New York State Parks Unveils Special Sale on the 2018 Annual Empire Pass Card

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) earlier this month announced it is offering a 4 ½ -month sale on the 2018 annual Empire Pass Card. Currently available online only the 2018 Empire Pass Card is a better and more cost effective way to enjoy the more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, boat launches and more.  The Empire Pass Card is a wallet-sized plastic card that can be shared among family members including parents, grandparents, caregivers and more. It is presented upon vehicle entry and includes QR code and embedded chip technology to allow for easier park access at select facilities.

Beginning November and running through March 31, 2018, the 2018 annual Empire Pass Card, featuring the beach scene, is on sale for $65 and includes all the extended benefits featuring family sharing.  After the sale the annual Empire Pass Card will be available for its regular price of $80, a price that still saves multiple-vehicle families a minimum of $50 annually.

As a special note, those wishing to give the gift of the outdoors this year should order their new specially priced 2018 Empire Pass Card by Friday, December 8 to ensure delivery in time for the holidays.

The former Empire Pass decal, which was not shareable and required attachment to one vehicle, will no longer be offered. All 2017 Empire Pass Decals will be accepted through their expiration on March 31, 2018.

The 2018 Empire Pass Card provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to state parks, Department of Environmental Conservation forest preserves, boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves.

Here is the full inventory of products now available to state park visitors:

2018 Annual Empire Pass Card

• Wallet-sized plastic card
• Family sharing capabilities
• Saves multiple vehicle families a minimum of $50 annually
• Cost: On sale through March 31, 2018 for $65

3-year Empire Pass Card

• Wallet-sized plastic card
• Now featuring family-sharing capabilities
• Chip technology inside the card allows for express entry at many parks
• Offers 3-year park access at a deeper discount
• Cost: $205

5-year Empire Pass Card

• Wallet-sized plastic card
• Now featuring family sharing capabilities
• Chip technology inside the card allows for express entry at select parks
• Offers 5-year park access at a deeper discount
• Cost: $320

Lifetime Empire Pass

• Icon placed on one’s driver’s license
• No expiration date
• Buy it once and enjoy state parks and more forever
• Cost: $750

All products can be purchased online at www.parks.ny.gov. The 2018 Empire Pass Card is available online only and will be available inside the parks in January.

  empire pass card