ALBANY, NY (December 4, 2025) — 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.
Customers planning to give the Empire Pass as a gift must order by December 14 to ensure 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 at 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 $750.
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 free entry into state parks on weekdays (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) by showing their New York State driver’s license or state-issued non-driver I.D. The Lifetime Liberty Pass allows eligible New York State veterans or Gold Star Parents, spouses and children discounted use of state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities.
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.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
Discover more from Talk of the Sound
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.