National Parks Offer Fee-Free Weekends

To encourage more Americans to get outdoors and enjoy the country’s stunning national parks, the National Park Service is sponsoring three fee-free weekends this summer, beginning tomorrow. Entrance fees to all 147 national parks that charge fees will be waived on:

June 20-21
July 18-19
August 15-16

The National Park Service manages 391 national parks in 49 states. “During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families,” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said at a press conference announcing the free entry program. Waived fees are for entrance admissions only and do not include fees for camping, reservations, tours or concessions.

From tranquil, peaceful solitude to exciting recreational opportunities, U.S. national parks offer “unparalleled natural beauty” that “have inspired visitors for generations,” President Obama said in proclaiming June Great Outdoors Month.  He urged Americans to “spend more time outside” and “find calm and enjoyment in our nation’s vast outdoors.”

Outdoor recreation is an important key to maintaining wellness and relieving stress, said Dr. Andrew Lepp, assistant professor of recreation, park and tourism management at Kent State University in Ohio in an article on RVeNews.com. RV travel, camping and other outdoor activities bring families together, encourage exercise,  and reduce stress. Lepp identified five critical benefits of outdoor activities:

• Mind: reduces stress; enhances self-esteem, confidence and creativity; encourages spiritual growth; provides adventure and challenge.
• Body: improves cardiovascular and muscle fitness, improves immune function.
• Social: promotes social and family bonding, increases community and national pride.
• Economic: increases work productivity, creates jobs, elevates property values, provides economic recreation and travel.
• Outdoor: increases environmental awareness and preservation.