2026 National Park Reservations: How to Book and What You Need

Planning a trip to a U.S. national park used to be simple. Pack your bags and go. That just isn’t possible today unless you are very flexible and know what you are doing. Today, however, National Park Reservations are a critical part of trip planning. If you don’t understand the system, you could arrive at a park only to be turned away at the gate.

In this guide, you’ll get a complete, up-to-date overview of how national park reservations work, what tools and websites to use, and which parks require reservations in 2026.

This article was published on January 16, 2026, based on the current information from the National Park Service. Several National Parks have not announced their 2026 plans at this time, but this article will be updated as they are released.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here

Why Do National Park Reservations Exist?

The National Parks have always required some form of reservations. It used to be limited to backpacking, a few hikes, ranger-guided tours, and select campgrounds. In recent years, reservations have expanded to the majority of campgrounds, a few more popular hikes, timed entry or entry reservations, and more and more lottery systems.

It is easy to blame the COVID-19 pandemic for the introduction of timed entry/entrance reservations implemented in some of the more popular parks, but in reality, these systems were under consideration long before COVID started. National Park visitation has been steadily growing since the early 70’s. I’m not joking when I say that park visitation is up by over 2900% since 1971, and by 96% since 2000. In recent years, visitation has stabilized, ranging from 300 to 330 million. In 2024, NPS saw 331,863,358 across the entire National Park System.

COVID was just the final catalyst, and it provided NPS with a good excuse to start implementing/ expanding these programs.

Do All National Parks Require Reservations?

No, the majority of parks do not require a reservation to enter. That said, most parks require permits or reservations for activities such as camping, backpacking, select trails, or other special activities.

Here is a list of National Parks that require a reservation for entrance:

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
• Isle Royale National Park
• Katmai National Park and Preserve
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
• Rocky Mountain National Park

These parks require an entry reservation, either through a timed permit or by reserving transportation into the park.

Arches, Glacier, Mount Rainier, and Yosemite National Parks will not be using a timed entry reservation system in 2026.

Here is a list of parks that have activity (sunrise road access, cave tours, ect) or permits for specific hikes (This list does not include backcountry or camping reservations):

• Acadia National Park
• Arches National Park
• Biscayne National Park
• Crater Lake National Park
• Denali National Park and Preserve
• Gateway Arch National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
• Great Basin National Park
• Haleakala National Park
• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Sequoia National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Zion National Park

Types of National Park Reservations.

Timed Entry Reservations/Permits give you access to the park or a section of the park during a specific time window (for example, 9 am and 11 am on August 3). Arches, Carlsbad Caverns, and Rocky Mountain National Park all use timed entry permits.

Vehicle Reservations provide entrance to a specific section of the park or to a specific section during a specific time. Acadia National Park requires vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road.

Transportation Reservations are required to access some of the more remote National Parks. These parks are not accessible by road; this includes Isle Royale National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Backcountry Permits are generally required to spend the night in the backcountry in the park. These include backcountry campgrounds or cross-country camping areas.

Campground Reservations are required to camp in most National Park campgrounds. The reservation windows range from 7 days to 6 months.

Hiking Permits are required for day hiking specific trail. These are generally only required for extremely popular trails with limited access, such as Half Dome in Yosemite National Park or Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Guided Tours & Activity Permits are required or recommended for certain national park experiences, such as cave tours, rock climbing, or kayaking. Some examples include cave tours in Mammoth Cave National Park or the Fiery Furnace hike in Arches National Park.

Important Note: This article only covers timed entry, vehicle reservations, transportation, hiking permits, and guided tours & activity permits. It does not cover camping, backcountry, lodging, day-use sites, or special event reservations. If you are interested in learning more about these reservations, please get a copy of our National Park Reservation Master List.

Where to Make National Park Reservations?

The primary platform for park reservations is Recreation.gov. Most NPS run permits, reservable ranger-guided tours, entrance permits, vehicle reservations, and hiking permits will be booked through this platform.

Recreation.gov is operated under contract by Booz Allen Hamilton, a private company under contract to run Recreation.gov. All service, processing, and lottery application fees go to Booz Allen Hamilton. Sadly, there is very little transparency in how much Booz is making from those “junk” fees, but it’s easily millions of dollars a year in just lottery application fees

The other primary reservation platforms are the various concessionaire websites. A concessionaire is a private company authorized by the National Park Service to operate visitor services inside a national park. Concessionaires operate hotels, food service, and most transportation within the National Parks.

The Ultimate National Park Reservation Master List (What It Includes)

Planning a National Park trip shouldn’t require opening 30 browser tabs, digging through outdated park pages, or guessing which reservations you actually need. That’s exactly why I created the National Park Reservation Master List.

This comprehensive guide covers the in-park reservations windows and links for all campgrounds, in-park lodges, cabins, and hotels, timed entry, backcountry permits, guided tours & activities, and much more for only $9.

US National Parks that Require Reservations to Make the Most of Your Visit (Outside of Camping/Backpacking)

Acadia National Park

Reservation Type: Vehicle Reservation for Cadillac Summit Road

Acadia National Park combines Atlantic coastline, granite peaks, and dense forests across Mount Desert Island. It features Cadillac Mountain, one of the first U.S. spots to see sunrise, and miles of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Just under 4 million people visited Acadia in 2024. It was the 7th most popular National Park.

Cadillac Mountain Reservations

With panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, and the Gulf of Maine and one of the first places in the US to see the sunrise, Cadillac Mountain attracts thousands of visitors daily in the summer and fall. To manage traffic and protect the fragile summit ecosystem, the National Park Service implemented a timed entry reservation system in 2021 for vehicles driving the Cadillac Summit Road.

This system limits congestion and improves the visitor experience, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the summit is most crowded.

• 2026 Dates: May 20 through October 25
• Cost: $6 reservation fee
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reservations are made online only at recreation.gov.

There are two types of reservations: Sunrise Reservations allow entry about an hour before sunrise. These are the most popular and hardest reservations to get. Daytime Reservations run from about 30 mins until sunset. You have a 30-minute window to enter Cadillac Summit Road

30% of the reservations are released 90 days in advance, and the remaining 70% are released 2 days in advance. All permits are released at 10 am EST.

Arches National Park

Reservation Type: Timed Entry Reservation & Hiking Permits for Fiery Furnace

Arches holds the world’s highest concentration of natural stone arches, including Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Its red rock terrain and narrow sandstone fins offer striking geological formations shaped by erosion over millennia.

Just under 1.4 million people visited Arches in 2024. It was the 20th most visited National Park.

Arches National Park Timed Entry Reservations

Arches National Park isn’t going to require timed entry in 2026,

Fiery Furnace Hiking Permits

The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, fins, and hidden arches located in Arches National Park. Due to the fragile landscape and potential for hikers to get lost, the National Park Service requires all visitors to obtain a permit or join a ranger-led tour to explore the area.

This system helps protect sensitive desert soils and ensures visitor safety in a trail-less, maze-like environment.

• Guided Hikes: Mid-April to mid-September
• Self-Guided Hikes: Year-round
• Cost: $10 per person (self-guided permit) or $16 per person (ranger-led tour)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reservations are made online only at recreation.gov.

Self-Guided Permits allow you to hike the Fiery Furnace independently. You must first watch a required orientation video online (or at the Arches Visitor Center) to receive a safety briefing and Leave No Trace instructions. Navigation skills are essential—there are no marked trails.

Ranger-Led Tours are offered seasonally and provide a guided experience through the area’s unique geological features. These fill up quickly and are limited to small groups.

Permits and tours are released 7 days in advance at 8 AM Mountain Time. No walk-up permits are issued at the park.

Biscayne National Park

Reservation Type: Guided Tours

Located in Biscayne Bay, the park protects coral reefs, mangrove shorelines, and the northernmost Florida Keys. It preserves maritime history through shipwrecks and offers snorkeling access to vibrant underwater ecosystems.

Just over half a million people visited Biscyane in 2024. It was the 38th most visited National Park.

Biscayne National Park Guided Tour Reservations

Since 95% of the park is water and has no road access to its islands, guided boat tours and snorkeling trips are the primary way to explore.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round, with peak season from December through April
• Cost: Varies by tour ($29–$109 per person)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reservations can be made online at Biscayne National Park Institute.

There are several types of guided tours: Island Boat Tours travel to Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key and offer historic lighthouse walks, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Snorkeling and Paddle Tours explore coral reefs such as the Mandalay Wreck and Fowey Rocks, with gear and instruction provided. Canoe/Kayak Eco-Adventures guides visitors through mangrove creeks and shallow bay waters for a more intimate look at the park’s ecosystems.

All tours require reservations, and trips frequently sell out. Availability typically opens several months in advance, with same-week spots often limited.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Reservation Type: Timed Entry Permits & Guided Cave Tours

Carlsbad Caverns features over 100 limestone caves, including the Big Room—a massive underground chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites. In summer, thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats exit the caves at dusk in dramatic flights.

About 460,000 people visited Carlsbad Caverns in 2024. It was the 43rd most visited National Park.

Calsbad Caverns National Park Timed Entry Reservation

Home to over 100 limestone caves, including the spectacular Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers one of the most impressive underground landscapes in the U.S. To ensure visitor safety and protect the delicate cave environment, the National Park Service requires timed entry reservations for all self-guided and ranger-guided cavern access.

This system helps regulate daily capacity inside the caverns and prevents overcrowding, especially during weekends, holidays, and summer months.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $1 timed entry reservation fee per person (separate from park entry fee)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reservations are required and must be made online at Recreation.gov

There are two ways to explore the caverns:

Self-Guided Tours allow visitors to explore the Big Room and Natural Entrance Trail at their own pace. These tours still require a timed entry reservation and check-in at the visitor center.

Ranger-Guided Tours offer access to additional cave areas such as King’s Palace, Left Hand Tunnel, and Lower Cave. These tours require a separate reservation and fee and may sell out weeks in advance.

All timed entry tickets are released 30 days in advance at 10 AM ET, with limited next-day availability sometimes offered based on capacity.

Channel Islands National Park

Reservation Type: Ferry transport to the various islands

The park includes five ecologically diverse islands off the California coast, home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals, many found nowhere else. Access requires a boat, and activities focus on kayaking, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Just over 260,000 people visited Channel Islands in 2024. It was the 50th most visited National Park.

Channel Island National Park Ferry Reservation

Channel Islands National Park includes five remote islands off the coast of Southern California, accessible only by boat. Ferry reservations are required and often fill months in advance.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round, with higher demand from March through October
• Cost: Varies by island and trip type (~$63–$84 round-trip per adult)
• Purchase Your Ticket: All ferry reservations are managed by the park’s official concessionaire, Island Packers, at IslandPackers.com.

There are multiple trip options:

• Day Trips to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa
• Overnight Drop-Offs for camping (must reserve campsites separately)
• Whale Watching or Wildlife Cruises are offered seasonally

Ferries depart from Ventura or Oxnard harbors, depending on the island. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Weather and ocean conditions can affect departure schedules.

Crater Lake National Park

Reservation Type: Boat Tour of the Lake

Crater Lake was formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago, creating the deepest lake in the U.S. Its famously clear, deep blue waters fill a volcanic caldera and are surrounded by cliffs over 2,000 feet high.

Just over half a million people visited Crater Lake in 2024. It was the 39th most visited National Park.

Crater Lake National Park Boat Tour Reservation

There will be no lake shore access or boat tours from 2026 to 2029 due to the rehabilitation work on Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina.

Crater Lake National Park offers boat tours on the lake’s vivid blue waters, with close-up views of Wizard Island and the volcanic caldera walls. Due to limited seasonal access and seating, reservations are required for all boat tours.

• 2026 Dates: Not offered due to construction.
• Cost: Starts at $44 per adult
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reservations will be available on TravelCraterLake.com.

There are two types of tours. The Lake Cruise is a 2-hour narrated boat ride. The Wizard Island Tour includes a stop for hiking and swimming on the island. To access the boats, visitors must hike the steep Cleetwood Cove Trail (1.1 miles one-way, 700 ft elevation loss/gain). Seating is limited, and tickets typically sell out weeks in advance during peak season.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Reservation Type: Bus Reservations

Denali spans six million acres of wilderness and features the tallest peak in North America—Denali at 20,310 feet. The park supports moose, grizzlies, wolves, and caribou, and limits vehicle access to protect its remote landscape.

About 460,000 people visited Denali in 2024. It was the 42nd most visited National Park.

Denali National Park Bus Reservations

Denali National Park offers scenic and wildlife viewing buses along the park’s 92-mile access road, most of which is closed to private vehicles. Bus reservations are required for both narrated tours and non-narrated transit options.

2026 Dates: Mid-May through mid-September (seasonal service)
Cost:

• Transit Bus: Starting at $33
• Narrated Tour Bus: Starting at $100+ per person
  Purchase Your Ticket: All bus tickets are booked through the park’s official provider, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, at ReserveDenali.com.

There are two main types of buses:

• Transit Buses: Budget-friendly, hop-on/hop-off style transportation—great for hikers and photographers
• Narrated Tours: Include a certified naturalist guide, with scheduled stops and wildlife interpretation

As of recent years, bus service has been restricted to Mile 43 due to the Pretty Rocks landslide. Restoration work may impact 2026 routes; check the latest updates before booking.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Reservation Type: Ferry and Seaplane Transportation

Located 70 miles west of Key West, the park consists of seven small islands and Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress. Its clear waters support coral reefs and nesting seabirds, and it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane.

About 80,000 people visited Dry Tortugas in 2024. It was the 42th most visited National Park.

Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry Reservations

Since the park is only accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat, and daily visitor capacity is limited, ferry reservations are required and often sell out months in advance. The ferry offers the most affordable and popular option for day trips and camping transport.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $220 per adult (day trip); $15/night for camping (plus ferry ticket)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Ferry tickets must be reserved online through Yankee Freedom.

There are two types of reservations:

Day Trip Reservations include a 2.25-hour boat ride each way, breakfast, lunch, a guided Fort Jefferson tour, snorkeling gear, and about 4–5 hours on the island. Capacity is limited to about 175 passengers per day.

Overnight Camping Reservations are available for Garden Key, but campers must bring all supplies and must reserve both a ferry seat and a campsite in advance. Campsite space is limited to 10 sites, and availability is extremely competitive.

Reservations can be made up to 6–12 months in advance, and peak season (December–April) sells out early. There is a day-of standby list, but space is based on no-shows or cancellations.

Dry Tortugas National Park Seaplane Reservations

This transportation method offers aerial views of shipwrecks, sea turtles, and coral reefs en route to the islands. With limited daily capacity and high demand, seaplane reservations are required well in advance, especially during peak winter and spring months.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $451 per adult (half day), $634 per adult (full day)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reservations are made online at Key West Seaplane Adventures.

There are two types of reservations. Half-Day Flights offer about 2.5 hours on the island, with a total trip time of 4 hours, including flights. Includes snorkeling gear and a cooler with water. Full-Day Flights offer 6.5 hours on the island, ideal for more relaxed exploration or photography.

Reservations can be made up to a year in advance, and each flight is limited to just 10 passengers. The weather may affect scheduling.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

Reservation Type: Transportation to the Park

Above the Arctic Circle, this park has no roads, trails, or visitor centers—preserving true wilderness. It includes parts of the Brooks Range and supports seasonal caribou migrations and Indigenous subsistence activities.

Just under 12,000 people visited Gates of the Arctic in 2024. It was the least visited National Park.

Gates of the Arctic National Park Transportation Reservation

With no roads, trails, or visitor centers, Gates of the Arctic National Park is one of the most remote wilderness areas in the U.S., located entirely above the Arctic Circle. Access is only possible via air taxi, backpacking routes, or river trips, and all travel must be planned in advance through outfitters or charter services.

Transportation logistics are critical and must be secured well ahead of any visit.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round (most accessible June–September)
• Cost: Varies by air taxi and service (~$900+ per person round trip)
• Reserve Your Trip: Contact licensed air taxis like Bettles Air, Wright Air, or Coyote Air for reservations; details available on the Gates of the Arctic NPS website.

There are two common types of transport. Charter Flights from Coldfoot, Bettles, or other Northern Alaskan towns fly to Anaktuvuk Pass, gravel bars, or custom drop points for backpacking or float trips. Guided Expeditions can include bush flights, gear rentals, and backcountry support through licensed outfitters.

All trips require careful planning, wilderness survival knowledge, and possibly a backcountry orientation. No permits are needed, but advance coordination is essential.

Gateway Arch National Park

Reservation Type: Tram Tickets

Centered around the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the park honors the westward expansion of the United States. Its museum explores frontier history, and the tram ride offers panoramic views from the top.

Just over 2.5 million people visited Gateway Arch in 2024. It was the 14th most visited National Park.

Gateway Arch National Park Tram Tickets

To reach the observation deck at the top, visitors must ride a unique tram system inside the Arch’s legs, and tickets are required in advance due to high demand and limited capacity. The ride offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River, St. Louis skyline, and the surrounding states.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $15–$19 per adult (price varies by season and age)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Tickets are available online at GatewayArch.com and at the Arch Visitor Center, but advance purchase is highly recommended.

There are two types of reservations. Tram to the Top is the main ticketed experience and includes the ride to the observation deck, access to museum exhibits, and entry to the Arch grounds. Combo Tickets are also available and may include a riverboat cruise, documentary film, or museum tour at a discounted bundled rate.

Tickets can be reserved up to 12 months in advance, and time slots fill quickly. Visitors must pass through airport-style security before entering the Arch facility.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Reservation Type: Boat Tour

Glacier Bay contains tidewater glaciers, fjords, and dense coastal rainforests. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and supports whales, sea lions, and bears in its icy marine environment.

Just over 700,000 people visited Glacier Bay in 2024. It was the 30th most visited National Park.

Glacier Bay National Park Boat Tour Reservations

Glacier Bay National Park offers daily boat tours of its glacier-carved fjords and coastal waters, featuring tidewater glaciers, puffins, sea lions, and breaching whales.

Tours often sell out during peak cruise season.

• 2026 Dates: May through September
• Cost: Starting around $240 per adult
• Purchase Your Ticket: Book directly through the park’s concessionaire, Glacier Bay Lodge.

Day Boat Tour departs from Bartlett Cove and offers an 8-hour round-trip journey through Glacier Bay’s iconic waters. The tour includes narration by a park ranger, lunch, and opportunities to view multiple glaciers. This tour can also be used to drop off or pick up for kayaking, hiking, or camping.

Reservations should be made months in advance. Lodging at Glacier Bay Lodge often includes tour reservations.

Great Basin National Park

Reservation Type: Cave Tour

Great Basin features ancient bristlecone pines, the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, and the marble-decorated Lehman Caves. The park also offers some of the darkest night skies in the U.S. for astronomy.

Just over 150,000 people visited Great Basin in 2024. It was the 10th least visited National Park.

Great Basin National Park Cave Tour Reservations

Great Basin National Park is home to the Lehman Caves, an extensive marble cave system with rare shield formations, stalactites, and underground chambers. To protect this delicate environment and manage group sizes, guided tours are required and must be reserved in advance.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round, pending staffing (tour frequency increases April–October)
• Cost: $10–$15 per person, depending on tour.
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reservations are made online at Recreation.gov.

There are two primary tours. Lodge Room Tour (60 minutes) is family-friendly and explores large chambers. Grand Palace Tour (90 minutes) offers more time underground, including rare formations.

Tour reservations open 30 days in advance at 8 AM Mountain Time, and summer tours often sell out. Children under 5 are not permitted on longer tours.

Haleakala National Park

Reservation Type: Summit Sunrise Permits

The park encompasses a massive shield volcano with a 10,000-foot summit crater often viewed at sunrise. Its Kīpahulu District includes waterfalls, bamboo forests, and Hawaiian cultural sites.

Just over 700,000 people visited Haleakala in 2024. It was the 32th most visited National Park.

Haleakala National Park Sunrise Reservations

Haleakalā National Park on Maui is world-famous for its sunrise above the clouds from the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakalā volcano. Due to extreme demand, limited parking, and fragile alpine ecosystems, the National Park Service requires a reservation to access the summit between 3 AM and 7 AM.

This sunrise experience is often cited as one of the most breathtaking in the world.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $1 reservation fee per vehicle (separate from park entrance fee)
• Purchase Your Ticket: All sunrise reservations are made online at Recreation.gov.

Sunrise Summit Access allows entry to the summit area between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. You must arrive within the selected window, and parking is available at the Summit, Haleakalā Visitor Center, or Kalahaku Overlook.

Reservations open 60 days in advance, with a limited number released 2 days ahead at 7 AM Hawaiʻi Standard Time. No sunrise reservations are issued in person or at the park.

Isle Royale National Park

Reservation Type: Ferry and Seaplane Transportation

This remote island in Lake Superior supports moose, wolves, and pristine forested trails. Open only seasonally and accessible by ferry or seaplane, it offers solitude for hikers and paddlers.

Just over 28,000 people visited Isle Royale in 2024. It was the 6th least visited National Park.

Isle Royale National Park Ferry Reservations

Ferry reservations are required to reach the island from Michigan or Minnesota ports.

• 2026 Dates: April 16 through October 15
• Cost: $80–$110 round trip (varies by ferry and port)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Reserve directly through ferry operators:
  • Isle Royale Queen IV (Copper Harbor, MI)
  • Ranger III (Houghton, MI)
  • Voyageur II & Sea Hunter III (Grand Portage, MN)

Space is limited, and reservations start from November to January for the following summer.

Isle Royale National Park Seaplane Reservations

Seaplane flights offer the fastest and most scenic route to Isle Royale, with departures from Houghton, MI and Grand Marais, MN.

• 2026 Dates: May through October
• Cost: $380 round trip per adult
• Purchase Your Ticket: Book online at Isle Royale Seaplanes

Flights are weather-dependent and land on Windigo or Rock Harbor. The service includes gear weight limits and passenger restrictions. Due to limited seating, reservations are required and should be made 12-18 months in advance.

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Reservation Type: Water Taxi or Seaplane Transportation

Katmai is known for bear viewing at Brooks Falls, where brown bears catch salmon mid-jump. It also preserves the volcanic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, created during the 1912 Novarupta eruption.

Just over 36,000 people visited Katmai in 2024. It was the 7th least visited National Park.

Katmai National Park Seaplane Reservations

All visitors to Katmai arrive by air, typically via seaplane from King Salmon, Anchorage, or other nearby towns. Flights to Brooks Camp or other wilderness areas must be reserved well in advance.

• 2026 Dates: June through mid-September
• Cost: $500 to $1,500 from round trip (varies by route)
• Purchase Your Ticket: Contact licensed air taxis like Katmai Air or Rusts Air for reservations; details available on the Katmai NPS website.

Seaplanes depart from various locations around southern Alaska and land directly on Naknek Lake near Brooks Camp. Day trips and lodge packages may include flight costs.

Katmai National Park Brooks Water Taxi Reservations

If you don’t want to fly from King Salmon to Brooks Camp, you can take the ferry across Naknek Lake. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure your departure and return times.

2026 Dates: June through mid-September
Cost: $350 per person round-trip
Purchase Your Ticket: Reserve online at Katmai Water Taxi

The water taxi operates every two hours.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Reservation Type: Boat Tour

The park features tidewater glaciers, coastal fjords, and access to the Harding Icefield. Its marine waters support puffins, sea otters, and humpback whales near the town of Seward.

Just over 400,000 people visited Katmai in 2024. It was the 17th least visited National Park.

Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour Reservation

Boat tours are the best way to explore the glacier-filled fjords and marine life of Kenai Fjords National Park. Tours depart from Seward, Alaska, and sell out in peak summer months.

• 2026 Dates: May through September
• Cost: $120–$230 per person
• Purchase Your Ticket: Book at Major Marine Tours or Kenai Fjords Tours

Tours range from 4 to 8 hours and include glacier viewing, whale watching, and optional meals. Reserve early for the best timing and weather conditions.

Kobuk Valley National Park

Reservation Type: Flight Transportation

Kobuk Valley contains the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes—an Arctic anomaly—and lies within a major caribou migration route. There are no roads or trails, and access requires air travel from remote villages.

Just over 17,000 people visited Katmai in 2024. It was the 3th least visited National Park.

Kobuk Valley National Park Flight Reservations

Accessible only by air, Kobuk Valley National Park has no roads, visitor centers, or established trails. Flight reservations are essential and must be made through charter operators from Kotzebue or Bettles, Alaska.

• 2026 Dates: June through September
• Cost: $1000+, depending on trip
• Reserve Your Flight: Contact licensed air taxis like Bettles Air, Wright Air, or Coyote Air for reservations; details available on the Kobuk Valley NPS website.

All trips require advance planning, and many visitors combine Kobuk Valley with Gates of the Arctic. No permits are required.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Reservation Type: Flight Transportation

Kobuk Valley contains the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes—an Arctic anomaly—and lies within a major caribou migration route. There are no roads or trails, and access requires air travel from remote villages.

Just over 18,000 people visited Lake Clark in 2024. It was the 4th least visited National Park.

Lake Clark National Park Flight Reservations

Remote and rugged, Lake Clark National Park is only accessible by small plane or boat. Most visitors fly in from Anchorage to Port Alsworth, the park’s primary access point.

2026 Dates: May through September
Cost: ~$500–$800 round trip
Reserve Your Flight: Contact licensed air taxis like Lake and Pen Airways or Rusts Air for reservations; details available on the Lake Clark NPS website.

Popular for fishing, bear viewing, and hiking, all trips require advanced logistical coordination. No permit needed for general entry.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Reservation Type: Cave Tours

The park protects the world’s longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of mapped passageways. Surface areas include forested trails and sections of the Green River.

Just over 700,000 people visited Mammonth in 2024. It was the 28th most visited National Park.

Mammoth Cave National Park Cave Tour Tickets

Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system, and guided tours are required to explore it. Tickets must be purchased in advance due to tour size limits and seasonal popularity.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $12–$25 per person
• Purchase Your Ticket: Book at Recreation.gov

Tours range from 30 minutes to 2+ hours. Some include steep stairs or low ceilings; check restrictions before booking.

Mesa Verde National Park

Reservation Type: Guided Tours

Mesa Verde preserves more than 5,000 archaeological sites from the Ancestral Puebloans, including iconic cliff dwellings like Cliff Palace. Many sites are accessible only by ranger-guided tours.

Just under 500,000 people visited Mesa Verde in 2024. It was the 41th most visited National Park.

Mesa Verde National Park Cliff Dwelling Tours

Access to iconic cliff dwellings like Cliff Palace is only permitted via ranger-led tours, which require timed-entry tickets. These tours often sell out during summer and school breaks.

• 2026 Dates: Mid-May through late October
• Cost: $8–$25 per person
• Purchase Your Ticket: Book on Recreation.gov

Options include Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. Hiking and stair climbing are required.

Redwood National and State Parks

Reservation Type: Hiking Permits

These parks protect towering coast redwoods—some reaching over 350 feet tall—along with prairie lands and rugged Pacific coastline. Fern Canyon, used in film scenes, showcases a lush, narrow ravine of dripping green walls.

Just over 600,000 people visited Redwoods in 2024. It was the 35th most visited National Park.

Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon Access/Hiking Permits

In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, access to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon is regulated via a free permit system to reduce crowding and protect the trail.

2026 Dates: May 15 – September 15
Cost: Free permit; day-use vehicle fee still applies
Reserve Your Permit: Get your permits from parks.ca.gov.

Permits are required for vehicle access to the Fern Canyon parking area. Hike-in access via other trails does not require a permit.

Tall Trees Hiking Permits

The Tall Trees Grove requires a free, but limited-access permit to preserve the fragile environment surrounding some of the tallest trees on Earth.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round (weather permitting)
• Cost: Free
• Reserve Your Permit: Apply at Redwoods Parks Conservancy

Permits include a gate access code for a remote road. Group size is limited, and trail difficulty is moderate with steep climbs.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Reservation Type: Timed Entry & Hiker Shuttle Tickets

The park features alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and 60 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet, including Longs Peak. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide and is among the highest paved roads in North America.

Just over 4.1 million people visited Rocky Mountain in 2024. It was the 5th most visited National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Reservations

To manage congestion, Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed-entry reservations for vehicle access from late May through mid-October.

• 2026 Dates: May 24 – October 20
• Cost: $2 reservation fee per vehicle
• Reserve Your Ticket: Book on Recreation.gov

There are two different timed entry reservation options:

• Bear Lake Corridor Access (5 AM–6 PM) – provides access to the Bear Lake area, as well as the rest of the park.
• General Park Access (9 AM–2 PM) – provides access to the entire park other than the Bear Lake area.

Permits are released on blocks on the 1st of the month before (except for May) and 2 days in advance.

• May 22 – June 30 is released on May 1.
• July 1 – July 31 are released on June 1.
• August 1 – August 31 are released on July 1.
• September 1 – September 30 are released on August 1.
• October 1 – October 18 are released on September 1

Hiker Shuttle Reservations

The Hiker Shuttle provides service to passengers from the Estes Park Visitor Center in the town of Estes Park (near the intersections of U.S. Highways 36 and 34) to Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride Transit Hub, located on Bear Lake Road. You do not need a timed entry permit if using the hiker shuttle.

• 2026 Dates: May 23 – October 20
• Cost: $2 per person
• Reserve Your Spot: Recreation.gov

Permits are released on blocks on the 1st of the month before (except for May) and 2 days in advance. Shuttles depart from the Park & Ride lot every 10–15 minutes.

• May 22 – June 30 is released on May 1.
• July 1 – July 31 are released on June 1.
• August 1 – August 31 are released on July 1.
• September 1 – September 30 are released on August 1.
• October 1 – October 18 are released on September 1

Sequoia National Park

Reservation Type: Cave tour and shuttle tickets

Sequoia is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree by volume, and dozens of giant sequoia groves. The park also features Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S.

Just over 1.3 million people visited Sequoia in 2024. It was the 24th most visited National Park.

Crystal Cave Tour Ticket

Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park is a marble cave filled with stalactites and flowstone. Tours are required and sell out quickly in summer.

2026 Dates: Late May – September
Cost: $18–$25 per person
Purchase Your Ticket: Book on Seqouia Parks Conservancy

The hike to the cave entrance is steep (0.5 mi), and jackets are advised—temperatures remain ~50°F inside.

Sequoia National Park Shuttle Tickets

The Sequoia Shuttle provides access from Visalia to Sequoia National Park. This is useful for people driving oversized vehicles or who are afraid of the winding road into Sequoia.

2026 Dates: May 26 to September 7, 2026
Cost: $15 per person
Check Shuttle Info: Sequoia Shuttle

Shenandoah National Park

Reservation Type: Old Rag Hiking Permits

Shenandoah stretches along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and features over 500 miles of trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Skyline Drive offers continuous scenic overlooks through the park’s length.

Just over 1.7 million people visited Shenandoah in 2024. It was the 18th most visited National Park.

Old Rag Hiking Permits

Old Rag Mountain requires a day-use permit to reduce overuse on this strenuous and popular loop hike.

• 2026 Dates: March 1 – November 30
• Cost: $1 per person
• Reserve Your Permit: Book on Recreation.gov

Permits are released in two batches, one 30 days in advance and the other 5 days in advance. The hike involves rock scrambles and steep sections.

Voyageurs National Park

Reservation Type: Boat Tours

Comprised of interconnected lakes, the park is best explored by boat and includes historic fur trade routes. Houseboat camping, canoeing, and island hiking define the visitor experience.

Just under 200,000 people visited Voyageurs in 2024. It was the 11th least visited National Park.

Voyageurs National Park Boat Tour Reservations

Since Voyageurs is water-based, ranger-led boat tours offer the best way to explore hidden coves, historic sites, and wildlife habitats.

• 2026 Dates: June through September
• Cost: $30–$60 per person
• Reserve Your Ticket: Book at Recreation.gov

Tours depart from Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake visitor centers, and reservations are released in April. Options include wildlife cruises, historic island stops, and evening tours.

Wind Cave National Park

Reservation Type: Cave Tours

Wind Cave is known for its unique boxwork formations and sacred Lakota significance. Above ground, the mixed-grass prairie supports bison, elk, and prairie dogs.

Just under 500,000 people visited Wind Cave in 2024. It was the 40th most visited National Park.

Wind Cave National Park Cave Tour Reservations

Wind Cave features rare boxwork formations and is one of the oldest national parks. All cave access requires a guided tour.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round (with seasonal closures)
• Cost: $14–$17 per adult
• Purchase Your Ticket: Available at Recreation.gov

Cave tours are released up to 120 days in advance. There are a limited number of walk-in slots. Tours range from basic walks to strenuous crawls. Group sizes are small – early booking is recommended.

Yosemite National Park

Reservation Type: Half-Dome Hiking Permits

Wind Cave is known for its unique boxwork formations and sacred Lakota significance. Above ground, the mixed-grass prairie supports bison, elk, and prairie dogs.

Just over 4.1 million people visited Yosemite in 2024. It was the 6th most visited National Park.

Firefall Viewing Permits

Yosemite National Park did NOT require permits for the 2026 Firefall.

Half-Dome Hiking Permits

Half Dome is Yosemite’s most iconic hike, and permits are required to ascend the final cable section.

• 2026 Dates: Cables typically up from late May – mid-October
• Cost: $10 permit application fee; $10 per person if selected
• Apply: Through the Recreation.gov preseason lottery

The preseason lottery is held in March and daily lotteries open two days in advance. This is a strenuous 14–16 mile hike.

Yosemite National Park Timed Entry Reservations

Yosemite National Park isn’t going to require timed entry in 2026,

Zion National Park

Reservation Type: Hiking permits

Zion’s deep red canyons and sheer cliffs offer iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. The park’s shuttle system manages high visitor traffic while preserving Zion Canyon’s fragile environment.

Just under 5 million people visited Zion in 2024. It was the 2nd most visited National Park.

Angels Landing Hiking Permits

One of the most dramatic hikes in the U.S., Angels Landing requires a permit via lottery due to narrow trails and steep drop-offs.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $6 application; $3 per person if selected
• Apply: Recreation.gov Seasonal or Daily Lottery

Seasonal lotteries are held quarterly. Daily lotteries open 1 day before your hike at 12:01 AM MT.

Mystery Canyon Canyonering Permits

Mystery Canyon is a technical slot canyon requiring a Wilderness Permit due to ropes, rappels, and route-finding challenges.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $6 application; $3 per person if selected
• Apply: Via Recreation.gov

Seasonal lotteries are held quarterly. Daily lotteries open 1 day before your hike at 12:01 AM MT.

Subway (Left Fork) Cayoneering/Hiking Permits

The Subway is a challenging non-technical or technical route through slot canyons and requires a permit. Both top-down is a technical route and bottom-up is a non-technical route.

• 2026 Dates: Year-round
• Cost: $6 application; $3 per person if selected
• Apply: Via Recreation.gov

Seasonal lotteries are held quarterly. Daily lotteries open 1 day before your hike at 12:01 AM MT.

The Narrows Top Down Hiking Permits

The Top-Down Narrows is a 16-mile hike through water, requiring a wilderness permit and often an overnight stay.

• 2026 Dates: Weather- and flow-dependent
• Cost: $20 per permit and $7 per person per night.
• Apply: Via Recreation.gov

The hike begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch and requires advanced planning.

National Parks That No Longer Require Timed Entry Reservations

I’m not going to pretend I liked the timed entry or entry reservation programs. I HATE them but they are necessary evil. The systems were helping to manage the overcrowding issues and given that there isn’t the money to do proper public transport systems, it was the best of the availalbe solutions.

I do not actually think NPS made the call in the 2026 decisions to eleimite these programs based on actual data from the parks. I think the order came from higher up who wanted a poltical win about how they opened our parks back up for us. The real win here would be to work towards solid public transport systems and minimize car access from 8 am to 5 pm.

Arches National Park

Arches has previously done timed entry due to overcrowding and the entrance backing up on to the highway. Timed entry had been discontinued for 2026.

Glacier National Park

Glacier has used a couple of different timed entry programs over the years and has decided to elimited timed entry in favor of some form of shuttle system (yay for public transport) and parking time limits in high traffic parking lots. Given its Febuary and we don’t have any details on this public transport system, it is going to be an intresting year.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier has previously done timed entry for the Paradise and Sunrise areas of the park. As of 2026, timed entry had been discontinued.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite has previously done entrance reservations due to overcrowding and parking issues. Entrance reservations had been discontinued for 2026.

National Park Camping Reservations

Here is a list of National Parks with campgrounds that require reservations (at least seasonally):

• Acadia National Park
• Arches National Park
• Badlands National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• Congaree National Park
• Crater Lake National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Denali National Park and Preserve
• Everglades National Park
• Glaicer National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Great Basin National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Haleakala National Park
• Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park
• Hot Springs National Park
• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Katmai National Park and Preserve
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Mount Rainier National Park
• North Cascades National Park
• Olympic National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Virgin Islands National Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Zion National Park

Reservation windows for these campgrounds range from 7 days to 13 months. You will need to check each park’s nps.gov site for their reservation windows, or you can pick up a copy of our  Reservation Master List for an easy-to-scan list of campground reservation windows.

National Park Lodging Reservations

Here is a list of National Parks that have in-park lodging.

• Badlands National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Crater Lake National Park
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
• Glaicer National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park
• Hot Springs National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Katmai National Park and Preserve
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Mount Rainier National Park
• North Cascades National Park
• Olympic National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Sequoia National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• Virgin Islands National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Zion National Park

Reservation windows for these in-park lodging range from 11 to 22 months. You will need to check the hotel’s website for their reservation window or lottery procedure. The Reservation Master List includes all the booking windows for the in-park lodging.

When Do National Park Reservations Open?

The answer varies depending on the park, the type of reservation you need (entry, camping, permits), and the season you plan to visit.

Tips for Making NP Reservations

Securing national park reservations, especially at high-traffic parks like Yosemite, Glacier, or Arches, can feel like a competitive sport. But with the right prep and strategy, you can lock in your dates with ease. Here are the top tips to increase your chances of success:

The first and most important tip is to know what reservations you need and when they are released. You should note the date and time when the permits are released. Make sure you double and triple-check the release time. Some parks’ release times are posted in local time, and sometimes it’s in Eastern Standard/Daylight Time. Here is a good time zone converter to help.

If you don’t get a reservation during the rush, as they are released, wait 10-15 minutes and try again. People have 15 minutes to check out after selecting their reservations, and if they don’t complete their reservation within that time, those sites are released back to the public. So checking again can’t hurt.

What Should You Do If You Don’t Get Your Entry Reservations?

Most entry reservations, vehicle reservations, hiking permits, and backpacking permits release a second permit a few days before to give people a second chance or allow people who can’t plan several months in advance to get reservations or permits.

If you don’t secure timed entry permits, you can usually enter the park before timed entry hours. For example, Arches is typically requires timed entry from 7 am to 4 pm. Outside of these hours, you can enter freely (you must still pay the entrance fee or have an America the Beautiful Pass).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which national parks require timed entry?

Arches, Carlsbad Caverns, and Rocky Mountain National Parks all require timed entry.

Do you need reservations for every National Park?

No, only a select number of National Parks have entry permits or require timed entry. Other activities, such as camping, select hiking trails, backpacking, and some guided tours, require reservations or permits.

Does Yellowstone require an advance reservation?

Not for entry. You can freely enter Yellowstone and explore without a reservation. You will need a reservation for camping, backpacking, and some guided activities.

What happens if I don’t have a reservation?

If it is a park that requires a reservation to enter, you will be turned away. Most parks reserve a small number of permits for release a day or two before for last-minute plans.

Are reservations refundable?

Reservations made via Recreation.gov are partially refundable. There may be a cancellation fee. Service fees, lottery entrance fees, and reservation fees are not refundable.

Can I enter before or after my timed entry window?

No. Your timed entry window is fixed.

Are reservations required year-round?

Each park makes its own rules, and you will have to check with each park for those specifics. For the most part, reservations are only required for entry during the peak season.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smarter, Stress Less

National Park Reservations are now a normal part of visiting America’s most beautiful places. While the system can feel confusing, the right information makes it manageable and even stress-free.

If you want confidence, clarity, and a smooth experience, a $9 National Park Reservation Guide is a practical, affordable solution that helps ensure your trip goes exactly as planned.

Pin for Later: 2026 National Park Reservations: How to Book and What You Need