A Guide to U.S. National Parks Requiring Reservations for 2026
An updated list as of 5/20/26
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 Carlsbad Caverns and Yosemite have reservation requirements for timed entry or specific areas. Reservation systems change frequently and are often seasonal. Below are some of the major parks that typically require reservations—but always confirm details on the National Park Service (NPS) website or Recreation.gov before your trip.
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 20-October 25. 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. You can make a reservation up to 90 days in advance on recreation.gov.
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). This year the park is piloting a shuttle reservation system. Starting July 1, 2026, parking at Logan Pass will be limited to three hours. This shuttle will replace the previous first-come, first-served shuttle system.
Reservation Type: Shuttle reservation
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
Muir Woods
Located just outside of San Francisco, this national monument protects the old growth coastal redwoods. Parking reservations are required all year to prevent overcrowding.
Reservation Type: Parking reservation
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 from late May-mid October. Please note there are two different types of reservations to choose from: Timed Entry and Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road.
Reservation Type: Timed entry
Check out our three-day guide to RMNP here.
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
As of February 2026, Yosemite no longer requires timed entry reservations. However, the popular Half Dome hike does require permits for day hikers. These are distributed by lottery via Recreation.gov, with one preseason lottery having an application period in March and daily lotteries during the hiking season. Backpackers—including those who plan to spend the night in Little Yosemite Valley—should apply for Half Dome permits with their wilderness permit.
Reservation Type: Hiking permit
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 remainder 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 5/20/26, please make sure to check the NPS and recreation.gov websites for up-to-date information.