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The New York State Access Pass
The New York State Access Pass allows residents with qualifying disabilities to receive free or discounted use of parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the DEC.
Pass Benefits:
Free Vehicle Entry: Covers vehicle entry fees for the pass holder and their passengers in a private car or van.
Facility Access: Free access to state swimming pools and normal greens fees for state golf courses.
Discounts: Reduced rates on campsite and cabin rentals, as well as transient marina dockage.
To qualify, you must be a New York State resident with a qualifying medical disability. Eligible conditions include, but are not limited to: amputee, blind, developmentally disabled, deaf, mental health conditions, non-ambulatory wheelchair user, or disabled veteran.
You will need to submit documentation from a licensed physician or a qualifying state/federal agency (like the VA, SSDI, or SSI) certifying your disability. WE USED FAITH’S LIFEPLAN.
How to Apply:
Gather Materials: Complete the application form, provide a copy of your NYS Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID, and include your physician or agency documentation.
Submit: Email your application materials to Accesspass@parks.ny.gov or mail them to Access Pass, New York State Parks, Albany, NY 12238.
Processing: Allow 2 to 4 weeks for your application to be reviewed.
Click HERE to go to application!
America the Beautiful Parks Pass
The Access Pass is part of the America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series and is available free for US citizens or residents with permanent disabilities.
The Access Pass may be issued to US citizens or residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities.
Along with a valid photo ID such as a US passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID, you must provide documentation of permanent disability with one (1) of the following: A statement by a licensed physician. Statement must include that the individual has a permanent disability, that it severely limits one or more aspects of their daily life, and the nature of those limitations. A document issued by federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or, Supplemental Security Income. A document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.
We used proof of SSDI payment, along with drivers license.
Physical passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites. Purchase and pickup locations
To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store. Online orders are for physical passes, not digital passes, and may take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered. Order receipts may not be used in place of a physical pass. We recommend ordering at least three weeks in advance of your visit, or picking up a pass in person instead.
We did the digital pass.
Skip the wait! Get a Digital America the Beautiful Pass through recreation.gov. Your digital pass can be saved to a mobile device and used immediately. Get a Digital Access Pass