Are National Parks FREE to Veterans?
Veterans in Texas have significant benefits to enjoy national and state parks, let’s go outdoors!
Whether fishing, hunting, photographing or spending time with family, Texas has much to offer in our diverse ecosystems across the state. In this specific case, Texas has mountain vistas, rivers and streams, sunny sandy beaches, and intwined trails throughout the state.
Here’s the breakdown:
Veterans can visit many Texas State Parks and National Parks for free of charge by getting the America the beautiful pass and Texas Parklands Passports.
The parks in Texas are listed below but many do not know that this pass also allows free access to all US Fish & wildlife, US forest service, Bureau of land management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Army corps of engineers lands.
National parks will also accept an Unexpired Department of Defense Identification Card (CAC Card), Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or a state-issued US driver’s license or ID with a Veterans designation .
1, Texas Parklands Passports - Texas Parks & Wildlife
Veterans Passport - Texas Parks & Wildlife
The Veterans passport allows free entry to Texas state parks for a U.S. veteran who was honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces. This Parkland Passport only grants benefits to the pass holder, it does not grant entry to a companion.
Present valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license) and one of the following to get your passport:
US Department of Defense-issued veteran’s identification card
State issued driver’s license or identification card that includes a US military veteran designation.
Military Discharge Papers (US Dept. of Defense Form DD 214 indicating Honorable Discharge)
Veteran’s Health Identification Card issued by the US Dept. Of Veteran’s Affairs
Disabled Veterans Passport - Texas Parks & Wildlife
The Disabled Veterans passport allows free entry to Texas state parks for a U.S. veteran with a 60 percent or more service-connected disability or loss of lower extremity. A companion gets free entry, as well.
Present valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license) and one of the following to get your passport:
Disabled Veterans of Texas license plate receipt
Veteran's award letter (which establishes the degree of disability)
Tax exemption letter for Texas veterans.
Note: Some cards may have incorrect information about the companion's entry fee. Please ignore; this pass does allow free entry for a companion.
For more information, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife
2, America the Beautiful Pass - National Parks Serivces
Current US military and dependents, Gold Star Families, and US military veterans are eligible to receive free annual or lifetime passes which cover entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fees at national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and other federal recreational lands. These free passes are a way to thank US military members for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters.
Veterans of the US Armed Forces and members of Gold Star Families are eligible for a Military Lifetime Pass.
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the US Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the US Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
For more information, visit <HERE>
A few staff favorites:
As a department full of veterans, we have quite a few staff members who love spending time outdoors. Here are a few staff favorites for you to consider:
Big Bend National Park
one of the largest parks in CONUS, has some of the most beautiful desert scape and off-road / overland trails for the more adventurous
One of the darkest skies in the US to stargaze
El Capitan (8,085ft / 2,464m), tallest peak in Texas
El Capitan (Tallest peak in Texas)
Next to Carlsbad Caverns in NM
One of the longest off-road shorelines that you can drive your 4x4 on and actually camp on the beach.
Sea Turtle Hatching Releases
Boating, Paddling, Windsurfing
Mission Concepción - established in 1716 and moved to San Antionio in 1731. Mass is still offered at this mission as of 2025.
Discover Texas’ historical origins from the 1600’s.
World Heritage Site, including the Alamo.
well-preserved missions and aqueducts.
Attend mass at one of the (still functioning) missions.
One of the Colombian Mammoths that would have stood 14ft tall and weighted 20,000lbs, preserved at the Waco Mammoth National Monument.
One of the worlds most well-preserved mammoth fossils.
Easily accessible, along I-35 in Waco.
Here are a few more other Texas National Parks for your consideration:
Fort Anahuac (this one is close to Houston)
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