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Every Kid in a Park special pass for 4th graders



DEC accepting National Park Service pass at all NYS and National Parks

Every Kid in a Park special pass for 4th graders

DEC will accept the National Park Service's (NPS) Every Kid in a Park Pass upon presentation for free entry for 4th grade students into all facilities in 2020. The pass applies only to the vehicle entry fee, and the 4th grader must be present in the vehicle.

This is a pilot program as part of a series of initiatives to encourage youth visitation to state parks, historic sites and public lands. Fourth grade students can obtain and print their pass on the NPS website (leaves DEC website).

Stay tuned for their Facebook Live on Thursday July 16 at 3 p.m. where they will be providing tips and tricks on how to get started paddling.

Watch their YouTube playlist for how-tos and inspiration.

Most DEC campgrounds also have day use areas for the public to enjoy. DEC also operates a number of day use-only areas that offer picnicking and/or swimming facilities. Please be advised that pets are prohibited at all DEC day use area.

Many DEC Campgrounds are situated on bodies of water and provide access for paddlers. Most campgrounds also offer canoe, rowboat, and/or kayak rentals.

Fees for day use (FREE with Kid in a Park Pass) areas are:

  • $6.00, $8.00 or $10.00 per car
  • $3.00, $4.00 or $5.00 per motorcycle
  • $35.00, $50.00 or $75.00 per bus
  • $2.00 per person (for walking into a facility)

Camping Guide Maps

See an interactive version of the guide (leaves DEC website)
Download the camping guide (PDF) (14.2 MB) *Please note this is a large file.

For easier download, they have broken up the file into 4 smaller sections:

General Rules & Guidelines

  • The pass is for fourth-grade students for the 2020 Parks operating season (expires December 31, 2020).
  • The fourth-grade student must be present when the pass is presented.
  • The pass covers the vehicle use fee at all DEC facilities.
  • The pass does not cover amenities such as camping or rentals.
  • Students cannot transfer the pass to anyone else.
  • Electronic versions of the paper pass cannot be accepted.
  • There is no way to request a refund if the pass is not presented.
  • The pass should be presented upon entry where park staff will welcome the 4th grader and his/her family and provide the car with a no-fee receipt for the car dashboard. The federal pass remains with the student.
  • Other exclusions may apply.



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