America the Beautiful Lifetime Seniors Pass Cost Rises 800%

By the time September 2017 rolls around one cost for senior citizens will increase by 800%.  The lifetime America the Beautiful (ATB) passes for Seniors (ages 62 and older) will increase from $10 to $80 on August 28th, 2017.

All $10 lifetime passes purchased BEFORE August 28th will be grandfathered in and still accepted as lifetime passes.

That’s simply too steep for many of us old folks on fixed budgets.  So, $20 Annual Senior passes will also be available for purchase.

The ATB Senior Pass grants the owner free access to all Army Corps Day Use parks at Lake Sidney Lanier, and half-off all nights of camping at Army Corps Campgrounds.

Senior citizens can pay $5/day to visit US Army Corps of Engineers sites on Lake Lanier — or they can get a LIFETIME pass for $10, but not for long.

If you’re a senior, or if you know a senior who doesn’t already have this pass, come to the Corps’ main office at 1050 Buford Dam Rd. Buford, GA 30518.   They’ll be selling passes from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday thru Friday.

America the Beautiful Seniors Pass FAQ

Why is the price of the Senior Pass increasing?

• The price of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass is increasing as result of the Centennial Legislation P.L. 114-289 passed by the US Congress on December 16, 2016.

When was the last time the price increased for the Senior Pass?

• The Senior Pass has been $10 since 1994.

What if a senior citizen is on a fixed budget?

• The legislation also establishes an annual Senior Pass for $20, which is valid for one year from the date of issuance.  Four annual Senior Passes purchased in prior years can be traded in for a lifetime pass.

What if I have a current Senior Pass?  Will my benefits change?

• The current passes are lifetime passes and will remain valid.
• No. All benefits of the current Senior Pass stay the same.

What if my current Senior Pass is lost or stolen?

• Passes are non-refundable and non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
  If lost or stolen, a new pass will need to be purchased.

What does the Senior Pass provide?

• Annual and lifetime Senior Passes provide access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies: National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers.

Are there any other benefits from a Senior Pass?

• Yes, traveling companions can also enter for free.  The Senior Passes admit pass owner/s and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.)
• At many sites, the Senior Passes provide the pass owner (only) a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

How can I purchase a Senior Pass?

• Senior Passes can be purchased at any federal recreation site, including national parks, that charges an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee.  Proof of age and residency is required.
• Passes can also be purchased online or through the mail from USGS; an additional $10 processing fee will be added to the price.
• Visit the USGS store to buy the pass online or find instructions for purchasing by mail.