The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that the 2026 Empire Pass is now available for purchase. The $80 Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to New York State Parks, state boat launch sites, arboretums, park preserves and Department of Environmental Conservation Forest preserves.  

Current Empire Passholders who renew and keep their card will receive a special savings of $8 per card for the 2026 season. When renewing online, Empire Pass-holders will keep their existing physical card or digital pass and not have to wait for the pass to be mailed or wait in line to purchase a new pass during peak season. 

If you are planning to give the Empire Pass as a gift, please order by December 14 to be sure the pass arrives in time for the Christmas Holiday 

Customers can purchase or renew Empire Passes online at shop.parks.ny.gov/ or by phone 518.474.0458. Three- and five-season Empire Passes are available to new customers for $205 and $320 respectively. The Lifetime Empire Passport can be purchased for just $750. With no expiration date, people who love the outdoors can use the lifetime pass to enjoy the parks forever.  

State Parks also encourages New York's seniors and veterans to take advantage of applicable admission programs. Seniors age 62 and older are eligible for the Golden Park Program, which provides them free entry into state parks on weekdays (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) simply by showing their New York State driver's license or state-issued non-driver I.D. when they enter a park. The Lifetime Liberty Pass allows eligible New York State (NY State) Veterans or Gold Star Parents, Spouses, and Children discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by OPRHP and DEC. For more information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/visit/passes/lifetime-liberty-pass.  

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more and welcomes more than 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.