Know What the Empire Pass Covers

The Empire Pass is useful when a household visits state parks often, but it should be understood before purchase. State Parks says the pass waives the vehicle use fee for day-use entry when presented or scanned. It is accepted at most New York State Parks and DEC facilities. The pass is shareable with family and friends, but it may be used by one vehicle at a time when entering a facility.

That still leaves trip-specific questions: beach extras, camping, golf, special permits, and facility-specific charges may follow separate rules.

List the parks and DEC facilities the household expects to visit, then compare those vehicle-entry fees with the pass price. Check each destination for camping, golf, beach, permit, or facility charges that remain separate. Because the pass can be shared but used by only one vehicle at a time, settle who will carry it before two trips land on the same day. At the entrance, have it ready to present or scan for day use.