Empire Pass

New York State Parks

(518) 474-0458

parks.ny.gov

About Empire Pass

Explore the New York State and recreational facilities with the Empire Pass, a wallet-sized card that is sharable amongst friends and family making it a cost-effective way to visit outdoor spaced. An embedded radio-frequency identification chip allows the card to be scanned and accepted at facilities with automatic pay stations. Passes are reusable for one vehicle entrance at a time, which includes motorcycles. It does not cover camping, special events, or overnight parking.

The Empire Pass is your key to all-season enjoyment at New York State parks. Escape, explore, and experience the forests, the seashore, lakefronts, and trails—every day, if you like, through all four seasons. Walk, picnic, bike, and bring as many family members and friends as your car will hold! The passport provides access to state parks and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forest preserve areas, as well as boat launch sites, arboretums, and park preserves.

About Empire Pass

About the Empire Pass Card

2026 pass: $60 (Regular price: $80)

The 2026 Empire Pass is valid any day from the date of purchase. The card will expire 12/31/2026. This pass allows you to create a digital version through the New York State Parks Explorer app, and it can be shared. Once the physical card is purchased from the PEF Membership Benefits Program (PEF MBP) at the discounted rate of $60, it an be renewed online, directly through Empire Pass, at the Empire discounted rate. Or you can come back to PEF MBP and buy a 2027 card at the PEF MBP discounted rate next season.

Guidelines for Use of the Pass Check Empire Pass Expiration Date

Additional Details & Disclaimers

2026 Empire Pass supplies are limited and availability is not guaranteed. Available for purchase through 10/4/26 or when cards sell out, whichever comes first. Pass expires 12/31/26. All sales are final. The PEF Membership Benefits Program cannot be responsible for lost, stolen, expired, or used without permission passes. No refunds or exchanges, which includes unused passes.

PLEASE NOTE: Visit the Empire Pass website prior to your visit for updated information that may impact your experience. Information is subject to change at any time.

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