The Empire Pass
The Empire Pass is New York State Parks' season pass: it waives the vehicle use fee for day-use entry at Heckscher State Park and most other state parks and DEC facilities. Season passes start at $80; a Lifetime Empire Pass is $750. At Heckscher's 2026 rate of $8 to $10 a car, the pass pays for itself in about eight to ten visits. 2026 season sales have closed; 2027 season and multi-season passes go on sale November 23, 2026.
The Empire Pass at a Glance
What the Empire Pass Covers
NYS Parks says the pass gives "unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most state parks and recreation facilities," including DEC forests, beaches and trails. At Heckscher that means the fee booth on the parkway: show or scan the pass and the car fee is waived. It does not cover extras that NYS Parks charges for separately, such as pool entry, pavilion reservations, campsites or cottages. The state publishes a list of the facilities that accept it in its Empire Pass guidelines.
Prices and Types
- Season pass: from $80, accepted through December 31 of its year. Digital passes and renewals are discounted.
- 3-season pass: accepted through December 31, 2028.
- 5-season pass: accepted through December 31, 2030.
- Lifetime Empire Pass: $750, with no expiration date.
NYS Parks does not list every discounted price on the page; the current prices are on the state's online shop, shop.parks.ny.gov.
Digital or Physical?
A digital pass works the moment you buy it and can live in the NY State Parks Explorer app; it cannot be lost and costs less new. A physical card ordered online takes 7 to 10 business days by mail, and NYS Parks says there is no temporary pass: the confirmation email will not get you in. If you are heading to Heckscher this weekend, buy digital.
Sharing the Pass
The pass is shareable with family and friends, but only one vehicle can use it to enter a facility at a time; NYS Parks' comparison table says one car per hour.
When to Buy
NYS Parks closed 2026 season and multi-season sales on September 29, 2026, and says 2027 passes go on sale on November 23, 2026. Lifetime passes, Lifetime Liberty Passes and gift cards could still be ordered in the meantime. A season pass bought in late November covers the whole 2027 season through December 31, 2027.
Is It Worth It for Heckscher?
In 2026 Heckscher charged $8 a car for most of the fee season and $10 from June 27 to September 7. A family that visits eight to ten times between April and October has covered an $80 pass, before counting trips to the other state parks that accept it.
Free and Reduced Alternatives
- Golden Park Program: NY residents 62 and older, free vehicle entry on non-holiday weekdays.
- Access Pass: NY residents with disabilities, free or discounted use.
- Lifetime Liberty Pass: NY veterans and Gold Star parents, spouses and children.
- Patriot Plan: a free Empire Pass for eligible deployed National Guard and reserve members' families.
Lost Pass
A lost, stolen or damaged pass can be replaced for $17 in person at most parks, by phone or by mail. Questions go to empirepassport@parks.ny.gov.
The Empire Pass FAQ
How much is the Empire Pass in New York?
Season passes start at $80; a Lifetime Empire Pass is $750. Multi-season passes cover three or five seasons. Digital passes and renewals are discounted.
Does the Empire Pass work at Heckscher State Park?
Yes. It waives Heckscher's vehicle use fee for day use. It does not cover campsites, cottages or pavilion rentals.
When can I buy a 2027 Empire Pass?
NYS Parks says 2027 season and multi-season passes go on sale November 23, 2026.
Can two cars use one Empire Pass?
Not at once. The pass is shareable, but only one vehicle can use it to enter a park at a time.
Can I use my Empire Pass confirmation email to get in?
No. NYS Parks says there is no temporary pass; a physical card takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. A digital pass works right away.