US National Park Reservations required

[stanleycamel]

I know it is unlikely in the next couple of months but might be of interest for trips later in the year. If you are planning on travelling to National Parks, especially the popular ones such as Yosemite, always check to see if you need a day pass reservation. Due to Covid lots of the busy NP's require you to apply for these days passes which can be done in two ways. One is through the relevant NP site which will redirect you to the website of the second - so it makes sense to go direct to this website:-

recreation.gov/

The booking system opens today and here is an idea of time scales etc and you will need to register for an account - definitely worth a look.


Day-Use Reservations
Reservations are available on recreation.gov, with most reservations available in spring, and limited reservations available seven days before the arrival date (e.g., make a reservation for an arrival date of September 30 on September 23).

First day to reserve for Arrival date(s)

April 21 for May 21–June 30

April 28 for July 1-31

May 5 for August 1–31

May 12 for September 1–30

There will be limited reservations available seven days before the arrival date from May 14 to September 23.

You do not need a day pass if you have any of the following - lodging, organised tour or wilderness permits. Again each NP website will go into more detail.

Trying to be a bit positive here and hope visits to the NP's like Yosemite will be back on the cards later in the year.