Outdoor Military Discounts

REI partners with military recreation programs. Discounted gear and lifetime membership options.

The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is FREE for active duty military and their dependents — this is a federal program, not a discount. Covers entry to all National Park Service sites, National Forests, BLM lands, Fish & Wildlife refuges, and Army Corps of Engineer recreation areas. A $80/year value available completely free. One of the best benefits military members don't use enough.

Vail Resorts offers the Military Epic Pass at approximately $189 — giving unlimited access to 40+ resorts including Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Keystone, and international mountains. The standard Epic Pass costs $900+. This is one of the most generous military benefits in outdoor recreation.

Texas Parks & Wildlife offers completely free park passes for military: Active Duty Parklands Passport (free entry to all TX state parks), Veterans Parklands Passport (free for honorably discharged vets), and Gold Star Parklands Passport. The 60%+ disabled veteran pass also covers one companion. Covers Franklin Mountains (El Paso), Garner and Pedernales Falls (near San Antonio), and parks near Fort Cavazos.

Active duty military receive free entry to Gettysburg National Military Park (a federal fee area) with the America the Beautiful Military Pass. Includes the Museum & Visitor Center. Veterans receive a free lifetime pass; Gold Star families also qualify.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's (same company) offer 10% off for active duty military and veterans on top of sale prices — one of the few major retailers where the military discount stacks with existing sales. Register through their military discount program. Excludes firearms, ammunition, and some brands.

Texas Parks & Wildlife offers 50% off day-use entry fees for active duty military members and veterans with disability ratings. Texas has 89 state parks covering coast, mountains, Hill Country, and piney woods. Relevant for the enormous military population across Texas (Fort Cavazos, Fort Hood successor, JBSA, Dyess AFB, NAS Corpus Christi, and more).

Arizona State Parks offers 50% off day-use entry fees for active duty military members and their immediate families. Arizona has 35 state parks covering Sonoran Desert, red rock country, and river recreation. Relevant for Davis-Monthan AFB, Luke AFB, Fort Huachuca, Yuma installations, and the Arizona National Guard.

The Gateway Arch grounds and museum are free for all visitors. The tram ride to the top of the Arch has a fee (~$14 adult), but military members with the America the Beautiful Military Pass receive free or discounted entry to the tram as a federal recreation fee area. Get your free annual Military Pass at any federal fee area with military ID.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers free day-use park entry for active duty military at all state parks. Great for day trips from Aberdeen, Fort Meade, or Indian Head.

South Carolina State Parks offer a 50% discount on camping for active duty military, veterans, and spouses. Great for weekend trips from Fort Jackson or Shaw AFB.

Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont offers active duty military lift tickets at $79/day — the regular rate can exceed $160. Stowe is one of the premier ski destinations in the Northeast. Relevant for Guard/Reserve members in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York.

Active duty military stationed in New York State receive a free Empire Pass, which grants unlimited day-use access to all New York State Parks and DEC recreation areas. Veterans with a disability rating also receive a lifetime reduced-cost or free pass. NY State Parks include Niagara Falls, Letchworth, Adirondacks, and Long Island beaches.

Chena Hot Springs Resort, about 60 miles east of Fairbanks, offers military discounts on day use (rock lake hot springs, swimming) and aurora viewing packages. Popular with Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely soldiers, especially for Northern Lights season (September–March). Also home to an ice museum open year-round.

Oklahoma state law provides free admission to all Oklahoma-owned parks and museums for honorably discharged veterans who are OK residents. Additionally, all active duty and former military receive 10% off cabins, lodges, RV sites, and tent campsites at Oklahoma State Parks statewide — including Beavers Bend and Lake Murray near Fort Sill.

Bretton Woods ski area at Mount Washington Resort in NH offers $15 off lift tickets for military members. New Hampshire's largest ski area — scenic White Mountains location. Relevant for National Guard members across New England.

Washington State Parks require a Discover Pass ($30–35/year) for day use. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating (or IU status) receive a FREE lifetime Discover Pass. Other veterans receive a reduced-cost annual pass. Active duty visiting on day use can also get reduced rates in many cases.

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs charges absolutely nothing for entry — no military discount needed because it's free for everyone. Stunning 300-million-year-old sandstone formations, hiking, rock climbing, and views of Pikes Peak. Essential Colorado Springs day trip from Fort Carson, Peterson, or Schriever.

Florida State Parks offer free day-use admission to all veterans and active duty military on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Florida's 175 state parks include some of the most beautiful beaches and springs in the country — perfect for MacDill, Pensacola, Jacksonville, and Eglin families.

Georgia State Parks offers a 25% military discount on the Annual ParkPass, bringing it from $40 to $30. The pass grants unlimited day-use access to 60+ state parks. Great value for families at Fort Stewart, Robins, or Moody AFB.

Colorado State Parks offer free day-use admission on Veterans Day for veterans and active duty military. Colorado also offers a reduced-cost Annual Parks Pass for veterans with a VA disability rating. The Parks Pass covers over 40 state parks including those near Fort Carson (Cheyenne Mountain SP, Pueblo Reservoir) and the Front Range.

Pink Adventure Tours offers 10% off their guided off-road Jeep tours in Sedona, AZ and Grand Canyon National Park for military members. Tours explore the red rock country and canyon rim — popular activity for military families visiting Arizona or based at nearby installations.

Oregon State Parks waive the vehicle day-use fee for active duty military at participating parks. Oregon has stunning coastal parks (Cape Lookout, Ecola, Cape Perpetua), old growth forests (Silver Falls), and high desert parks near Umatilla/Pendleton. Veterans Day free admission also applies.

California State Parks offer free day-use admission to all veterans and active duty military on Memorial Day weekend and Veterans Day. Additionally, California's Distinguished Veteran Pass (free lifetime pass) is available to honorably discharged CA residents with a 50%+ VA disability rating, former POW status, or Medal of Honor recipients — covering day use, camping, and boat use at 100+ park units.

Kentucky State Resort Parks (lodge rooms, cottages, camping) offer reduced rates for active duty military and veterans. Kentucky has some of the finest state resort parks in the country, with lodge rooms overlooking lakes and forests. Popular destinations from Fort Knox include Rough River Dam, Otter Creek, and Lincoln Homelands.

North Carolina State Parks offer a $5 vehicle entrance discount for military personnel. Applies to active duty, retirees, and veterans at participating parks with vehicle entry fees.

Tennessee State Parks offer free day-use entry on Veterans Day for all veterans and active duty military. Camping and lodging discounts are also available for military at many Tennessee State Parks. Near Fort Campbell: Dunbar Cave, Land Between the Lakes. Near Arnold AFB: Tims Ford and Edgar Evins State Parks.

Ohio State Parks offer free day-use access on Veterans Day for veterans and active duty military. Camp/lodge discounts are also available for veterans at many Ohio parks. Popular parks near Wright-Patterson include Caesar Creek, Buck Creek, and Lake Loramie.

Louisiana State Parks offer discounted camping rates for military personnel. Relevant parks near Fort Johnson include Chicot State Park (lake fishing and camping), Kisatchie National Forest (adjacent to Fort Johnson), and Chemin-A-Haut near Barksdale AFB.

Idaho State Parks offer free day-use entry for veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day. Idaho also offers a reduced-cost annual passport for veterans. Beautiful parks near Mountain Home AFB include Lake Cascade, Bruneau Dunes (world's tallest sand dunes), and Snake River Canyon.

Alabama State Parks offer reduced rates for active duty military and veterans on camping and lodging. Many parks near Fort Novosel (Dothan area) include Chattahoochee and Blue Springs State Parks. Near Redstone Arsenal: Wheeler Lake/Decatur area parks. Military families at Maxwell AFB can access Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham.

Natural Bridge Caverns, about 30 minutes north of San Antonio on I-35, offers a 10% military discount on all tours and attraction tickets. A popular day trip for Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph families.

West Virginia State Parks offer military discounts on lodging (lodge rooms, cottages, cabins) and camping. WV has some of the most spectacular park lodges east of the Rockies — Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, Pipestem, and Hawks Nest. Convenient for Shepherd Field ANG and Guard/Reserve members throughout the region.

Illinois State Parks designate specific dates for free admission for veterans and active duty military, including Veterans Day. Scott AFB-area parks include Lake Murphysboro and Kinkaid Lake. Rock Island Arsenal families can access Black Hawk State Historic Site. Lincoln and Lewis & Clark historical parks are also nearby.

Crystal Mountain (owned by Alterra Mountain Company, the operator behind the Ikon Pass) sells a dedicated Military Season Pass with no blackout dates -- priced at $539 for the 2026/27 season as of this writing, well under standard adult season-pass pricing. Open to active and retired military, spouses, and dependents 13+. This is a separate, standing program from the general Ikon Pass military base pricing.

Effective July 1, 2025 (House Bill 161), all New Mexico resident veterans qualify for a free lifetime pass covering day-use and camping access at New Mexico State Parks. Reservation fees, group facilities, cabins/yurts, and Smokey Bear Historical Park are not covered. Requires a completed application, DD-214 (or equivalent), and proof of NM residency, submitted through the NM Department of Veterans' Services.

ND resident veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating, and former POWs, qualify for a free lifetime state park entrance permit (proof: current VA Summary of Benefits letter, or DD-214 showing former-POW status). Other ND resident veterans with service-connected disabilities can buy an annual permit for $28, discounted from the standard $35 rate.

Veterans with a current-year 100% service-connected VA disability rating can obtain a State Park Disability Pass, waiving admission and parking fees (and the vehicle transporting the veteran, if the veteran cannot drive) at RI state-owned recreational facilities and beaches. Camping, picnic, and equestrian fees are still charged. Apply in person at RI DEM Parks Headquarters with a VA Benefit Summary Letter dated within the past year; permanent-rating passes do not require renewal.

SD resident veterans with a "K" award or VA letter certifying 100% total service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, and former POWs qualify for a free lifetime state park entrance license (vehicle entry) and a 50% discount on camping and electrical fees. Documentation must meet SDCL 41-17-13.4.

Honorably-discharged Utah resident veterans with any VA service-connected disability rating (any percentage) can get a free Honor Pass covering day-use admittance for the veteran and up to 7 guests in the same vehicle. Valid through the calendar year issued; renewal requires updated documentation. Not valid at This Is The Place Heritage Park, the Antelope Island Causeway county fee, or for camping/golf/special-program fees.

Per Code of Virginia § 10.1-202.2, veterans with a VA letter certifying a 100% service-connected disability rating get a Disabled Veteran's Passport: free parking/admission/boat-launch/horse-trailer parking, and a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters, equipment rentals, and 2+ night yurt stays (25% off 1-night yurt stays). Valid as long as the 100% rating remains in effect. Separately, active Virginia National Guard members and their immediate family get free entry via a National Guard Passport, issued through their chain of command.

WI resident veterans with a 70% or greater service-connected disability rating (or Federal VA-determined TDIU), and former POWs, qualify for a Disabled Veteran or Former POW Park Admission Card giving free vehicle admission and trail-pass fees at Wisconsin state parks/forests/trails. Apply via the Disabled Veteran Free State Park/Forest/Trail Pass Application, certified by your County Veteran Service Officer. Separately, all WI resident service members get vehicle admission waived on Veterans Day and the Memorial Day weekend (Saturday-Monday) with proof of residency and service.

Wyoming resident veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating qualify for a free Lifetime Veteran's Pass covering day use and camping for life at Wyoming state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites (except camping at Hot Springs State Park). Separately, all veterans and active-duty military with proof of status get day-use/entrance fees waived on Veterans Day (and some years, Flag Day); this waiver does not apply to reservations or overnight camping.

Alaska issues a free Disabled Veteran's Annual Camping Pass valid at all developed Alaska State Park campgrounds (individual electric or non-electric sites; group camping areas excluded). There is no equivalent pass for boat launch or day-use fees. Apply in person or by phone at the Anchorage or Fairbanks DNR Public Information Centers with proof of service-connected disability.

Arkansas resident veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating receive a year-round 50% discount on standard campsite fees at Arkansas State Parks. The discount does not apply to rental facilities like cabins or yurts.

Connecticut residents with a service-connected disability can get a free, non-transferable Disabled Veteran Pass admitting the holder to Gillette Castle, Dinosaur, and Fort Trumbull State Parks. The pass is not valid for camping or ticketed special events. Apply in person at DEEP district offices and select state parks, or by mail with a photocopy of a CT driver's license and VA card or benefits letter.

Delaware residents who are active-duty (U.S. Armed Forces or DE National Guard), veterans, or retirees with 20+ years of honorable service can buy an annual park pass for $25 instead of the standard $50, for a vehicle registered in Delaware in their name. Separately, DE resident veterans who served 90+ consecutive days on active duty in Southwest Asia operations (OIF/OEF) qualify for a free one-time pass within 12 months of honorable discharge, issued only at the Dover Office of Business Services.

Montana resident veterans get a 50% discount on state park camping fees (does not apply to electrical hookup fees). Proof accepted: DD-214, VA ID card, or a Montana driver's license with veteran designation.

On Veterans Day (Nov. 11), all veterans and active-duty military personnel — plus everyone else in their vehicle — are admitted free to Indiana DNR-managed state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road recreation areas. No advance registration or documentation is required; just tell the gate attendant you are a veteran or serving on active duty.

Maine resident veterans with an Honorable or General-Under-Honorable-Conditions discharge get a free day-use pass, valid for life, admitting the pass holder to Maine state parks and historic sites (some sites like Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park are excluded; companions still pay). Separately, active-duty service members (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or full-time deployed National Guard) get a renewable 12-month day-use pass that also covers their spouse and unmarried children when accompanying them.

Daily parking fees are waived and no Annual Parking Pass is needed for vehicles displaying a disability, Purple Heart Recipient, or disabled veteran license plate at most DCR-managed state parks. Disabled veteran plates from any state qualify.

Michigan-registered vehicles displaying a valid Disabled Veteran, Medal of Honor, Congressional Medal of Honor, or Ex-Prisoner of War license plate get free entry to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas without buying the Recreation Passport ($15/year for MI-registered vehicles). The exemption is tied to the plate.

Active-duty service members and their dependents, veterans with any level of service-connected disability, and Purple Heart recipients qualify for a free year-round Minnesota state park vehicle permit (normally $35/year). Apply in person at a DNR license center or staffed state park.

Mississippi State Parks gives a 15% discount off camping and lodging rates to veterans and active service members (also available to those 62+ and disabled individuals). The discount excludes holidays and special events.

Missouri State Parks gives retired, veteran, and active-duty military personnel, plus family members of active-duty personnel, a $2-per-night discount on campground fees year-round. Missouri State Parks also participates in Blue Star Museums (free museum/historic site admission for currently-serving military and families, Armed Forces Day through Labor Day).

Nebraska resident veterans rated 50%+ service-connected disabled, or 100% disabled non-service-connected and receiving a VA pension, get one free Disabled Veteran's Lifetime Annual Park Entry Permit. Active-duty military stationed at a Nebraska base can also buy a $5/year park entry permit.

Nevada State Parks gives a $1 discount on the daily vehicle entrance fee to all active military and veterans. Honorably discharged Nevada resident veterans with any service-connected disability rating can also buy a $30 annual Disabled Veteran Permit for free entry, boating, and camping.

Under N.J.S.A. 13:1L-12, active members of the New Jersey National Guard who have completed Initial Active Duty Training get free admission to NJ state parks and forests (same waiver given to NJ residents 62+ or totally disabled). Separately, the law waives the fee for disabled veterans (any service-connected VA disability rating) to obtain, replace, or renew a permit to operate a motorized vehicle on a state park beach.

Michigan resident veterans rated permanently and totally disabled at the 100% rate (for disabilities other than blindness), or rated individually unemployable by the VA, can get any resident hunting or fishing license that does not require a lottery application free of charge. Lottery-drawn licenses (e.g., some deer, elk, bear tags) are not included.

Recently discharged Wisconsin resident veterans (2013 Act 20) get one free small game, archery, gun deer, or annual fishing license within 365 days of discharge via a WDVA voucher. Separately, veterans with a 70%+ service-connected disability rating (or unemployability) qualify for a $3 discounted annual fishing license plus free state park/trail admission.

Minnesota veterans with a 100% total-and-permanent service-connected disability rating can get a permanent (lifetime) angling license issued without a fee, plus a free annual deer and/or small game license (state waterfowl/pheasant stamp waived; federal duck stamp still required).

Under Ohio Revised Code 1533.12, Ohio resident veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA, receiving VA pension or compensation, honorably discharged, and resident 6+ months qualify for a free fishing license, hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, turkey permit, and/or wetlands habitat stamp. Approval is valid 5 years, but a new (still free) license must be pulled each license year.

Pennsylvania resident veterans certified 100% disabled by the VA get a free lifetime fishing license (60-99% rated vets get a reduced-fee license) from the Fish & Boat Commission. Separately, the PA Game Commission issues a free hunting/furtaker license to 100% disabled resident veterans (60-99% rated pay a reduced $2.97 fee) whose disability was incurred in a war or armed conflict.

Virginia resident veterans with a service-connected disability rated 30% or greater by the VA can apply for a lifetime hunting and/or freshwater fishing license, with the fee scaled down based on the veteran's current VA disability rating. A separate annual license option exists for non-resident disabled veterans.

North Carolina resident veterans with a VA disability rating of 50% or more qualify for a free Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License, valid for life as long as the 50%+ rating is maintained. Certification from the VA must be submitted with the paper application (no online application available).

Georgia resident veterans who served 90+ days of active federal duty and were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005 get a free One-Time Veterans Hunting and Fishing License (full sportsman privileges, valid one year, issued once). Separately, veterans with a permanent and total VA disability rating can get a steep discount (exact fee not published) on a 3-year disability sportsman's license.

Range USA's Defender Membership gives active and veteran military members (plus law enforcement and first responders) 25% off standard monthly range membership pricing at its indoor shooting range locations, after ID verification through Range USA's Defender portal.

Active-duty U.S. military with a valid military ID get a completely free lift ticket at Diamond Peak on non-peak weekdays (Monday-Friday, non-holiday). Retirees get free midweek tickets too, with dependents at a discounted rate; VA cards, expired IDs, and contractors are not accepted.