When national park reservations open

Needles Campground (Loop B)

Individual campsites in Loop B can be booked up to six months in advance, mid-March through mid-November. Loop A is first-come, first-served only. The two accessible Loop A sites are reserved through the Needles Visitor Center, (435) 259-4711, no more than six months ahead.

First-come, first-served: Needles Campground Loop A, Island in the Sky (individual sites)

Book / applySource (updated Recreation.gov record updated 2026-02-04; NPS eating & sleeping page: April 29, 2025)

Carlsbad Cavern timed-entry ticket (elevator or Natural Entrance walk-in) · Year-round (fees page: Jan 1-Dec 31); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas a…

Buy a timed-entry reservation on Recreation.gov or at 877-444-6777; it only selects the entry time. The entrance ticket itself is bought at the visitor center on arrival. Booking window (how far ahead) is not stated on the captured NPS pages.

Book / applySource (updated September 21, 2026)

No campgrounds. Primitive backcountry camping requires a free permit issued at the visitor center on arrival; it is not reservable in advance.

First-come, first-served: Backcountry permits (free, issued at the visitor center)

Source (updated NPS eating & sleeping page: September 10, 2026)

Island Packers boat transportation to the islands · Year-round public boat service from Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands…

Advance boat reservations are required; book with concessioner Island Packers ((805) 642-1393, islandpackers.com). No release schedule on NPS pages.

Book / applySource

Anacapa Island, Scorpion Canyon (Santa Cruz), Prisoners Harbor (Santa Cruz), Water Canyon (Santa Rosa), San Miguel Island, Santa Barbara Island

Reservations are required for all park campgrounds. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance on recreation.gov.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 16, 2026; Recreation.gov Scorpion record updated 2026-07-08)

Longleaf Campground, Bluff Campground

All campers need a reservation for the two frontcountry campgrounds (Longleaf and Bluff), made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 before setting up camp; no in-person payment at the park. Backcountry camping needs a permit requested at least 72 hours in advance. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: May 27, 2026; Recreation.gov Longleaf record updated 2026-03-10)

Crater Lake Trolley Rim Drive tour · Typically July through mid-September (no 2026 dates printed)

Optional tour. Advance reservations on the Crater Lake Trolley website or 541-882-1896; same-day tickets at the Rim Village ticket office if available. No release schedule published.

Source (updated July 27, 2026)

Mazama Campground

For 2026: late May through June 30 first-come, first-served (weather dependent, opens 3:00 pm); July 1 through October 1 open for reservations on Recreation.gov. The concessioner's FAQ says campsite reservations were available starting July 1, 2026. Recreation.gov's facility record carries a reservation window value of 12 Months.

First-come, first-served: Mazama Campground, late May - June 30 (2026 season), Lost Creek Campground (managed by the park)

Book / applySource (updated NPS eating & sleeping page: July 27, 2026; Recreation.gov record updated 2026-06-15)

Furnace Creek Campground

Furnace Creek Campground takes reservations for its October 15 - April 15 season; sites can be booked on Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. It is the only reservable NPS campground in the park.

First-come, first-served: Sunset, Stovepipe Wells, Texas Springs, Emigrant, Mesquite Spring, Wildrose, Mahogany Flat, Thorndike, and Furnace Creek itself mid-April to mid-October

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 18, 2025; Recreation.gov record updated 2026-09-22)

The Inn at Death Valley, The Ranch at Death Valley

Stays can be booked up to 13 months in advance. On the first of each month, reservations open for the entire month of the following year; online from midnight (12:00 am Mountain Time), by phone through Central Reservations from 7:00 am Mountain.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown (captured 2026-10-05); NPS lodging page: May 11, 2026)

Denali Park Road transit and tour buses · 2026 transit schedule ran May 20 - September 17, 2026; buses turned ar…

Tour and transit buses require a reservation through the concessioner (Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture), online at reservedenali.com or 1-800-622-7275. Reservations for a given summer open December 1 of the prior year. Children 15 and under ride transit buses free but still need a reserved ticket.

Book / applySource (updated September 24, 2026)

Riley Creek Campground, Savage River Campground, Sanctuary River Campground, Teklanika River Campground, Igloo Creek Campground, Wonder Lake Campground (closed through 2026)

Reservations can be made as early as December 1 of the year before the visit, online through the concessioner's third-party reservation system. The concessioner's site says it will begin accepting reservations for the 2027 season on December 1, 2026.

Book / applySource (updated NPS campgrounds page: June 2, 2025; ReserveDenali.com alert (captured 2026-10-05))

Yankee Freedom ferry or Key West seaplane to Garden Key (only public transport) · Year-round access (no seasonal dates on captured NPS pages); the park …

Book with the concessioners (Yankee Freedom ferry; Key West Seaplane Charters). Ferry passengers who want to camp must book camping through the ferry, which carries a limited number of campers daily. NPS pages give no release schedule.

Book / applySource (updated September 25, 2026)

Garden Key primitive campground

No reservations for regular sites (up to 6 people): camping is first come, first served on arrival at Garden Key. Large groups of 10-20 require an advance reservation with the park. The daily ferry carries at most 10 camping passengers, so NPS recommends booking the ferry months in advance.

First-come, first-served: Garden Key regular campsites (up to 6 people)

Source (updated NPS camping page: July 17, 2026; eating & sleeping page: August 24, 2026)

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness campsites (chickees, ground and beach sites)

Since January 2, 2023 all wilderness campsites are available only by advance reservation on Recreation.gov, opening for reservations 90 days in advance; there are no walk-up sites. Rangers can still help book an unreserved site on the day of the trip.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 24, 2024)

Tram Ride to the Top ticket · Fees page lists the tram reservation Jan 2-Dec 31 (no year printed). V…

Tickets sold by the park partner at gatewayarch.com (also at the visitor center ticket counter per FAQ context). Rides sell out on busy days; NPS recommends buying ahead. No release schedule is published on NPS pages.

Book / applySource (updated March 30, 2026)

Logan Pass Shuttle ticket (pilot) and 3-hour timed parking at Logan Pass · July 1 - September 7, 2026 (Labor Day). Season is over as of 2026-10-0…

Tickets only on Recreation.gov (or 877-444-6777), per person, assigned to a boarding location and time. A portion released 60 days ahead on a rolling basis starting May 2, 2026 at 8 a.m. MDT; the rest released daily at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day shuttles starting June 30. Logan Pass parking needed no reservation: a free timestamped permit from a kiosk, 3-hour limit.

Book / applySource (updated July 28, 2026)

Apgar Campground, Avalanche Campground, Fish Creek Campground, Many Glacier Campground, Sprague Creek Campground, Two Medicine Campground, Apgar Group Sites

Most sites have a 6-month booking window, with a good handful on a 4-day booking window (Recreation.gov text for each campground). NPS: some sites can be reserved a few days ahead and some a few months ahead; all must be reserved on Recreation.gov.

First-come, first-served: Bowman Lake, Cut Bank, Kintla Lake, Logging Creek, Quartz Creek

Book / applySource (updated NPS reservation-campgrounds page: July 9, 2026; first-come page: July 9, 2026; Recreation.gov records updated 2026-02 to 2026-04)

Lake McDonald Lodge and Cabins, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins, Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins, Village Inn at Apgar

Stays can be booked up to 13 months in advance. On the first of each month, online reservations open for the entire month of the following year at midnight (12:00 a.m.) Mountain time (Denver time); the Central Reservations phone line opens at 7 a.m. Mountain on the first of each month. Lake McDonald Lodge and Cabins and Many Glacier Hotel are described as extremely popular and selling out quickly.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown on policy page (captured 2026-10-05); NPS lodging page: February 21, 2025)

Glacier Bay day tour boat from Bartlett Cove (concessioner) · Daily through the summer (2026 dates not on the captured NPS page)

Book with Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours (concessioner); no NPS release schedule. No park entrance fee; no entry reservation.

Source (updated September 22, 2026)

Bartlett Cove Campground (free walk-in)

Advance reservations for the campground are not accepted; camping is first come, first served. A free camping permit is required from May 1 through September 30 (permit application completed online or at the Visitor Information Station).

First-come, first-served: Bartlett Cove Campground

Source (updated NPS campground page: September 30, 2025; permits & reservations page: March 11, 2026)

Glacier Bay Lodge

NPS says to make reservations in advance for Glacier Bay Lodge and the Gustavus inns and B&Bs. No window or release date is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS lodge page: May 14, 2026; eating & sleeping page: September 8, 2025)

Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, North Rim Campground

NPS: campground reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, online through Recreation.gov or by phone. Mather and Desert View each repeat the six-month window on their Recreation.gov pages; the North Rim Campground page does not.

First-come, first-served: Mather Campground: about 20 sites held for day-of in-person purchase during peak season

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 29, 2026; Recreation.gov Mather record updated 2026-05-13)

Trailer Village RV Park

Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance (Trailer Village page FAQ). NPS lists Trailer Village as closed because of a water shortage.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown (captured 2026-10-05); NPS camping page: September 29, 2026)

El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Phantom Ranch (online lottery)

Stays can be booked up to 13 months in advance. On the first of each month, online reservations open for the entire month of the following year at midnight (12:00 am) Mountain time (Denver time); the Central Reservations phone line opens at 7 am Mountain on the first of each month. Phantom Ranch is booked through an online lottery instead.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown on policy page; Xanterra alerts page last updated September 19, 2026; NPS lodging page undated in capture)

Yavapai Lodge

Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance (Yavapai Lodge page FAQ).

Book / applySource (updated Not shown (captured 2026-10-05))

Gros Ventre Campground, Jenny Lake Campground, Signal Mountain Campground, Colter Bay Campground, Colter Bay RV Park, Colter Bay Tent Village, Lizard Creek Campground, Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch

All park campground sites are reserved in advance on Recreation.gov, up to six months in advance (NPS). Grand Teton Lodge Company says its camping is booked on a six-month rolling basis at Recreation.gov. Signal Mountain and Lizard Creek add a sliding window of up to 7 days beyond the 6-month rolling window; Headwaters goes live on a 6-month rolling basis.

First-come, first-served: Grassy Lake Road (John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway): 14 free primitive sites, accessible once the road opens in mid-June

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: December 27, 2022 (old); Recreation.gov records updated 2025-2026)

Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village (cabins), Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

Lodging reservations are available on a 12-month rolling basis and can be booked online or by calling 307-543-3100.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown (captured 2026-10-05); NPS lodging page: December 27, 2022)

Lehman Caves ranger-guided tour ticket · Year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; posted s…

Recreation.gov (highly recommended; tours of 20 regularly sell out). Some walk-up tours sold at the visitor center from opening on the day, often gone within an hour. Complete schedule may not be published until 1 to 3 months ahead. No fixed release time stated.

Book / applySource (updated October 5, 2026)

Wheeler Peak Campground

Advance reservations may be made as early as, but not prior to, 30 days from the desired stay. Sites are available for reservation from late June through Labor Day weekend.

Book / applySource (updated Recreation.gov record updated 2026-09-22)

Baker Creek Campground, Lower Lehman Creek Campground

Recreation.gov's facility rules list a reservation window of 1 day for Baker Creek and 4 days for Lower Lehman Creek. Recreation.gov describes Baker Creek as having a short reservation window for last-minute plans.

Book / applySource (updated Recreation.gov records updated 2026-08-15)

Grey Cliffs Campground, Upper Lehman Creek Campground

Reservable on Recreation.gov, but no booking window is stated on the captured pages. Grey Cliffs accepts reservations from Memorial Day through September.

Book / applySource (updated Recreation.gov records updated 2026-08-15)

Piñon Flats Campground (individual and group sites)

Individual and group campsites are by reservation only on Recreation.gov; open April 1 through October 31. Recreation.gov's facility rule lists a reservation window of 3 Months; no page states the window in prose.

First-come, first-served: 21 high-clearance 4WD campsites on Medano Pass Primitive Road (Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, when the road is open)

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: June 8, 2026; Recreation.gov record updated 2026-03-10)

Parking tag (Park it Forward) - a required purchase, not a reservation · Year-round; any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes anywhere in the pa…

No reservation or release schedule: buy unlimited daily/weekly tags online (print before arrival), at in-park machines (24/7, credit card) or at listed stores; annual tag online. Physical tag must be displayed; digital not accepted. Does not guarantee a space.

Book / applySource (updated September 3, 2026)

Cades Cove Campground, Smokemont Campground

Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance (Recreation.gov notice on the Cades Cove and Smokemont pages). These are the park's only year-round campgrounds and require a reservation.

Book / applySource (updated NPS campregs page: August 12, 2026; Recreation.gov facility record updated 2026-08-13)

LeConte Lodge

Booked one season at a time. For the 2027 season (March 19 to November 21, 2027) phone bookings opened Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 8:00 am EDT; the written-request period closed September 24, 2026. The lodge's page says no phone calls for 2027 were accepted before October 1.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown; page text refers to 2026 and 2027 seasons (captured 2026-10-05))

Pine Springs Campground, Dog Canyon Campground

All campsites in the Pine Springs and Dog Canyon Campgrounds are reservable up to six months in advance through recreation.gov.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: March 27, 2022; Recreation.gov records updated 2026-03-10)

Summit District sunrise vehicle reservation (3:00-7:00 a.m.) · Year-round (fees page: Jan 1-Dec 31); one reservation per vehicle ente…

Recreation.gov only, up to 60 days ahead, released at 7:00 a.m. HST; a portion of each day's reservations released 2 days (48 hours) ahead. One sunrise reservation per visitor per three-day period. Not available by phone to the park or in person.

Book / applySource (updated June 26, 2024)

Kīpahulu Campground, Hosmer Grove Campground

Kīpahulu: reservations are required on a 30-day rolling basis through Recreation.gov (NPS). Hosmer Grove: reservations are required through Recreation.gov; the NPS page states no window, and Recreation.gov's facility rule for Hosmer Grove lists a 30-day reservation window.

Book / applySource (updated NPS Kīpahulu page: October 15, 2024; NPS Hosmer Grove page: September 3, 2025; Recreation.gov records updated 2025-11-20 and 2026-01-07)

Hōlua wilderness tent area, Palikū wilderness tent area

Reservations are required for both sites through Recreation.gov; online reservations can be made up to six (6) months in advance.

Book / applySource (updated NPS wilderness camping page: January 23, 2026)

Hōlua Cabin, Kapalaoa Cabin, Palikū Cabin

Reservations are required for all cabins through Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. Online reservations may be used to reserve cabins up to six (6) months in advance.

Book / applySource (updated NPS wilderness cabins page: December 3, 2025; NPS lodging page: March 1, 2022)

Gulpha Gorge Campground

Campsites require prior reservation on Recreation.gov. Accessible campsites are made available a week in advance; to reserve beyond that timeframe, call the Fordyce Visitor Center (501-620-6715). The window for standard sites is not stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS campground page: January 21, 2026; Recreation.gov record updated 2026-03-10)

Dunewood Campground

All campsites are reservable in advance at recreation.gov starting six months before the check-in date. Sites are reservable beginning on November 15 for the following camping season. The campground is open April 1 through November 1.

Book / applySource (updated NPS campgrounds page: November 5, 2025; Recreation.gov Dunewood record updated 2025-06-07)

Passenger ferries (Ranger III, Isle Royale Queen IV, Voyageur II, Sea Hunter III) and seaplane · Seasonal service; 2026 dates not captured. Ranger III generally sails …

Reservations strongly recommended; each operator has its own fares, schedules and booking (Ranger III is NPS-operated, from Houghton, MI). No release dates captured.

Book / applySource (updated September 12, 2023)

Isle Royale backcountry campgrounds (36)

For parties of six or fewer, all campgrounds are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved; free permits are obtained on arrival. Groups of seven or more must have advance group reservations (requests, $25 per permit), and requests for 2027 group camping reservations opened October 1, 2026; requests received earlier are not processed, and requests are processed in the order received.

First-come, first-served: All campgrounds for parties of six or fewer

Source (updated NPS group camping page: September 11, 2026; backpacking & camping page: April 14, 2026)

Rock Harbor Lodge, Housekeeping cottages, Windigo camper cabins

Rock Harbor Lodge handles all reservations for the lodge, housekeeping cabins and Windigo camper cabins. They are bookable online for any future date, 366 days in advance.

Book / applySource (updated NPS Rock Harbor Lodge page: September 26, 2025)

Keys Ranch guided tour

Reservations required, on Recreation.gov. Booking window not captured.

Book / applySource (updated February 18, 2025)

Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, Cottonwood Group, Indian Cove Group, Sheep Pass Group

Reservations can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance, on Recreation.gov or by phone (1-877-444-6777). Group sites (Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Sheep Pass) can also be reserved up to 6 months in advance.

First-come, first-served: Hidden Valley, White Tank, Belle

Book / applySource (updated NPS campgrounds page: August 16, 2026)

Brooks Camp day visit: no entry reservation; Brooks River Corridor permit for activities in the river corridor · NPS services at Brooks Camp June 1 - September 17 (page last updated J…

Corridor permit on Recreation.gov, valid 7 days, group max 6. Most visitors arrive by float plane (book with air operators; not captured).

Book / applySource (updated June 4, 2024)

Brooks Camp Campground

Reservations are released in three blocks: Jan 7 for May and June, Feb 7 for July and August, March 7 for September and October. For 2026 each block opened at 8 a.m. Alaska Time. The campground is usually full in July; campers without a reservation must be prepared to backcountry camp outside the Brooks Camp Developed Area.

Book / applySource (updated Recreation.gov permit content captured 2026-10-06 (2026 season dates); NPS Brooks Camp page lists the June 1 to September 17 season)

Brooks Lodge

Brooks Lodge rooms are assigned by an annual random lottery. The application period for the 2028 lottery is December 1-30, 2026; entries must be received by 5:00 PM Alaska Standard Time on December 30, 2026. Entrants are contacted January 3 to February 10, 2027 with a date or a wait-list place. Each person may submit one application.

Book / applySource (updated Katmailand Brooks Lodge Lottery page captured 2026-10-06 (no page date shown))

Exit Glacier Campground (12 walk-in tent sites)

Sites are first-come, first-served. There are no reservations or camping fees. The campground frequently fills by early evening in July and August.

First-come, first-served: Exit Glacier Campground (all 12 sites)

Source (updated NPS campgrounds page: September 30, 2026; camping page: April 17, 2026)

Aialik Public Use Cabin, Holgate Public Use Cabin

Reservations are required, online at recreation.gov (search Kenai Fjords National Park Cabins) or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. Reservations for the season open on January 1st at 10:00 am (EST). The cabins are available generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Check back in April and May for cancellations.

Source (updated NPS coastal cabins page: February 5, 2025)

Willow Public Use Cabin (Exit Glacier, winter)

Reservations are required and made by calling (907) 318-2040. Reservations are accepted beginning the second Wednesday of October each year for the coming winter. The cabin is available mid-November to mid-April depending on weather and road conditions; each reservation is limited to three nights.

Source (updated NPS Willow cabin page: August 28, 2025)

Manzanita Lake, Lost Creek Group, Summit Lake North, Summit Lake South, Butte Lake, Warner Valley

Reservations are required for all campgrounds except Juniper Lake and Southwest Walk-in, through Recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777. The NPS page does not say how far ahead sites can be reserved.

First-come, first-served: Juniper Lake, Southwest Walk-in

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 28, 2025)

Manzanita Lake Cabins/Glamping, Drakesbad Guest Ranch

Reservations are required at Manzanita Lake Cabins/Glamping (reserve at recreation.gov) and at Drakesbad Guest Ranch (reserve through lassenlodging.com). No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS eating-and-sleeping page: August 27, 2026; Lassen Lodging cabins page 2026-07-06)

Cave tour ticket (only way into Mammoth Cave) · Year-round; posted schedules run through February 28, 2027 (e.g. Augus…

Recreation.gov or 877-444-6777; reservations strongly recommended and tours can sell out weeks ahead; walk-up tickets not guaranteed. Full schedule may not be published until 1 to 3 months before the tour date. No fixed release time stated.

Book / applySource (updated September 22, 2026)

Mammoth Cave Campground, Maple Springs Campground, Houchin Ferry Campground, Backcountry and riverside sites

All camping in the park requires a permit and most sites are available by reservation on Recreation.gov. Reserving in advance is highly recommended, especially around holidays and weekends. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: June 26, 2026; eating & sleeping page: January 7, 2026)

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave

Advance reservations are recommended; call (844) 760-CAVE or 270-758-2225 or book at mammothcavelodge.com. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS lodging page: June 2, 2025)

Ranger-led cliff dwelling tour reservation (Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Long House, etc.) · 2026 tour season May 4 - October 21; Wetherill Mesa open May 22 - Octo…

Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 only. Reservations open 14 days in advance at 8:00 a.m. MDT; cancelled tickets resold on Recreation.gov up to two hours before a tour. Digital ticket only.

Book / applySource (updated July 6, 2026)

Morefield Campground

Reservations are accepted and recommended through the concessioner's booking site (reservations.ahlsmsworld.com), and the NPS page recommends reserving full-hookup RV sites. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS eating & sleeping page: April 20, 2026; NPS camping page: January 8, 2026; concessioner page captured 2026-10-06)

Far View Lodge

Rates, opening and closing dates and reservations are handled on the concessions website (visitmesaverde.com) or by phone at 1-800-449-2288. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS lodging page: January 8, 2026; concessioner page captured 2026-10-06)

Eight primitive campgrounds (plus Gauley Tailwaters in Gauley River NRA)

Reservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-served. There are no camping fees. In busy months campgrounds fill quickly, so NPS recommends a back-up plan.

First-come, first-served: All eight park campgrounds

Source (updated NPS camping page: June 12, 2026; eating & sleeping page: December 13, 2023)

Newhalem Creek (loops A, B, C), Goodell Creek, Colonial Creek North, Colonial Creek South

Campsites are released in two staggered blocks: some sites 6 months in advance and the rest 7 days in advance. Newhalem Creek: A and C loops 6 months, B loop 7 days. Goodell Creek: sites 1-13 at 6 months, 14-19 at 7 days. Colonial Creek North: sites 1-35 at 6 months, 36-43 at 7 days. Colonial Creek South: sites 64-95 and 116-164 at 6 months, 96-113 at 7 days. Sites unreserved during peak season are first-come, first-served same day, for one night.

First-come, first-served: Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake and Colonial Creek South walk-in sites #64-#73 (year-round, outside the reservation season)

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: August 4, 2026; Recreation.gov records updated 2026-09-07)

Ross Lake Resort cabins

About 60 percent of lodging reservations are reservable one year in advance upon checkout (guests rebooking), and 40 percent of openings are filled from an online lottery list. The lottery list resets every January 1 and guests must sign up each calendar year; cancellations are also filled from the lottery list, and last-minute openings are first-come, first-served from an availability table.

Book / applySource (updated Ross Lake Resort stay page captured 2026-10-06 (no page date shown))

Fairholme Campground, Hoh Rain Forest Campground, Kalaloch Campground, Mora Campground, Staircase Campground

Sites are released in three staggered blocks by loop: 6 months in advance, 2 weeks in advance and 4 days in advance. Hoh: A loop 6 months, C loop two weeks, B loop 4 days. Kalaloch: A and B loops 6 months, C and D loops two weeks, E and F loops 4 days. Fairholme: B loop and most walk-to sites 6 months, C loop and most remaining walk-to sites 2 weeks, A loop and walk-to site 85 four days. Mora and Staircase carry the same three windows on the NPS page without a per-loop split.

First-come, first-served: Deer Park, Graves Creek, Heart O' the Hills, North Fork, Ozette, Queets, South Beach, Hoh, Kalaloch, Mora and Staircase outside their 2026 reservation periods

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 30, 2026; Recreation.gov records updated 2026-03 to 2026-10)

Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground, Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park

Reservations required March 20, 2026 - November 1, 2026; sites may be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Unreserved or cancelled sites are sold at the resort on a first-come, first-served basis.

First-come, first-served: Unreserved or cancelled Sol Duc sites, sold at the resort

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 30, 2026)

No RV, car or front country camping. The only overnight option is a free backpacking wilderness permit, obtained in person at a visitor center on the day of the trip (available until 4:30 pm); permits cannot be booked ahead.

First-come, first-served: Free backcountry wilderness permit, same-day, in person

Source (updated NPS camping page: April 26, 2025; eating & sleeping page: February 4, 2023)

Pinnacles Campground (east side)

Camping reservations are made on Recreation.gov; first-come, first-served sites are not available at this campground. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS eating & sleeping page: October 15, 2024; Recreation.gov record updated 2026-09-05)

Tent cabins at Pinnacles Campground

Tent cabins are open year-round; reserve at recreation.gov or call (831) 200-1722. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS lodging page: October 15, 2024)

Four developed campgrounds managed by California State Parks (including Jedediah Smith)

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in summer, and are made on the Reserve California website. No booking window is stated on the NPS pages. Backcountry camping needs a free permit obtained by online reservation only.

Source (updated NPS developed campgrounds page: May 5, 2026; camping page: March 19, 2026)

Elk Prairie Campground cabins (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 4), Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park cabins (4)

These eight basic campground cabins are typically reserved months in advance, so early booking is recommended. No window is stated.

Source (updated NPS lodging page: January 24, 2025; eating & sleeping page: January 22, 2026)

Timed Entry reservation (all park areas except Bear Lake Road Corridor) · May 22 - October 12, 2026; needed to enter between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. d…

First-come, first-served on Recreation.gov in monthly blocks at 8 a.m. MDT on the 1st of the prior month (May 1 for May 22-Jun 30; Jun 1 for July; Jul 1 for August; Aug 1 for September; Sep 1 for October 1-18). About 40% of each day's reservations are released at 7 p.m. MDT the night before. One reservation per vehicle per day; 2-hour entry windows; no exit time.

Book / applySource (updated May 14, 2026)

Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation (Bear Lake Road Corridor plus rest of park) · May 22 - October 18, 2026; needed to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor…

Same release schedule as Timed Entry: monthly blocks at 8 a.m. MDT on the 1st of the prior month (September 1 release covered October 1-18); additional reservations at 7 p.m. MDT the night before arrival. Must enter the corridor within the 2-hour window; re-entry to the corridor only after 2 p.m.

Book / applySource (updated May 14, 2026)

Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen, Timber Creek

Advance reservations are required in summer. Some campsites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance on a rolling window; other campsites are released on a short-term basis (Timber Creek's page says 2 weeks before the camping date, Glacier Basin's says 1 week). Reservations cannot be made in person.

First-come, first-served: Longs Peak Campground (summer, tents only), Moraine Park (winter camping season, from October 19, 2026)

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 25, 2026; Recreation.gov records updated July-August 2026)

Glacier Basin Campground group sites

Group campsites are available to be reserved 1 year in advance on a rolling window (Glacier Basin Recreation.gov page).

Book / applySource (updated Recreation.gov record updated 2026-07-06)

Six designated backcountry campgrounds in the Saguaro Wilderness Area (Rincon Mountains)

Reservations for backcountry camping are required, and permits are available on Recreation.gov ($8 per campsite per night). Recreation.gov's facility rules list a reservation window of 3 months with a block release on day 1 of every month (structured fields; no prose rule is stated).

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: May 22, 2025; Recreation.gov record updated 2026-05-12)

Crystal Cave guided tour ticket (Sequoia Parks Conservancy) · Tours ended for the 2026 season (spring through fall, typically 9 a.m.…

Buy online from Sequoia Parks Conservancy at least 36 hours ahead (NPS recommends two months ahead). Not sold at the cave. The only way into the cave is a guided tour.

Source (updated September 8, 2026)

Lodgepole Campground, Potwisha Campground, Sentinel Campground, Azalea Campground, Canyon View Group Sites

Recreation.gov's facility rules for these campgrounds list a reservation window of 4 months. The window is not stated in prose on the NPS campgrounds page or in the campground descriptions. NPS: nearly all campgrounds require advance reservations and sites fill quickly.

First-come, first-served: Azalea Campground when it is not on reservations (late spring to early fall it is on reservations)

Book / applySource (updated NPS campgrounds page: March 21, 2026; Recreation.gov records updated 2026-07-17)

Dorst Creek Campground, Buckeye Flat Campground, Atwell Mill Campground, Cold Springs Campground, Moraine Campground, Sheep Creek Campground, Sunset Campground

Recreation.gov's facility rules for these campgrounds list a reservation window of 1 month. The window is not stated in prose on the NPS or Recreation.gov pages.

Book / applySource (updated NPS campgrounds page: March 21, 2026; Recreation.gov records updated 2026-03-10 to 2026-07-17)

Crystal Springs Campground

Recreation.gov's facility rules list a reservation window of 2 days. This is not stated in prose.

Book / applySource (updated Recreation.gov record updated 2026-07-17)

Wuksachi Lodge, John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, Cedar Grove Lodge

Reservations may be booked up to 366 days (one year and one day) in advance (stated for Wuksachi Lodge and, separately, for John Muir Lodge, Cedar Grove Lodge and Grant Grove Cabins).

Book / applySource (updated Policy page undated (captured 2026-10-05); NPS lodging page: September 17, 2025)

Old Rag Mountain day-use ticket · March 1 - November 30 (2026; main Old Rag lot closed for construction …

800 tickets per day on Recreation.gov (or 877-444-6777): 400 released 30 days ahead and 400 released 5 days ahead, daily at 10:00 a.m.; leftovers bookable same day online. Up to 4 tickets per person per day. Not sold at the trailhead.

Book / applySource (updated September 18, 2026)

Mathews Arm Campground, Big Meadows Campground, Loft Mountain Campground

Reservable sites are released in three sections: 6 months before arrival, 50 percent of reservable sites; 2 weeks before arrival, 25 percent; 4 days before arrival, the remaining 25 percent. The NPS page's worked example puts a later release at 10 a.m. No reservations can be made for Mathews Arm within 48 hours of the selected date. Big Meadows is reservation-only and can be booked online at any time.

First-come, first-served: Lewis Mountain Campground (first-come, first-served only, self-registration), Some sites at Mathews Arm Campground, Some sites at Loft Mountain Campground

Book / applySource (updated NPS campground-reservations page: April 22, 2024; NPS campgrounds page: March 19, 2026)

Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge, Lewis Mountain Cabins

Arrival dates can be booked a maximum of one year and one month in advance (13 months).

Book / applySource (updated Policy page undated (captured 2026-10-05); NPS lodging page: October 15, 2024)

Cottonwood Campground (South Unit), Juniper Campground (North Unit), Roundup Group Horse Camp

All sites are by reservation at recreation.gov; the park cannot accept reservations directly. Cottonwood standard sites may be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Group sites (Cottonwood, Juniper) and the Roundup Group Horse Camp open each year on the first business day in March at 8:00 am MST. Beginning May 1, 2026 all Juniper sites are by reservation.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: May 17, 2026; Recreation.gov records updated 2026-05-01 to 2026-09-29)

Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground

Camping is permitted only by reservation in designated locations at Cinnamon Bay. The concessioner's FAQ says online reservations are open 11 months in advance, to let in-house repeat guests rebook dates for the following year. Stays are 2-night minimum for pre-reserved stays and 7-night minimum for Christmas and New Year's week, Presidents Week and Easter Week.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: July 5, 2022; eating & sleeping page: June 7, 2022; concessioner FAQ captured 2026-10-06 (no page date shown))

Ranger-led boat tours (Rainy Lake, Kabetogama/Namakan) · Typically mid-June through end of September (no 2026 dates on the capt…

Tickets on Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777, available from 9 a.m. on April 15 each year, when the season schedule is posted. Walk-in tickets sometimes available until 30 minutes before departure.

Book / applySource (updated March 26, 2026)

Frontcountry and backcountry boat-in campsites (all types require a reservation/permit), Houseboat sites

Peak season (Friday before the Minnesota fishing opener through October 15): reservations are available the previous November 15 at 9am CST. Non-peak season (October 16 through the Thursday before the fishing opener): reservations are available the previous April 15 at 9am CST. Houseboat permits (season May 1 - October 31) become available the previous November 15 at 9am CST.

Book / applySource (updated NPS permits and reservations page: September 3, 2026; Recreation.gov record updated 2026-06-03)

Kettle Falls Hotel

Booking is through the hotel's own website; if you have no watercraft you can arrange a shuttle service with the hotel reservation. No booking window is stated.

Book / applySource (updated NPS eating & sleeping page: November 19, 2025; hotel homepage captured 2026-10-06)

Backcountry camping is closed for rehabilitation of camping sites with no reopening date, so there is no way to stay overnight in the park; there are no hotels or RV/car camping.

Source (updated NPS eating & sleeping page: February 1, 2025)

Cave tour ticket (Garden of Eden, Natural Entrance, Fairgrounds; Candlelight and Wild Cave by phone) · Year-round; posted schedule: October 1-31, 2026 Fairgrounds and Garden…

Recreation.gov typically from 120 days until 2 days before the tour date; roughly half of tickets held for same-day first-come sale at the visitor center. Candlelight and Wild Cave (summer only) by phone 605-745-4600 up to one month ahead, from 8:30 a.m.

Book / applySource (updated September 30, 2026)

Elk Mountain Campground

Reservations may be made 6 months in advance of the stay, and same-day reservations are available (Recreation.gov overview). The campground is open year-round; sites are reservable late May through September, and first-come, first-served through Recreation.gov at other times.

First-come, first-served: Off-season (October to May) sites via same-day booking on Recreation.gov

Book / applySource (updated NPS eating & sleeping page: January 18, 2026; Recreation.gov record updated 2025-10-14)

Kendesnii Campground (Nabesna Road, mile 27.8), Nabesna Road pullout campsites, Jumbo Creek (primitive, by trail)

Nabesna Road sites are primitive and first come, first served; reservations are not taken. Kendesnii Campground (10 sites, free, open year-round) is the only NPS campground in the park: no reservations are required and none are taken. Groups of more than 8 (maximum 12) camping in the Donoho Basin must register with the park.

First-come, first-served: Kendesnii Campground, Nabesna Road roadside sites

Source (updated NPS Nabesna Road camping page: August 16, 2022; McCarthy Road camping page: April 4, 2023)

Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Slough Creek, Tower Fall

NPS: reservations open on a rolling basis, so a site can be booked exactly six months before the date of the stay, if available. Mammoth Campground offers first-come, first-served sites from October 15 to April 1.

First-come, first-served: Mammoth Campground (October 15 - April 1 only)

Book / applySource (updated NPS: February 25, 2026)

Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, Madison

Through the 2026 season: campground/RV stays can be booked up to 13 months in advance. On the 5th of each month the concessioner begins accepting reservations for the whole of the same month of the following year; online from midnight Mountain time, by phone from 7:00 a.m. Beginning with the 2027 summer camping season these five campgrounds are to be handled through Recreation.gov, with reservations opening approximately 6 months in advance.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown on page (captured 2026-10-05; page refers to April 5, 2026 as an example))

Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Grant Village Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, Lake Lodge Cabins, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins, Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

Lodging reservations open up to 13 months in advance. On the 5th of each month the concessioner begins accepting reservations for the whole of the same month of the following year (example on its page: on April 5, 2026, guests can reserve April 1 through April 30, 2027). Online from midnight (12:00 a.m.) Mountain time; by phone from 7:00 a.m. Mountain.

Book / applySource (updated Not shown on page (captured 2026-10-05))

Half Dome day-hiker permit (cables) · Standing rule: required 7 days a week while the cables are up, normall…

Lottery on Recreation.gov. Preseason lottery: apply March 1-31 (Eastern time), results mid-April, 225 permits/day. Daily lottery: apply two days before the hike, midnight to 4 p.m. Pacific, results late that night.

Book / applySource (updated June 3, 2025)

Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow

Released five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific time. Each release opens one block of arrival dates, from the 15th four months ahead through the 14th five months ahead (example on the NPS table: January 15 release opens May 15 through June 14 arrivals). Upper Pines is on reservations all year; Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow require reservations from roughly April to October.

First-come, first-served: Wawona (winter only), Hodgdon Meadow (winter only)

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 11, 2026; NPS campgrounds page: September 28, 2026)

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Half of the campsites are released two months in advance on the 15th of each month; the other half are released on a rolling daily window two weeks (14 days) in advance. All non-lottery releases are at 7 am Pacific time. Open roughly July to late September.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 11, 2026)

Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat

Released two weeks in advance on a rolling daily window (14 days before the arrival date). All non-lottery reservations are released at 7 am Pacific time. Open roughly July to early September/October.

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 11, 2026; NPS campgrounds page: September 28, 2026)

Camp 4

Released one week in advance on a rolling daily window (7 days before the arrival date) at 7 AM Pacific. Walk-in tent campground with shared sites ($10 per person). Reservations required April 15 through November 29, 2026; first-come, first-served during winter.

First-come, first-served: Camp 4 (winter only)

Book / applySource (updated NPS camping page: September 11, 2026; NPS campgrounds page: September 28, 2026)

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Wawona Hotel (currently closed per NPS), Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, White Wolf Lodge, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, High Sierra Camps (by lottery), Glacier Point Ski Hut

NPS: reservations are available 366 days in advance and are strongly recommended. High Sierra Camps are reserved by lottery.

Book / applySource (updated NPS lodging page: September 2, 2025 (older than the camping pages))

Angels Landing hiking permit (pilot program) · Year-round; everyone hiking beyond Scout Lookout to Angels Landing nee…

Two lotteries on Recreation.gov. Seasonal lottery by hike period (2026 schedule): Mar 1-May 31 hikes open Feb 13, close Feb 25, issued Feb 26; Jun 1-Aug 31 open Apr 1, close Apr 20, issued Apr 25; Sep 1-Nov 30 open Jul 1, close Jul 20, issued Jul 25; Dec 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027 open Oct 1, close Oct 20, issued Oct 25 (opens 8 a.m. MT, closes 11:59 p.m. MT). Day-before lottery: apply 12:01 a.m.-3 p.m. MT the day before, results 4 p.m. MT.

Book / applySource (updated September 30, 2026)

Watchman Campground

Standard sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Open year-round.

Book / applySource (updated NPS: June 17, 2026 (campgrounds page); May 21, 2026 (Watchman page))

South Campground, Lava Point Campground

Sites can be reserved up to 14 days (two weeks) in advance. Both campgrounds close seasonally.

Book / applySource (updated NPS: June 17, 2026; Recreation.gov South Campground record updated 2026-06-10)