.

The Senior Pass covers all entrance fees and standard amenity (day use) fees and may provide senior discounts for things such as tours or campsites. The pass also waives the entrance fee for travelling companions. At per-vehicle fee sites, the pass admits the pass holder and all passengers in a noncommercial vehicle. At a per-person fee site, the pass admits the pass holder and three other adults. Children under 16 are always admitted free.

For more information on senior passes and other federal recreations, visit the National Parks Service website.

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