National Parks Requiring Reservations: 2025

Planning a trip to a national park in 2025? Don’t forget one crucial step: there are now many national parks requiring reservations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of planning months ahead, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—staring at a fully booked reservation calendar, frantically Googling alternatives, and ultimately finding myself navigating an unexpected Plan B.

Over the years, I’ve visited 29 national parks and dealt with everything from first-come-first-served reservations to missed booking windows. I’ve been forced to make backup plans, but I’ve also learned how to snag sold-out camping spots, secure vehicle permits, and plan ahead for guided tours.

This guide is for families eager to explore the outdoors but unsure how to handle all the reservation rules. By the end, you’ll know exactly which parks require reservations and how to secure them with less stress and more confidence. Let’s dive in!

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Benefits of National Parks Requiring Reservations

While navigating the reservation system for different parks can feel a little laborious and intimidating, in the end it usually creates a better experience for visitors and reduces the environmental impact on the park. Popular national parks, such as Yosemite and Glacier, have implemented these systems to ensure that trails, campsites, and iconic attractions are accessible without the frustration of overcrowding.

By managing crowds via timed entry or required guided tours, you know you will more likely have access to the trails and sites within the park you are hoping to see.

Furthermore, planning ahead and securing reservations gives you peace of mind that you will be able to access the park and participate in the experiences you have been looking forward to. Having a reservation ensures you won’t miss out on the best the park has to offer.

It’s important to note that even with a reservation you may still face large crowds or canceled opportunities, but a reservation will usually give you the best experience.

Required Reservations and How to Get Them

Acadia

While entry into Acadia National Park does not require prior reservations, the ever-popular Cadillac Summit Road sometimes has reservation restrictions. If you want to enjoy the views from the highest peak in the park, make sure to plan ahead.

• What’s required: Cadillac Summit Road access permit
  
• When is it required: May – October
  
• How to access reservations: Secure tickets up to 90 days ahead at recreation.gov. If you missed the window, more are released 2 days in advance at 10am (Eastern).
  
• Note: There are two options: Day access and Sunrise access. Make sure to purchase the correct reservation.

Arches

One of Utah’s Mighty 5, Arches National Park is one of my most recommended parks for visitors of all types. You can truly enjoy the park without having to walk at all, but there are also amazing, but doable, hikes that bring you up close and personal with the famed Arches.

• What’s required: Timed entry
  
• When is it required: April 1- July 6th and August 28-October 31st between 7am – 4pm
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Tickets will be released on recreation.gov.
  • Reservations in April, May, and June are now available.
  • July reservations are available on February 1st
  • August reservations are available on March 1st
  • September reservations start April 1st
  • October reservations can be made starting May 1st.
  • Next-day tickets are released at 7pm (Mountain) the night before

Biscayne

I absolutely love Biscayne National Park, and can’t wait to return, but it’s not going to be very exciting if you don’t have some kind of tour or activity planned. You can bring your own watercraft (see guidelines here), fish, and snorkel. While you don’t need to have a guided tour, we didn’t have our own gear or knowledge of the area, so a tour was necessary for us to really explore the park.

• What’s available: There are tons of tours that include snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat rides. Times range from 2 hours to most of the day, and span a variety of budgets. We chose the Kayaking the Mangroves tour and loved it. Our guide spent about 30-45 minutes on the water with us sharing information about the area and its wildlife. We were then given another hour to explore on our own.
  
• When is it required: Tours and rentals are available year round, but may be canceled due to inclement weather.
  
• How to access reservations: Tours are fun through the Biscayne National Park Institute and you can reserve on their website.

Carlsbad Caverns

Don’t assume you can drive up to Carlsbad Caverns and walk right in, especially during popular travel periods. Everyone who wants to enter the caverns must have a timed entry ticket can be purchased in advance.

• What’s required: Timed entry reservations to enter the Cavern, even for self-guided tours.
  
• When is it required: Year-round
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Get online reservations from recreation.gov up to 30 days in advance. Reservations will close at 5am MT on the day of tour. Self guided tour timed entry tickets are $1 per person, and kids need a ticket. Ranger-led tours can be reserved in advance for additional fees.
  • Same-day reservations are usually available on a limited basis and all may be claimed by 9am on the busiest days.
• Notes:
  • In addition to the timed entry reservation fee, all visitors must pay the $15 entrance fee per person. Those with an America the Beautiful Pass (including the free 4th grade pass), can receive free entry for the card holder and 3 other adults (16+). Children 15 and under do not require an additional entrance fee.

Channel Islands

Unless you have access to a private boat, you will need to use the ferry service provided by Island Packers .

• What’s required: Boat service to the islands. If you do not have private use of a boat, you will need to take the daily ferry from Ventura or Oxnard.
  
• When is it required: Year-round.
  
• How to access reservations: Reserve your spot on the ferry from Island Packers. There are two departure locations and usually one or two drop off points on the island. Make sure to select the correct destinations.
  
• Note: poor conditions may result in the cancelation of that day’s ferries.

Denali

• What’s available:
  • Bus Tours
    • Transit – cheaper than narrated tours, but without any guide,
    • Guided – Choose between four different tours based on your interests
  • Dog Sledding Guide: You can technically bring your own, but odds are you don’t have a set of sled dogs. But you can book a sled dog experience!
    
• When is it required:
  • Bus Tours: Available late May to early September
  • Dog Sledding: November – March
    
• How to access reservations:
  • Bus: Both transit (East Fork Transit) and guided bus tickets are available at reservedenali.com
  • Dog Sledding: Denali Dogsled Expeditions is an approved concessioner for Denali National Park.

Dry Tortugas

Visiting Dry Tortugas was high on my bucket list, so when a flight deal to Miami popped up we jumped on the opportunity. And it’s a good thing too because getting to Dry Tortugas is not cheap. You will need to secure transportation to the park via ferry or seaplane. Both are great options, but the price, experience, and availability will differ.

• What’s required: Transportation
  
• When is it required: Year-Round
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Ferry: Yankee Freedom
    • Duration: 7:30am to 5:15pm
    • Cost: $180 (kids) – $235 (adults)
      • Includes continental breakfast, sandwich lunch, and snorkel gear
    • Notes:
      • Trips may be canceled due to rough seas
      • Recommended to book at least 2-3 months ahead if traveling in peak season (Winter/Spring)
  • Seaplane: Key West Sea Plane Charters
    • Duration: Half Day (4 hours) and Full Day (8 hours) excursions
    • Cost: $295- $868 per person
    • Notes:
      • The busy season may require reservations up to 3 months in advance.
  • Private Tours: Allowed Private Tour Companies
    • Notes:
      • Many of these private groups are extremely expensive but may be worth the cost if you are working with a tight travel window or you want a more custom experience

Everglades

When visiting the Everglades, it’s important to know which region you plan to visit and the activities and amenities available. There are no reservations required to enter the park, and if you aren’t interested in any tours, you don’t need to make any reservations ahead of time. However, if you hope to hop on any kind of tour you will want to plan ahead – especially in the winter and early spring.

• What’s required: Tram and airboat reservations
  
• When is it required: Year-round
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Guided Tours:
    • Shark Valley Tram
      • Two-hour tram ride along 15 miles of the park with a live guide. You will also stop and be able to walk/climb up to the Shark Valley Lookout Tower.
        • Prices range from $18 (child) to $33 (adult) on top of park vehicle entry ($35).
      • Bicycles are available to reserve ahead of time and be used along the same path.
      • The Shark Valley entrance can get very busy from December – April. Plan to wait in line for an extended period of time (30-60 minutes to be safe) and plan ahead so you don’t miss your tram.
    • The Everglades Institute
      • Variety of guided tours and excursions
      • Most originate from the entrance via Homestead, Florida.
  • Airboat Tours:
    • There are only three companies permitted to run airboat tours within the park, but there are plenty of options outside the park as well. Currently, the park allows Coopertown, Gator Park, and Everglades Safari Park. All three are located close to the Shark Valley entrance.
  • Boat Tours:
    • Flamingo: Flamingo Adventures (multiple options)
    • Everglades City: Everglades National Park Adventures
      
• Notes:
  • You may be charged an additional fee for national park entry. Make sure to present your America the Beautiful pass or entrance fee receipt if you visited other regions of the park earlier.

Gates of the Arctic

Because you can only enter Gates of the Arctic by foot or airplane, it makes sense that it is the least visit US National Park. A trip to this park will definitely take some extra planning and reservation scheduling. And a healthy budget.

• What’s required: Transportation, either by foot or plane (no drivable roads)
  
• When is it required: Year-round, but may not be accessible year-round
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Find a tour or flight that is right for you and your party via an approved concessioner.

Gateway Arch

If you want to take the tram to the top of Gateway Arch, paid tickets are required. Same-day tickets may be available but can sell out on busy days. They are available for advance purchase online.

• What’s required: Tram ticket
  
• When is it required: Year-round
  
• How to access reservations: Get advanced tickets at gatewayarch.com
  • Cost: $11-19

Glacier

We camped in Glacier in July of 2024, and realized too late that we needed a vehicle reservation. Fortunately, we snagged a cancellation and got to access Going-to-the-Sun Road and fell in love with Glacier National Park. Glacier is one of my favorite parks, thanks to the stunning views at Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake, and even from the road. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, and I especially recommend kayaking on Lake McDonald – no vehicle reservations needed!

• What’s required: Time-entry vehicle reservations for the west entrance of Going-to-the-Sun-Road and North Fork region
  
• When is it required: June 13- September 23rd between 7am and 3pm
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Review this page from the official park site ahead of time so you understand what you need to do and confirm if you even need a reservation.
  • Reservations will be made available at recreation.gov 120 days ahead of time until sold out.
  • A limited number of reservations will be released the night before at 7pm (Mountain)
    
• Notes:
  • If you aren’t able to get a vehicle reservation, check out this post for other ways to access Going-to-the-Sun Road without a reservation.

Glacier Bay

Only one town, Gustavus, connects to the park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. However, you can only get to Gustavus via plane or boat.

• What is required:
  • Transportation to the park
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Ferry – Via the Alaska Marine Highway from Juneau
    • Seaplane – Reserve via Alaska Seaplanes
    • Cruise ship – Many cruise lines offer Alaskan cruises that travel through Glacier Bay
      
• When is it required: Year-round (although many services may only be available May-August)
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Day Tour via boat: There is a full-day boat tour that departs from Bartlett Cove May-August.
    • Price range from $142 (ages 3-12) to $272 (adult) with lunch included

Grand Canyon

It’s important to know that you can access the Grand Canyon via the North Rim or South Rim, but it is a 3.5-hour drive between the two. And while there is no timed entry or vehicle reservations required, you will want to plan ahead if you hope to hike to the base of the canyon or raft through the Grand Canyon.

• What’s required:
  • Backcountry permit and camping reservations
    • Backcountry permits are required for most overnight camping outside the rim campgrounds which includes Bright Angel, Havasupai Gardens, and Cottonwood Campgrounds.
    • Phantom Ranch: Dorms (currently closed) and cabins for hikers at the bottom of the Grand Canyon
  • Rafting: There are lots of rafting options that range from half-day, smooth water trips to multi-day trips that include rapids.
    
• When is it required: Whenever camping and rafting are available
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Backcountry permits: A monthly lottery is held approximately 5 months before your hiking date, with unclaimed permits (if any) available about 3 months in advance
    • Bright Angel, Havasupai Gardens, and Cottonwood Campgrounds: Made available via the backcountry permit process as well a few day-of spots. This post has an excellent breakdown of what permit you will need.
  • Phantom Ranch: Enter a lottery system that runs 15 months in advance. Example, you can enter the lottery for March 2026 in January 2025. So start planning ahead!
  • Rafting: Book through one of the park-supported businesses found here or enter the lottery for a permit for a self-guided trip (obviously, you need to secure your own raft and know quite a bit about rafting to do this!).

Great Basin

The first camping trip we ever took with our kids was to Great Basin National Park, and we were pleasantly surprised with the park. You can enjoy this park without any advanced activity reservations, but if you want to explore the famed Lehman Caves you will want to snag a reservation ahead of time to be safe.

• What’s required: Tickets for a Ranger-led tour of Lehman Caves
  
• When is it required: Year-round
  
• How to access reservations:
  • You can reserve tickets at recreation.gov up to 30 days in advance. However, if you are traveling during the busy summer season, you might need to snag tickets right away once they are available.
  • Cost: $12/adults, $5 Youth (5-15), $1 (4 and under)

Great Smoky Mountains

The most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains, is surprisingly free to enter. However, you do need to pay to park. You can get a parking tag ahead of time, allowing you to skip stopping at the crowded Visitor Centers to get one from the machines.

• What’s required: Parking Tag to park anywhere in the park
  
• When is it required: Year-round, except for Fee Free Days
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Online:
    • Day and Week Tags: Both are available to purchase and print yourself from recreation.gov
      • Day Tag: $5
      • Week Tag: $15
    • Annual Tags: Available to purchase for $40 here.
  • In-person: Several locations in the surrounding communities and visitor centers sell parking tags for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check where they are available here.
  • Kiosks: Purchase via credit card at many visitor centers and parking areas. Find a complete list on this page.

Haleakalā

Haleakalā National Park is a popular spot for catching magnificent sunrise views. Because of this popularity, vehicle entry between 3am and 7am is requires a reservation. This allows for reduced congestion. Even if you purchase a reservation, you might have to search for a parking spot or go to less crowded overlook.

• What’s required: Vehicle reservation
• When is it required: Daily between 3am and 7am
• How to access reservations:
  • Personal/Rental Vehicle Reservations: Available up to 60 days in advance, as well as 48 hours in advance at recreation.gov
  • Approved Tours: There are currently four tour companies authorized to run within the park. Expect to pay $210+ per person for a tour.
    • Valley Isle Excursions
    • Haleakala Ecotours
    • Skyline Hawaii
    • Polynesian Adventure Tours

Isle Royale

It isn’t easy getting to Isle Royale, but if you make the effort you will be delighted with the hiking and water activities available on this isolated archipelago.

• What’s required: Transportation to and from the island
• When is it required: April 16th – October 31st (Inaccessible Nov – April 15th)
• How to access reservations:
  • Ferries depart from:
    • Grand Portage, MN, Houghton, MI, Copper Harbor, MI
    • Costs range from $110 – $200 round-trip per person
  • Seaplane:
    • Isle Royale Seaplanes are the only authorized commercial seaplanes to land at Isle Royale
    • Costs about $400 per person for round-trip flight
• Notes: Weather can easily become an issue and you may unexpectedly have to remain on the island. Plan ahead and research your options.

Katmai

It shouldn’t shock you by now, but Katmai is not accessible by car, like most of the Alaskan national parks. You must make a reservation to travel there via plane or boat.

• What’s required: Transportation
• When is it required: Year-round
• How to access reservations:
  • An approved list of concessions is available here. These companies include tour providers, boat services, and air transportation.

Lake Clark

Guess what? Yup, no roads in this Alaskan park. Are you sensing a theme? Lake Clark National Park is about 120 miles from Anchorage and you will need a float plane or wheeled plane, depending on where you want to visit within the park.

• What’s required: Transportation
• When is it required: Year-round
• How to access reservations:
  • Use an approved Air Taxi service, which you can find here.
• Notes: Weather can be tricky and if Lake Clark is high on your list make sure to have some flexibility in your schedule. Do your research and come prepared.

Mammoth Cave

Each cave or cavern in the National Parks System is unique and worth visiting. And Mammoth Cave is no exception. It’s a great park to add to a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, and there is lots to do with your family in the surrounding areas. Plus there are a variety of tours year-round, so you can find the best fit for your group. However, all tours require tickets and it’s best to secure them before visiting the park if possible.

• What’s required: Cave Tour Tickets
• When is it required: Year-round. Not all tour options are available year-round, so make sure to plan accordingly by visiting the park website for the most up-to-date information.
• How to access reservations: Reserve your tickets at recreation.gov. Put in your date of travel to see which tours are available. While some tours may be reserved up to six months in advance, most are bookable about two months before.

Mesa Verde

While you can check out the Cliff Palace from an overlook, you’re going to want to secure tour tickets and explore it up-close.

• What’s required: Tickets for guided tours of Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Square Tower House (backcountry tour)
  
• When is it required: Tours only run from mid-May through mid-October
  
• How to access reservations: All reservations can be made ahead of time at recreation.gov. Some same-day tickets might be available, but they frequently sell out ahead of time.

Mount Rainier

A timed entry reservation pilot program took place at the Nisqually, Stevens Canyon, and White River entrance stations during the summer between 7am and 3pm at Mount Rainier National Park. However, at the time of publication timed entry reservations are not required in 2025. Keep in mind, that the summer months will be incredibly busy.

Rocky Mountain

Conveniently located less than two hours from Denver, millions of people visit Rocky Mountain National Park every year. To aid with congestion and improve the visitor experience, a timed entry program is in effect for part of the year.

• What’s required: Time-entry for personal vehicle
  
• When is it required: May 23rd – October 13th/19th (depending on where you want to go) between 9am and 2pm.
  
• How to access reservations: All reservations will be available via recreation.gov. There are two timed entry options.
  • Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road: Access to all park roads
  • Timed Entry (excludes access to Bear Lake Road): Access to all park roads, except Bear Lake Road. Know where you want to go in the park so you select the correct reservation
  • Timed entry will be made available on the first of the month for the month prior to your reservation date. Example – reservations will open for all of July on June 1st. Some reservations will also open the night before.

Voyageurs

You can enjoy the beauty of Voyageurs National Park without having to make any advanced reservations, and even better – there is not entrance fee! However, if you want to explore the park by water, you will want to book a boat tour in advance if possible. Day-of tickets may be available, but may sell out.

• What’s required: Boat tour tickets
  
• When is it required: Summer (when tours are available)
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Learn more about boat tour options and book tickets at recreation.gov starting April 15th.
  • Canoe tours are also available starting April 15th, but will be booked here.
• Note: There are other tours options within the park. To find park-approved businesses, use this site.

Wind Cave

It’s important to know that Wind Cave National Park has been working to replace its elevator system and will not be offering cave tours until mid-winter 2025 at the earliest. Outdoor activities, virtual tours and museum displays will be available. Wind Cave is just one of many incredible sites found in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

• What’s required: Cave Tour Tickets
  
• When is it required: Year-round
  
• How to access reservations:
  • Some tour tickets are available online at recreation.gov
  • Others are sold at the visitor center on a first-come-first-served basis and may sell out several hours ahead of time during the busiest months (summer).

Yosemite

A park not to missed, Yosemite is open year-round but due to its popularity has required vehicle reservations periodically. So far they are only required on weekend during the “firefall” phenomenon of Horsetail Fall. Initial tickets have already been claimed, but additional tickets will be made available 2 days prior at 8am (Pacific).

Summer reservation information is yet to be disclosed, but historically runs various times between May and September.

• What’s required: Vehicle entry reservation
  
• When is it required: Feb 8-9, 15-17, 22-23
  
• How to access reservations: Two days before your date of travel, you can access them at recreation.gov starting at 8am (Pacific). You can also sign up for an availability alert in the case that someone cancels their reservation.

Zion

Because Zion National Park is the most visited national park in Utah, you will most likely want to do some advanced planning. The main park road is closed to cars through much of the year, requiring visitors to take the free shuttle – no reservations required. The incredible, and incredibly popular, Angels Landing Hike requires a permit which is lottery based.

• What’s required: Permit for Angels Landing hike
  
• When is it required: Year-round
  
• How to access reservations: Zion utilizes a lottery system for Angels Landing permits.
  • Hiking Jan 1st- Feb 28th: Day before lottery is held at 3pm (Mountain) you must enter the lottery between 12:01am and 3:00pm the day before your intended hike. The cost is $6 and then if you are selected in the lottery, it is an additional $3/person up to six people.
    
  • Hiking March 1st – May 31st: The lottery application window closes January 20th. Results will be given around January 25th. If you did not get a permit, you can apply in the day-before lottery as explained above.
    
  • Hiking June 1st – August 31st: The lottery application window be open April 1st – 20th. Results will be given around April 25th. Day-before lottery permits will also be available.
    
  • Hiking September 1st – November 30th: The lottery application window be open July 1st – 20th. Results will be given around July 25th. Day-before lottery permits will also be available.

Too Late for Reservations?

But what if you’re too late for a reservation? Is it even worth visiting the park? I most cases, yes. But don’t give up right away. Here are some of my favorite resources for finding canceled reservations:

Campflare: This is primarily focused on finding campsites that may be booked up. Set the parameters for your search and it will alert you if there is a cancellation. This is how we got an amazing camping spot at Devil’s Garden in Arches for fall break after they had already been initially reserved. The service is free.

Recreation.gov: The NPS is working to provide cancellation alerts for free as well for a variety of reservations. On the specific page for your desired reservation, see if there is an option to

Campnab: A paid service that will run a consistent search for your desired reservation and alert you when there is a cancellation. While this is also focused on camping spots, other required reservation alerts may also be offered. We were able to get our Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle entry because of the alerts from Campnab.

Guided Tours: Sometimes you can research guided tours to the park that will grant access to roads or sites you are unable to secure reservations for. Just be sure that they are approved by the park and that they actually go to where you want. Lots of tours use the park name in advertising, but don’t go in the actual park.

Conclusion: Make it Count, but Don’t Stress

The biggest favor you can do for yourself is hop on to the official park website and check out alerts, closures, and what requires reservations. I only listed parks that require reservations to have the typical experience that visitors expect. Many other parks not mentioned offer guided tours or experiences in addition to traditional hiking and visitor center stops.

If you find yourself without a reservation, you don’t necessarily need to reschedule right away. See what other activities are available nearby, try for same-day tickets if offered, or enjoy other parts of the park. Almost all the national parks have something great to offer outside their reservation-required experiences.

If you are planning a national park trip and will be bringing the kids along, consider getting my printable National Parks Activity Book for Kids full of informative and fun activities all about our national parks.

Happy travels!