Cashless Fee Collection FAQ

 

 

Why are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks changing to cashless operations?

Reducing cash collected in fee operations allows a park unit to be a better steward of our visitors’ dollars. It allows Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to:

• Reduce the amount of time park staff spend managing cash (i.e. reduce our administrative burden)
• Improve accountability, reduces the chance of errors, and allows the park to maximize funding available for visitor services and critical projects
• Reduce transaction times
• Cashless fee collection helps us stay safe, secure, and effective and allows our rangers to spend more time with visitors.

When do the parks plan to start cashless operations?

All entrance stations at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be completely cashless beginning May 21, 2025.

Will park rangers still be present at the entrance stations after the transition to a cashless fee system?

Yes, park rangers will continue to be present at the entrance stations. While the fee payment system will be cashless, rangers will still be available to process mobile and card transactions, assist visitors, and provide information.

What advantages does this have to the park visitor?

Going cashless should decrease entrance wait times and reduce errors in making change.

Where is cash not accepted?

All entrance stations to the parks, wilderness backcountry permit issuing stations, and campgrounds will be cashless.

Where can I use cash in the parks?

Bookstores, lodges, markets, gift shops, and restaurants will accept cash, cards, and other forms of payment.

Are there places to purchase an entrance pass with cash?

Visitors who prefer to use cash can purchase an entrance pass at the following locations prior to entering the park.

Locations accepting cash for entrance passes near the Sequoia National Park Entrance on Highway 198 near Three Rivers:

Kaweah Arts

42249 Sierra Dr.
Three Rivers, CA 93271

Three Rivers Historical Museum

42268 Sierra Dr.
Three Rivers, CA 93271

Sequoia Parks Conservancy Store in the Foothills Visitor Center

47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271

Locations accepting cash for entrance passes near the Kings Canyon National Park Entrance on Highway 180 near Grant Grove:

Project Survival Cat Haven

38257 E. Kings Canyon Rd.
Dunlap, CA 93621

Sequoia Parks Conservancy Store at Kings Canyon Visitor Center

83918 CA Highway 180
Grant Grove Village, CA 93633

Can I use contactless payments (e.g., Apple Pay or my pre-paid Wallet phone app)?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless payments systems at entrance stations.

Can I use a personal check or cashier’s check?

No. Only credit, debit, and mobile payment will be accepted at entrance stations, campgrounds and wilderness permit stations.

Can I purchase a pass before I get to the park?

Yes. Visitors can go to recreation.gov to purchase a Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Annual Pass (valid for one year), or a Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Private Vehicle Pass, a Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Motorcycle Pass, or Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Individual Pass (for Sequoia Shuttle passengers and those with no private vehicle, such as bicyclists or those on foot). All of these passes are valid for 7 days after entering the parks.

Entrance passes can also be purchased in advance with cash at the locations mentioned above in the response to "What if I only have cash for paying the entrance fee?"

Can I show a digital copy of my pre-paid entrance pass at park entrance stations?

Yes.

What are entrance fees used for?

Entrance fees are an important source of revenue used to improve the visitor experience in national parks, including road and facility repairs and maintenance, trail improvements, accessibility improvements, visitor and resource protection services, and more.

How much does it cost to enter Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?

The cost depends on your situation. Detailed information can be found on our Fees and Passes page.

The most common cases: the entry cost for a single vehicle is $35 for a visit of up to seven days. An annual pass, good for one year from the month of purchase, costs $70.

How can I pay for a campground site?

Sites are reservable in advance at recreation.gov.

How can I pay for a wilderness backcountry permit reservation? How can I pay for a walk-up wilderness backcountry permit?

First, review information about wilderness backcountry permits. Visitors can pay for wilderness permit reservations on recreation.gov. Walk-up wilderness permits must be paid for by credit, debit, or mobile payment.

How are commercial tours affected?

Commercial tour operators should pay for fees with a credit card.