Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota will transition to a fully cashless fee system on May 1, 2026. Entrance fees and other in-person sales will be processed using mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets. The Park Service notes that the transition to electronic payment is safer, reduces transaction times, and improves accountability.
Visitors who are only able to pay with cash will be able to purchase a park pass from one of two local third-party vendors in the surrounding communities.
Currently, cash sales account for less than 10 percent of in-person transactions in the park. According to the Park Service, during peak season, rangers spend up to eight and a half hours per day documenting, reporting, and transferring cash receipts. Transitioning to a cashless system will reduce the time staff spend managing cash, allowing them to focus more on visitor services, public engagement, and fee collection. The change will also help increase the amount of fee revenue available to support critical projects and enhance the visitor experience.
In 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that mandates a reduction in the amount of cash and checks handled by the federal government. Dozens of national park sites had already gone cashless or planned to before the order, citing the workload on staff as one reason. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, and Shenandoah National Park all went cashless in 2025.
Not all visitors are happy with the cashless system, however. A legal challenge to the cashless policy nationally was revived in January 2026 with an amended complaint that specified the constitutional and statutory issues that the Park Service allegedly violates with the cashless policy. The case, which originated in 2024, was dismissed in November 2025.
Entrance fees are a vital source of funding for national parks and are used to improve facilities and services. The Park Service points out that at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, entrance fee revenue has supported improvements such as campground comfort stations, trail rehabilitation projects, road maintenance and safety upgrades, and water and wastewater system improvements to enhance visitor services and preserve park infrastructure.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
