One bit of advice, if you are a certified geezer and over age 65, go to the National Park service and get a park pass. For over 65 they are free. I have one I keep in my 911. I plan to use it this summer as I go through Joshua Tree park.
You will have to show your ID to match the pass, to get in. At Acadia park in Maine, we had gotten out of the car several times, and we locked my wife's purse in the trunk. I was still a puppy then and under 65, so we used her pass. We drove most of the park, and then came to a gate. The ranger scanned the pass and had to see my wife's driver's license. So I stopped the traffic as I got out, opened the trunk of the 911, and got her the purse, and she produce the ID. Off we went. So keep the ID handy close to the pass that hangs on the rear view mirror.
I guess if you are under 65, a park pass is a good thing, but you have to pay a small fee. Much easier than paying at each park.