Looking for an easy, budget-friendly way to get the kids outside this fall? Mark your calendar: the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two more fee-free days left in 2026, on Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, November 11.

The BLM manages millions of acres of public land across the country, and a good chunk of it is right here in California. On fee-free days, families can skip the usual day-use fees at participating sites. That means a little more room in the budget for trail snacks, a picnic lunch, or that post-hike ice cream stop.

The Dates (and the Fine Print)

Two fee-free days remain on the BLM’s 2026 calendar:

• Tuesday, October 27 – Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
• Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day

Both fall on weekdays this year, so they’re a natural fit for homeschool families, a teacher work day, or a Veterans Day school holiday adventure.

A few things to know before you go:

• What’s free: standard amenity and day-use fees, which cover things like visitor centers, picnic and day-use areas, and National Conservation Lands units.
• What’s not: expanded amenity fees and other charges still apply, including group day-use, developed camping, cabin rentals, and special recreation permits. If you’re planning to camp overnight, expect to pay the usual campground fee.
• Who qualifies: new this year, free entry is for U.S. citizens and residents only. Nonresident visitors pay regular fees.

California’s Pick: San Joaquin River Gorge

The one California site on the BLM’s participating list is the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area, tucked into the Sierra foothills about five miles northwest of Auberry in Fresno County. It sits along the San Joaquin River just upstream from Millerton Lake, and from most of Monterey County it’s roughly a three-hour drive. That makes it a full-day outing, or a great reason to make a weekend of it.

Normally, day use costs $5 per vehicle. On fee-free days, that fee is waived for U.S. residents.

Why families will love it

The Gorge has more than 20 miles of multi-use trails winding through oak woodlands and chaparral, and several are a good match for little legs:

• River Access Trail – A short switchback path down to the river’s edge, about 1 mile round trip. A perfect choice for younger kids.
• Foot Bridge Trail – About 2 miles round trip to the Gorge’s much-loved suspension footbridge. It’s a gentle downhill on the way there, which means an uphill climb on the way back, so pace yourselves and pack extra water.
• San Joaquin River Trail – About 4 miles round trip, following part of a historic trade route toward Millerton Lake. Better for older kids and confident hikers.
• Pa’san Ridge Trail – An 8-mile round trip loop for experienced young hikers ready for a real challenge.

The area also has a deep cultural history. The Dumna and Kechayi people once called the Gorge home and still practice their traditions here, and the trail names come from their language. It’s a meaningful opportunity to talk with kids about the people who have cared for this land for generations. A visitor center on site offers educational programs for families, schools, and groups.

Good to know

• Trails are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders, so keep little ones close and teach them to step aside for horses.
• Drinking water is available at the campgrounds, but bring plenty of your own.
• The River Access day-use parking area has an accessible restroom and a wheelchair-friendly picnic table.
• Food and supplies are available in Auberry. The nearest medical facility is in Clovis, about an hour away.
• Camping is available (individual sites start at $10/night), but camping fees still apply on fee-free days.
• Questions? Call the Visitor Center at 559-855-3492.

Getting there: The address is 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry. From Fresno, take CA-168 north. One mile past Prather, turn left onto Auberry Road and follow it 2.9 miles through Auberry. Bear left at the “Y” onto Powerhouse Road, then turn left onto Smalley Road after 1.8 miles and follow it into the recreation area.

Traveling Farther Afield?

If your family is road-tripping out of state this fall, the BLM’s fee-free days apply at participating sites across the West, from Arizona and Nevada to Oregon, Utah, and beyond. The participating list can change, so check the BLM’s full list of fee-free locations before you go, and contact the local BLM office with any questions.

And here’s a bonus: many BLM sites are free every day of the year. You can search BLM recreation sites to find more places to explore with your crew.

However you spend your fee-free day, we hope it’s filled with fresh air, muddy shoes, and plenty of family memories. Happy trails!