15 State Park Systems With Senior Discounts

Where is your nearest state park? More than likely, it’s closer than a national park and equally as enjoyable.

State parks feature campsites, cottage rentals, hiking and biking paths, equestrian trails and so much more. With some annual passes, you may even get access to state historic sites or golf courses.

Even though the National Park Service offers valuable senior discounts, there could be savings right in your backyard. Several state park systems cut prices in half or even offer free park entry for people over a certain age.

We’ve rounded up several states with exclusive savings for seniors visiting a park. In some cases, proof of state residency is required. And you may not be able to purchase a discounted pass online.

Also note: This is not a comprehensive list of discounts. No matter which state park you’re trekking through, be sure to contact the park system in advance to ask about their current rates and fees.

1. Arkansas

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: U.S. citizens age 62 and older

The discount amount: Eligible Arkansas residents get 50% off the regular campsite fee for Sunday nights through Thursday nights, and 25% off on weekends and holidays. Eligible residents of other states get a 25% discount for Sundays through Thursdays only.

For more information: Visit arkansasstateparks.com

2. California

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: U.S. citizens age 62 and older

The discount amount: After providing proof of age with a valid state-issued driver’s license or other photo ID, eligible California State Parks visitors are awarded a $1.00 discount for vehicle day use and $2.00 off family camping.

For more information: Visit parks.ca.gov.

3. Colorado

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: Colorado residents age 64 and older, who can provide Colorado-issued vehicle registration information and present a Colorado driver’s license.

The discount amount: Eligible residents can purchase an Aspen Leaf Pass for $70 per vehicle. This pass provides unlimited access to all Colorado State Parks and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The Aspen Leaf Pass also comes with a $3.00 discount on camping, which is valid Sunday through Thursday, except for holidays.

For more information: Visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.

4. Florida

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: Florida residents age 65 and older

The discount amount: A 50% discount on base camping fees is available to any eligible Florida resident. The discount only applies to family/full-facility campsites.

For more information: Visit floridastateparks.org.

5. Georgia

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: park visitors age 62 and older

The discount amount: Georgia offers several discounts for seniors, including 50% off an Annual ParkPass. Also, get 20% off cottage rates, Sunday through Thursday between Dec. 1 and March 31 only. Year-round discounts include 20% off campsite rates, 20% off yurt rates and 20% off golf green fees.

For more information: Visit gastateparks.org.

6. Indiana

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: Indiana residents age 65 and older

The discount amount: The Golden Hoosier Passport is an annual park pass for seniors with noncommercial vehicles, offered for half the price of a Resident Annual Entrance Permit. The pass is good from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of the year it’s purchased.

For more information: Visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.

7. Kentucky

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: camping guests age 62 and older

The discount amount: A 10% discount is available to eligible senior visitors who stay overnight in a Kentucky state park. Use code SENR when booking a lodge or cottage online. Proof of age is required at check-in.

For more information: Visit parks.ky.gov.

8. Massachusetts

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: Massachusetts residents age 62 and older

The discount amount: Eligible residents get a lifetime parking pass for only $10, which permits access to most state parks. The senior pass can only be purchased by mail, and proof of age and Massachusetts residency are required.

For more information: Visit mass.gov.

9. New Mexico

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: New Mexico residents age 62 and older

The discount amount: Eligible residents take $80 off the cost of an annual camping permit, which is valid for 12 months from the purchase date. The “senior” permit cannot be purchased online.

For more information: Visit emnrd.nm.gov.

10. New York

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: New York residents age 62 and older

The discount amount: The “Golden Park Program” includes free vehicle access to most state parks, boat launch sites and arboretums, on Monday through Friday (except holidays). Eligible residents also receive discounts at state historic sites and state-operated golf courses.

For more information: Visit parks.ny.gov.

11. South Carolina

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: South Carolina residents age 65 and older

The discount amount: South Carolina seniors get a 50% discount on the ALL Park Passport or SELECT Park Passport. The ALL Park Passport grants unlimited entry to all 47 South Carolina state parks, plus free admission to select historic sites. The SELECT Park Passport provides entry to 35 of South Carolina’s state parks.

For more information: Visit southcarolinaparks.com.

12. Texas

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: Texas residents age 65 and older

The discount amount: The Senior Partial passport offers eligible residents and one of their companions 50% off state park entry fees, rounded to the next whole dollar. Any residents born before Sept. 1, 1930, qualify for the Senior Full passport, which provides the eligible visitor and one companion free park entry.

For more information: Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

13. Utah

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: Utah residents age 65 and older

The discount amount: A Utah State Parks Annual Day-Use Pass is available to eligible visitors for half-off the regular price. The pass allows day-use access to the pass holder and up to seven other individuals in the same vehicle, or the purchaser and up to three walk-ins, motorcyclists or bicyclists.

For more information: Visit stateparks.utah.gov.

14. Virginia

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: park visitors age 62 and older

The discount amount: Eligible visitors save $45 on the Senior Naturally Yours Passport, which provides annual parking and admission for up to four people at all state parks. The Senior Naturally Yours Passport for Boaters/Equestrians is offered at a $35 discount. This includes parking and launching for boaters, as well as parking and a trailer fee for up to two horses.

For more information: Visit dcr.virginia.gov.

15. West Virginia

Who is eligible for this state park system’s senior discount: West Virginia residents age 60 and older

The discount amount: Seniors who go camping in West Virginia get 50% off campground rental fees between the day after Labor Day and four days prior to Memorial Day with the code SENIORS50. Lodging is also discounted by 10% with the code Senior10.

For more information: Visit wvstateparks.com.