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How to Get a FREE Mass State Park Pass (& Other Discounts)

How to Get a FREE Mass State Park Pass (& Other Discounts)

We’ve finally figured out how to get a free Mass State Park pass for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities! If you’ve wanted to explore any of Massachusetts’ 150 state parks but couldn’t afford the fee, you need to know about this!

In this article, we’re going to discuss how you can save money at Massachusetts State Parks. We will specifically address the free Mass State Park pass for seniors and others as well as other money-saving opportunities.

Do Massachusetts State Parks charge?

In Massachusetts, the state parks are managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This department charges a fee for most locations. Those fees can vary between $5 and $15 per day depending on which park you choose to visit!

The most affordable way to visit Mass state parks is with a parking pass. The annual pass usually costs $60 but covers your parking fees for an entire year. This pass is only available to Massachusetts residents.

However, $60 per year is still more than most low income people can afford. That’s why we’re so excited to report on these incredible ways that you can save money on your next adventure.

Some people get FREE parking.

The daily parking fees are waived for guests who meet certain requirements. You don’t have to pay the daily parking fees and therefore don’t need to worry about having a parking pass if you have one of the following:

  • Handicapped placard or license plate
  • Disabled Veteran placard or license plate
  • Purple Heart Recipient placard or license plate

It’s important to remember that you need to have the placard or plate with you during your visit. If you own two vehicles and only one has an eligible plate, you’ll need to make sure you are driving the vehicle with the eligible plate to the park. Otherwise, you’ll still have to pay a fee.

Your library may have a free pass.

You can avoid these expensive fees by borrowing a Parks Pass from a participating library or recreation center in your area. At many of these locations, you can borrow a pass at no cost and park at any state park for free.

Although the library’s parking pass does not cover camping or other amenities, it does cover parking at the state parks, state forests, and state beaches.

For example, the pass available at UxBridge Free Public Library is valid everywhere except Quabbin Reservoir Boat Launch areas, Squantum Point, North Point, Draw Seven Commuter lots, or any metered facilities.

It’s important to contact your local library or recreation center ahead of time to make sure that they have passes available. These passes are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may need to register in advance.

Get a LIFETIME Mass State Park Pass for Seniors

If you’re 62 years of age or older, you qualify for a discounted Senior Parking Pass. This exclusive Mass State Park pass for seniors will grant you free parking at any of the Massachusetts State Parks for the rest of your life!

In order to be eligible for this, you must provide one of the following:

  • Massachusetts driver’s license showing your age and residency
  • Government issued ID showing your age and another document that proves your address

Unfortunately, the Senior Parking Pass is not free. You have to pay $10 to purchase it. However, it is a lot more affordable than the typical parking pass.

It’s also important to remember that you cannot purchase this Mass State Park pass at any of the parks. You have to buy it in advance. You can apply online or through the mail. Make sure that you order it a few weeks before you want to visit the park so that your pass has time to arrive!

Summary

We’ve found ways that you may be able to save money on your next Massachusetts state parks trip! Instead of paying the expensive daily parking fee, you could opt for an annual parking pass… or get a free parking pass from your local library! We’ve also described who can park for free and explained how people over age 62 can get a special Mass State Park pass for seniors!

This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.