Get Free Admission To National Parks, Include Gulf Islands National Seashore

April 17, 2010

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In celebration of National Parks Week, Gulf Islands National Seashore will join with other National Park Service sites around the country and offer fee-free entry into the park beginning this weekend.

The fee-free week, including the weekends before and after, was announced by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar who said last month, “We are rolling out the red carpet and inviting everyone to visit a national park and help celebrate National Park Week. Parks are fun and affordable destinations and great places to engage in healthy, outdoor activities, whether for a few hours or a few days.”

fort-pickens-10.jpgAt Gulf Islands National Seashore, all entrance fees will be waived for visitors to the park from Saturday April 17 through Sunday April 25. At this time of the year, entrance fees are collected at two of the park’s units: Fort Pickens and Perdido Key. Loop A of Fort Pickens Campground is currently open with full RV hook-ups and restroom facilities. The remainder of the campground is expected to reopen next month, upon completion of a sewer construction project. Visitors may check campsite availability and make reservations by visiting www.recreation.gov or by phoning (877) 444-6777. Campsite rates are $20 per night, or $10 for seniors. Weekend lifeguard coverage will be provided at Langdon Beach beginning this weekend and at Johnson Beach beginning the following weekend. Full daily coverage shall begin next month. Picnic pavilions are also currently available for use and reservation at Opal Beach and Johnson Beach.

Acting Park Superintendent Nina Kelson states, “This is such a good opportunity to reconnect with all the natural and historic features of the national seashore as well as its ranger led programs.” Park entrance stations will have Senior and Annual Passes available for those who wish to purchase them. Kelson points out that faster moving lines makes this an excellent time to acquire annual passes for those visitors wanting to take advantage of what the park offers year-round. For a full description of the facilities and programs currently available, visit the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/guis or contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at (80) 934-2600.

Pictured: Fort Pickens in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. 

Comments

One Response to “Get Free Admission To National Parks, Include Gulf Islands National Seashore”

  1. out of step on April 17th, 2010 9:03 pm

    THANK YOU WILLIAM FOR POSTING THESE OPPORTUNITIES. WE NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN.
    EXCEPT FOR GAS AND THE COOLER WE ARE PACKING, HOME STUFF WE ALREADY HAVE, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT SATURDAY!
    THANKS AGAIN.