STARS Act

The Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act, or STARS Act, would designate September 17, 2026, as a fee-free day across America's public lands and parks. On this date, which marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Department of the Interior and Forest Service would waive all entrance fees and standard recreation fees at participating sites.

The bill would affect multiple federal agencies and their managed lands. The National Park Service would waive entrance fees at all national parks and sites. The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service would all waive their standard amenity recreation fees on the same day. This means visitors could access these sites without paying typical day-use fees, parking fees, or similar charges.

For everyday citizens, this would provide a free opportunity to visit and enjoy America's public lands on a specific commemorative date. Families and individuals could explore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other recreation areas without incurring entrance or amenity fees. The bill has passed the House and is currently under review in the Senate's Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.