In an effort to improve efficiency and security for park staff beginning on May 21st Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will no longer accept cash payments at their entrance booths.
The policy change is controversial among proponents of hard currency but park officials ensure cashless transactions will decrease wait times for visitors, improve accountability, and help staff stay safe, secure, and effective allowing rangers to spend more time with visitors.
When the new policy goes into effect visitors will have three options for payments, mobile phone payments, credit/debit cards or by purchasing a park pass at a nearby third-party vendor. Sequoia and Kings Canyon entrance passes can also be purchased in advance online. Read the full press release from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks below.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Press Release:
Beginning May 21, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will transition to a fully cashless fee system. Mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards will be required to pay entrance fees. Visitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase a park pass from one of five local third-party vendors, including the visitor center nearest each park entrance.
Entrance fees are a critical source of revenue used to improve the experience for visitors in national parks. The park uses these funds for maintaining campgrounds, educating students, improving accessibility, and providing the free Sequoia Shuttle service in the Giant Forest area.
“Cash sales represent 14% of in-person sales in the park. During peak season, park rangers spend up to eight and a half hours per day documenting, reporting, and transferring cash receipts. Moving to a cashless system will reduce the amount of time park staff spend managing cash and increase their availability for other work.” -Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Superintendent Clay Jordan
Current third-party vendor locations include:
Near Sequoia National Park
- Sequoia Parks Conservancy in the Foothills Visitor Center; 47050 Generals Hwy #10, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Kaweah Arts; 42249 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Three Rivers Historical Museum; 42268 Sierra Dr. Three Rivers, CA 93271
Near Kings Canyon National Park
- Sequoia Parks Conservancy in the Kings Canyon Visitor Center; 83918 CA-180, Grant Grove Village, CA 93633
- Project Survival Cat Haven; 38257 E. Kings Canyon Rd., Dunlap, CA 93621
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.
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.
