A Guide to U.S. National Parks Requiring Reservations for 2025
- Connie Blumenthal
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Glacier National Park
Photo Credit: Kyle Voigt
Introduction
Summer is the perfect time to explore the America’s national parks—but before you hit the road, make sure you’ve got your reservations in order! Many parks now require advance bookings for entry, camping, and even specific attractions.
While each park has its own system, destinations like Yosemite, Glacier, and Arches have reservation requirements for timed entry or specific areas. We've outlined the 10 parks requiring advanced reservations below, but make sure to check the National Park Service (NPS) website for up-to-date details on entry permits and campground availability.
Acadia National Park
Reservation Type: Vehicle reservation
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, protects a stretch of rocky coastline, and called the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. While you do not need an entrance reservation, you will need a permit to drive Cadillac Summit Road from May 21-October 26. Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park, especially for sunrise. Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. Starting April 15th, you can make a reservation up to 90 days in advance on recreation.gov.
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park
Photo Credit: Kyle Voigt
Arches
With over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks, you'll feel like you're on set of Jurassic Park. The short hike to Delicate Arch is popular for viewing sunsets and stargazing. From April 1 to October 31, visitors are required to have a timed entry reservation to enter the park. Ticketed entry is from 7 am to 4 pm daily. Those without a ticket may enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm. The park is open 24/7.
Reservation Type: Timed entry
Carlsbad Caverns
Calling all fans of National Treasure, this park is for you. Explore more than 119 caves, walk a surface trail, stargaze, and drive Walnut Canyon Desert Drive. Timed entry reservations are required all year. Reservations are released 30 days in advance.
Reservation Type: Timed entry
Glacier
With glacier-capped mountains, aqua lakes, and 700 miles of trails, it's fitting that Glacier National Park is called the "Crown of the Continent." Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the U.S. (and only entry point to many trailheads). Make sure to plan ahead since you'll need a vehicle reservation to drive this road and access other popular areas of the park.
Reservation Type: Vehicle reservation
Sunrise over crater walls at Haleakala National Park
Photo credit: Asa Ellison
Haleakala
Standing at 10,023 ft above sea level, Haleakala National Park is Maui's highest peak. Haleakala translates to "house of the sun" and is named for the demigod, Maui, who lassoed the sun, extending its passage and allowing people more time to dry cloth and grow food. Sunrise (or sunset) at the summit is a must if you're visiting this park. However, you will need a vehicle reservation if you plan to enter the park between 3-7am. For more information on planning your sunrise hike, visit the NPS website.
Reservation Type: Vehicle reservation
The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain
Covering 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a variety of ecosystems. Rocky Mountain is one of the highest-elevation national parks in the country. Straddling the Continental Divide, it includes more than 75 summits over 12,000 ft. If you're feeling up for a challenge, Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail won't disappoint. You will need timed entry reservations to enter the park beginning May 23rd. Please note there are two different types of reservations to choose from: Timed Entry and Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road.
Reservation Type: Timed entry
Shenandoah
75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is located within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. There are over 500 miles of trails through the park, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. You won't need a reservation to enter the park, but if you plan to hike Old Rag (one of the most popular trails), you will need to make a reservation for a Day-Use Ticket.
Reservation Type: Hiking permit/Day-Use Ticket
Yosemite
Calling all Free Solo fans, Yosemite is home to the famous El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley. As one of the most visited parks, you'll need to plan ahead and secure a Timed Entry Ticket, and if you plan on hiking Half Dome, you'll also need a Hiking Permit.
Reservation Type: Timed Entry and Hiking permit
Angels Landing, Zion National Park
Photo Credit: Kyle Voigt
Zion
From the tall stretching walls of narrow slot canyons, to the sheer drops of Angels Landing, Zion has many experiences to offer. If you're planning to hike Angels Landing, you will need a Hiking Permit. However, no reservation is necessary to visit the remained of the park or to ride the park shuttle.
Reservation Type: Hiking permit
Final thoughts
The guide above is based on information available as of 4/1/25, please make sure to check the NPS and recreation.gov websites for up-to-date information.
About the author:
Connie joined the Nature's Playbook community in March 2025 and serves as the Content Marketing Director at Nature's Playbook.
She believes access to the outdoors is essential to a happy and healthy life. Connie hopes that by sharing her experiences in nature she'll inspire others to get outside, reconnecting to their surroundings and the people around them.
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