Grand Teton National Park Entrance Sign

National Park Reservations 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Thinking about visiting a US National Park in 2025? Fantastic! This guide is your ultimate resource for understanding National Park reservations in 2025.

We’ll break down which parks require timed entries, permits, or advanced reservations, share essential dates to remember, and provide tips to make planning your trip a breeze.

Whether you’re dreaming of hiking iconic trails or exploring hidden gems, knowing the reservation requirements ensures a stress-free adventure in the great outdoors.

Katie And Joe in Kobuk Valley National Park (July 2023) – National Park Reservations 2025

We’re Katie And Joe On The Go

Hi! We’re Katie and Joe, and we absolutely love exploring the beauty and diversity of the U.S. National Park System. So far, we’ve visited 41 out of the 63 parks, and we’re eager to see the rest.

This Winter 2025, we’re kicking off an exciting new road trip to visit the remaining 22 parks. Over the years, we’ve discovered countless tips and tricks for planning unforgettable National Park adventures. Because of this, we’re thrilled to share our experiences and insights with you to help you make the most of your own trips.

For more inspiration and behind-the-scenes looks at our journey, follow our National Park adventures on YouTube and on Instagram



Why the U.S. National Parks Need a Reservation System

In recent years, more people than ever have visited U.S. National Parks, with millions flocking to these natural wonders annually. However, this surge in interest, while fantastic for outdoor recreation, has led to overcrowded trails, packed parking lots, and stress on fragile ecosystems.

To tackle these challenges, parks have introduced reservation systems to manage visitor numbers and protect the environment. These systems actively safeguard wildlife habitats, minimize damage to popular sites, and enhance the overall visitor experience by reducing congestion.

By planning ahead and securing reservations, visitors can enjoy a smoother trip while contributing to the preservation of these iconic landscapes for future generations.

Joey on Angels Landing, Zion National Park (March 2022) – National Park Reservations 2025

National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2025

In 2025, several U.S. National Parks introduced reservation systems to control visitor traffic and protect natural resources. Let’s take a closer look at the parks that now require reservations:

Arches National Park, Utah

  • Reservation Period: April 1 through July 6 and August 28 through October 31, 2025.
  • Details: Timed entry tickets are required from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during these periods. Visitors can enter without a reservation before 7 a.m., after 4 p.m., and between July 7 and August 27, 2025.
  • Booking: Reservations can be made three months in advance in monthly blocks via Recreation.gov. A $2 processing fee applies.
The PERFECT 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Unit Near Arches National Park – Book Here

Glacier National Park, Montana

  • Reservation Period: June 13 to September 28, 2025.
  • Details: You’ll need a vehicle reservation to access the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork area between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, you can enter without a reservation if you arrive before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
  • Booking: Reservations become available on February 12, 2025, through Recreation.gov. A $2 processing fee applies.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

  • Reservation Period: Starting May 23, 2025.
  • Details: Two types of timed entry permits will be available:
  • Bear Lake Road Corridor Access: Required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 20.
  • Rest of the Park (Excluding Bear Lake Road): Required from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 14.
  • Booking: Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov. A $2 processing fee applies.

Zion National Park, Utah

  • Details: Permits are required to hike Angels Landing.
  • Booking: Reservations are available through a lottery system on Recreation.gov. It costs $6 to apply, covering up to six people. If selected, there’s an additional $3 fee per person.

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

  • Details: Reservations are required for sunrise viewing at the summit.
  • Booking: Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov. A $1 reservation fee applies.

Yosemite National Park, California

  • Reservation Period: February 8–9, 15–17, and 22–23, 2025.
  • Details: You’ll need a reservation for vehicle entry on Saturdays, Sundays, and Washington’s Birthday (Monday, February 17) during these dates. Consequently, the park implemented this measure to manage the increased visitation for the Horsetail Fall event.
  • Booking: Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
  • Summer 2025: Details for visitor access in summer 2025 will be announced by the NPS at a later date, stay tuned.
4 Bedroom / 4 Bathroom House (0.2 Miles Away From Cadillac South Ridge Trail) – Book Here

Acadia National Park, Maine

  • Details: Vehicle reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road between May and October.
  • Booking: Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov. A $6 reservation fee applies.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

  • Details: Timed entry reservations are required to enter the caverns.
  • Booking: Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov. A $1 reservation fee applies.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

  • Details: Reservations may be required for certain areas or activities but as of the writing of this post, nothing for 2025 has been announced.
  • Booking: Check Recreation.gov for specific reservation requirements and fees.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

  • Details: Reservations may be required for certain areas or activities.
  • Booking: Check Recreation.gov for specific reservation requirements and fees.

Muir Woods National Monument, California

  • Details: Reservations are required for parking or shuttle access.
  • Booking: Reservations can be made via GoMuirWoods.com. Fees vary depending on the reservation.
Camping outside of Estes National Park (2021) – National Park Reservations 2025

Camping Reservation Requirements by Park

Each National Park manages camping reservations differently, so it’s essential to research your options well in advance.

Many parks allow you to book campsites months ahead through systems like Recreation.gov, while others offer first-come, first-served sites.

For popular parks, same-day reservations might be an option, but they often require you to arrive at the campground early—sometimes as early as 6 a.m.—to secure a spot.

We were lucky enough to snag fantastic campsites inside Joshua Tree National Park and Mount Rainier National Park by being at the Ranger Stations at the campgrounds when they opened up. They have a few first come first serve campsites available which work perfect for people like us who had no real timeline or plan for their National Park trip.

If camping is part of your National Park adventure, it’s always best to plan ahead to avoid disappointment and ensure you have a place to stay.

Tips for Securing National Park Reservations

Securing a reservation at popular National Parks can be competitive, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success therefore here are a few of our suggestions to help you grab a reservation.

  • Plan Ahead: Reservations often fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so book as early as possible.
  • Set Reminders: We mark all important reservation release dates and times on our calendars to ensure we’re ready when they open.
  • Be Flexible: Consider alternative dates or times to increase your chances of finding availability.
  • Use Official Sources: Always book through official platforms like Recreation.gov to avoid scams or misinformation.
  • Check for Cancellations: Regularly monitor the reservation platform for cancellations, which can free up last-minute spots. This is how we’ve been able to find campsites at Joshua Tree National Park and a permit to hike Angels Landing in Zion National Park.

By staying organized and proactive, you’ll have the best chance of securing your ideal reservations and enjoying a seamless National Park adventure.

Katie in the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park – National Park Reservations 2025

Alternatives for Last-Minute National Park Trip Planners

If you’re planning a spontaneous trip or missed out on reservations, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to enjoy National Parks without advanced bookings.

Many parks, like Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Badlands, don’t require timed entry permits or reservations for general access.

Additionally, exploring parks during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—can help you avoid peak crowds and restrictions. Guided tours are another fantastic option, as they often bypass the need for personal reservations.

During our 20,000-mile road trip in 2023, we struggled to get timed entry permits because we rarely knew when we would reach a specific park. As a result, planning ahead became nearly impossible for us.

Our safest strategy was to arrive at the Entrance Gate by 6 a.m., as most parks allow visitors without permits during the early hours.

For campsites, we scored a few “day-of” spots by showing up early—usually in line by 6 a.m. This approach requires some flexibility and early mornings, but it worked well for us and might for you too!

By planning ahead where possible and staying open to these alternatives, you can still make the most of your National Park adventure.

National Park Reservations 2025: A Complete Guide to Timed Entries and Permits, In Conclusion

Visiting a National Park in 2025 takes a bit more planning than it did in the past, but the extra effort is absolutely worth it. By taking the time to understand which parks require reservations, planning ahead, and considering alternatives for last-minute trips, you can create a memorable and stress-free adventure.

For example, when you wake up early to secure a first-come, first-served campsite or book permits months in advance, you actively contribute to preserving the parks’ natural beauty while enhancing your overall experience.

Additionally, these steps ensure you are fully prepared to enjoy everything these incredible landscapes have to offer.

So, as you prepare for your next trip, get ready to explore, plan smartly, and make the most of your journey through America’s most breathtaking National Parks!

Joey in Pinnacles National Park (May 2023)

Want to keep reading? Here are a few of our top blog posts!

Pin this for later, National Park Reservations 2025: A Complete Guide to Timed Entries and Permits