I love the New York Empire Pass!
The New York park pass is a great way to conveniently and affordably access the many New York state parks, including beaches, picnic areas, trails, boat launches, lakes, fishing spots…!
If you choose to buy the pass, you can do so online, in a park or by phone or mail once per calendar year for about $80 (as of 2023; or go with the three-year, five-year or even lifetime option).
You’ll get free day-use vehicular access to most facilities operated by New York State Parks and the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
If you thought the pass was a great deal, though, wait for this: There are ways to get many of these benefits for free!
Read on to see if you qualify for the free state park passes.
Library
Borrow an Empire Pass from your public library.
Our awesome library system (shoutout to TCPL and the Finger Lakes Library System!), for example, carries over 20 passes, according to the online catalog.
Among other places, they’re also available in Rochester and Syracuse.
If your library doesn’t carry the passes, request that they buy some!
It’s a great way to try out some parks, and maybe you’ll find you want to explore more and invest in your own pass.
Fourth-graders
If you have a fourth-grader in the family, you get free entry in state parks through the Every-Kid-in-a-Park 4th Grade Free Entry Program. (It’s a bit of a mouthful.)
Find out more here on how to get a pass and what rules apply. The same thing is also true for national parks, by the way!
Seniors
If you’re a New York State resident over 62, you get free or reduced entry to most parks and other sites — BUT only Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Just show your drivers license.
The New York state park pass for seniors is called the New York State Golden Park Program.
Individuals with disabilities
If you are a resident of New York State with a disability (as defined in the application), you receive free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities via the Access Pass.
Military
Under the Patriot Plan, certain active duty members of the New York State National Guard or Reserves and their families are eligible for a free Empire Pass. See more details here.
Veterans with disabilities
As a veteran with service-connected disabilities living in New York state, you may be eligible for the Lifetime Liberty Pass that includes access to the various facilities, PLUS free golf and discounted cabin and camping rentals.
One more way to get into the parks for free…
Even if you aren’t eligible for any of the passes above, check individual parks’ websites for when they actually charge entrance fees.
It may be year-round, but in some parks you can enter for free during the off season.
If you do want to invest in an Empire Pass, consider this:
- Is it worth buying an annual park pass?
- Or should you splurge on a Lifetime Empire Pass?
- Find out how to get the most out of your park card once you’ve purchased it
Are you eligible for one of the free entry passes? Has it been pretty straightforward using them at the sites? Please share your experiences in the comments below!
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17 Clever Ways to Get the Most out of Your New York Empire Pass
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