Take Advantage Of New York’s State Parks Next Year

When I first move somewhere new, one of the first things I do is check out State and National Parks in my area. Every state has something different to offer, and New York is no exception.

If you want to take advantage of everything this gorgeous state has to offer, the state has a program to allow you to make the most of it.

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What is Empire Pass?

Empire Pass is a groundbreaking program that allows you to visit almost every State Park without having to worry about costs. You pay a one time fee, receive your pass, and you'll get in without having to worry about vehicle entrance fees.

The pass does not, however, waive fees for camping, golf, museum or historic site admission. Regardless, this is a cost effective way to explore all of New York's State Parks in a calendar year. To see a list of all parks that are eligible, visit HERE.

What Do I Need to Know About Empire Pass?

As of November 26th, passes for the 2026 season are on sale. The Physical card is $80 for a year, while the brand new Digital pass is $72. Both can be stored in the NY State Parks Explorer App.

The pass runs from January 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026, giving you year round access. If you currently have a pass for 2025, you can renew it now at the NY State Parks Website. The pass is also shareable, meaning whoever is driving just has to present the pass and they'll be let in, even if they are not the initial holder. Multiple vehicles, however, cannot use one pass at the same time.