A Guide to Volunteering at National Parks in 2025

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Every year, the National Parks Service provides numerous volunteer opportunities across various parks and federal lands in the United States. Anyone interested can register to volunteer at a nearby park at any point during the year. Participants can enjoy several benefits, including the opportunity to earn a free entry pass to the parks.

The arrival of warmer weather presents a great opportunity to venture outdoors, and what better way to immerse yourself in nature than by visiting one of the 63 national parks in the U.S.? This year, not only can you enjoy your time in nature, but you can also contribute to its preservation while working towards a future free entry to the parks.

The National Parks Service has laid out a comprehensive calendar of volunteer opportunities for 2025 that anyone can participate in. This includes well-known service days such as National Trails Day, occurring on the first Saturday of June, the 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service on September 11, and National Public Lands Day, celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September.

If you are interested in volunteering at a national park for the first time, here’s everything you need to know to get started this year.

Finding Volunteer Days in National Parks

You can visit the National Park Service website, where you will find a volunteer calendar. This resource features a searchable calendar that allows filtering by state and date. Additionally, by scrolling through the site, you can view upcoming volunteer opportunities, which may not be organized by location. For example, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers volunteer roles every Wednesday and Thursday until December 31, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Steps to Start Volunteering

Each event listed in the calendar provides essential information regarding the volunteering requirements. Some events, like the Trash Trekker’s program at Indiana Dunes National Park, simply require participants to check in at the visitor center—no prior registration needed. Conversely, other events may necessitate booking a reservation online or by phone. Many parks offer a mix of events that can be joined on the day or that require pre-sign-up. Always review the event details to ensure you have the necessary information beforehand.

The Benefits of Volunteering at National Parks

Aside from playing a vital role in the National Park Service’s conservation initiatives, there are personal advantages to volunteering.

One significant benefit is the potential for free entry into national parks. For every 250 hours of service on federally managed land, you can qualify for a Volunteer Pass. This pass grants free access to national parks and various recreational sites for one year after its issuance.

Another appealing aspect of volunteering is gaining unique insights and access to areas of the parks that might not be available to regular visitors. This aspect offers a distinctive travel experience, allowing you to explore parts of the parks that remain hidden to the general public.

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www.travelandleisure.com