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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: fees, hours, camping and when to visit
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a National Park System unit in Maryland[4]. NPS lists an entrance fee of $15 per person for the historic zone where the star fort stands[5].
Entrance fees and passes
Fees as listed by the National Park Service. Fees change, so confirm on the park's official fees page before you go.
The America the Beautiful pass is accepted here[8].
Entrance fee payment is cashless (card or mobile payment)[9].
America the Beautiful passes cover entrance fees at national parks and other federal recreation sites.
| Pass | Who can get it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Pass[10] | US citizens and residents | $80 |
| Non-Resident Annual Pass[10] | Non-US residents | $250 |
| Senior Annual Pass[10] | US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $20 |
| Senior Lifetime Pass[10] | US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $80 |
| Military Annual Pass[10] | Current US military and dependents | Free |
| Military Lifetime Pass[10] | Gold Star Family members and veterans | Free |
| Access Pass[10] | US citizens and residents with permanent disability | Free |
| 4th Grade Pass[10] | US 4th graders | Free |
| Volunteer Pass[10] | Federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours | Free |
When to visit and hours
NPS lists weather as mild in spring and fall, with possible ice, snow and freezing temperatures in winter and extreme heat in summer[11]. In 2025 the busiest month was May with 41,738 recreation visits[1]. NPS lists the registers for entry and passes as open at 9:00[12] in the morning and closing at 4 p.m.[12]. Last entry is listed at 4:45[12] in the afternoon. Buildings such as the visitor center and the Star Fort shut 15 minutes[12] before the gates do. NPS lists exceptions on Thanksgiving 2026-11-26, Christmas 2026-12-25 and New Year's Day 2027-01-01[12]. Bad weather may affect hours at any time of year, so check park alerts or call ahead[11].
Show visits by month
| Month, 2025 | Recreation visits |
|---|---|
| January | 5,692 |
| February | 29,076 |
| March | 21,308 |
| April | 15,844 |
| May | 41,738 |
| June | 37,563 |
| July | 36,706 |
| August | 40,247 |
| September | 37,306 |
| October | 0 |
| November | 7,357 |
| December | 10,190 |
Pets and dogs
The national NPS rule says pets must be kept in a crate or cage, or on a leash of six feet or less, in the areas where they are allowed[13]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, and each park can close more areas to pets[13]. NPS says pets are permitted at 14 of the 23 things to do it lists here, including Ranger's Choice Programs and Weapons Demonstration[14].
Before you go
- NPS says entrance fees here are cashless, so bring a card or mobile payment[9].
- The Fort McHenry Annual Pass costs $45 and covers the pass holder plus three adults for 12 months[7].
- The park accepts the America the Beautiful pass for entrance[8]. NPS lists the Resident Annual Pass at $80[10].
- NPS lists one visitor center, the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center[3].
- Fees and hours change, so confirm them on the official NPS park page before you go[12].
Questions people ask
- How much does it cost to enter Fort McHenry?
- NPS lists an entrance fee of $15 per person for the historic zone[5]. NPS notes there is no group rate and groups pay $15 per adult[6].
- Does Fort McHenry take cash?
- According to NPS, entrance fees are cashless, so plan on a card or mobile payment[9].
- Can I use an America the Beautiful pass at Fort McHenry?
- Yes, NPS lists the park as accepting the America the Beautiful pass for entrance[8]. NPS lists the Resident Annual Pass at $80[10].
Facts and sources
- NPS recreation visits by month, 2025 (chart on this page). NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- NPS recreation visits per year: 2021: 150,075, 2022: 223,957, 2023: 429,967, 2024: 394,175, 2025: 283,027. NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center). National Park Service
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Monument and Historic Shrine) in Maryland. National Park Service
- Entrance fee, Per Person: $15. National Park Service
- Entrance fee, Non-commercial Groups: $15. National Park Service
- Annual Entrance - Park: $45. National Park Service
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine accepts the America the Beautiful (interagency) pass for entrance. National Park Service
- Entrance fees at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine are cashless (cards or mobile payment, no cash) according to NPS. National Park Service
- America the Beautiful pass prices (table on this page). NPS Passes
- NPS weather and seasons overview for Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. National Park Service
- Operating hours, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or America the Beautiful Passes are open from 9:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Star Fort, Visitor Center, gift shop, and restrooms... National Park Service
- National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
- NPS lists 23 things to do at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: Fort McHenry's Defenders, Flag Change Programs, War in the Chesapeake, American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave, Ranger's Choice Programs, Fort McHenry Movie, Fife... National Park Service