On September 17, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at more than 400 parks nationwide in honor of Constitution Day. It’s one of the best excuses of the year to load up the car, hitch up the RV, or just grab a daypack and get outside.
But a free day at the parks only works if everyone who shows up treats it like the privilege it is. That’s why Leave No Trace has teamed up with the National Park Foundation, Winnebago Industries, and KOA Kampgrounds to help visitors plan smart, camp kind, travel clean, and leave every site better than they found it.
Whether you’re headed out for a sunrise hike or a full weekend at the campground, here’s how to make the most of the day — and keep these places wild for the next person who visits.
Plan before you go. Free admission means more cars at the gate and more feet on the trail. The National Park Foundation reminds visitors that a little homework goes a long way: check park alerts before you leave home, reserve your campsite or timed-entry pass if needed, and know the specific rules for the park you’re visiting — they aren’t the same everywhere. A few minutes of planning is the difference between a smooth day and getting turned away at the gate.
Be a good neighbor at the campsite. If you’re staying overnight, KOA Kampgrounds has a simple philosophy: good neighbor equals good camping. Keep noise down after quiet hours, respect the boundaries of the site next to you, and know your fire restrictions before you strike a match — especially with fall conditions varying widely by region. A crowded free-fee weekend is exactly when campground courtesy matters most, and it costs nothing to be considerate.
Handle waste right on the road. For anyone traveling by RV, Winnebago has a clear reminder: dump right, store smart. Use designated dump stations for waste instead of improvising, and keep food secured so it doesn’t attract wildlife. Proper disposal isn’t just about tidiness — it keeps wildlife wild and keeps the next campground clean for the family that pulls in after you leave.
Turn the free day into a habit, not just a visit. A free park day is the perfect moment to build skills that last well beyond September 17. Leave No Trace’s 7 Principles — which include planning ahead, sticking to trails, disposing of waste properly, respecting wildlife, and leaving what you find — take less than 30 minutes to learn online, at your own pace, for free. It’s a small investment that pays off every time you head outdoors, on a fee-free day or any other.
Together, these four pieces tell one story: freedom to explore comes with a shared responsibility to protect the places we’re exploring. Free-fee days bring some of the year’s highest visitation, and that surge puts real pressure on trails, wildlife, and campgrounds. Responsible recreation isn’t complicated — it’s mostly common sense, applied consistently by everyone who walks through the gate.
So on September 17, take advantage of the free entry. Hike the trail you’ve been meaning to try, book the campsite, pack the RV. Bring a little planning, a little courtesy, and a commitment to leaving no trace. Learn more about the 7 Principles that make it possible at LNT.org, and find a participating park near you through the National Park Foundation.
A collaboration between Leave No Trace, the National Park Foundation, Winnebago Industries, and KOA Kampgrounds.
