Which National Parks Require Reservations or Timed Entry in 2025?

If you’re planning a trip to a national park in 2025, it’s important to be aware of new and ongoing entry requirements. In an effort to manage increasing visitor numbers and protect the natural environment, several popular national parks have implemented reservation or timed entry systems. Entry permits and requirements started becoming popular across national parks after the pandemic when a surge of travelers started heading to open-air locations for vacation. 

And as much as we love to see an influx of travelers enjoying the great outdoors, it has made visiting certain national parks a bit more difficult! Many of the most popular parks, such as Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Park, now have timed entry requirements during the summer months. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the national parks that will require reservations or timed entry in 2025, as well as some that remain open without such restrictions.

1. Arches National Park, Utah 

Arches National Park requires permits in Spring, Summer, and Fall. It’s one of the smallest and most popular national parks, which made overcrowding a big issue in recent years. 

• When: April 1 to October 31, 2025.
• Details: A timed entry ticket is required to enter the park between 7 AM and 4 PM. Visitors can secure their tickets through Recreation.gov, with reservations available up to three months in advance. Limited same-day tickets are also offered, but it’s advised to plan early as these tickets can sell out quickly.

Visitors are welcome to enter the park outside the timed hours without a reservation. 

2. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 

Known for its towering mountains, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park remains one of the most visited parks in the U.S. As such, timed entry permits will be required for peak months in 2025.

• When: May 24 to October 13, 2025.
• Details: The park has two types of timed entry permits. The first includes access to the popular Bear Lake Road Corridor, while the second allows access to other areas of the park. Both permits must be booked through Recreation.gov. Reservations open at the start of each month for the following month; however, 40% of timed entry reservations are released on recreation.gov the night before the chosen arrival day. 

Make sure you arrive at the park during your indicated time slot. Re-entry is allowed with a valid reservation. 

3. Yosemite National Park, California 

Yosemite is a must for nearly everyone who enjoys visiting national parks in their Four Wheel Camper. The valley floor of Yosemite is quite small, and too many cars make it congested, causing traffic jams, accidents, and other unpleasant aspects that cause unwanted stress for many vacationers attempting to disconnect from the hustle-and-bustle.

• When: Possible during peak seasons in 2025 (exact dates TBD). In 2024, the park required permits on weekends and holidays through October 27th and every day from July through August 16th.
• Details: There are four main ways to get a reservation for Yosemite, which include a car reservation, in park camping/lodging, wilderness permits, or tour groups. Most reservations go live for purchase on recreation.gov in early January, while additional reservations can be made seven days before the arrival date. Reservations sell out almost immediately, so set your alarm! 

4. Glacier National Park, Montana 

Glacier National Park is celebrated for its rugged mountain scenery and abundant wildlife, but with limited roads and infrastructure, visitor management is crucial. In 2025, vehicle reservations will continue to be required for specific areas of the park.

• When: May 2025 through September 2025.
  • May 24 – September 8th, reservations are required for the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Northfork from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. 
  • July 1 – September 8th, permits are also required for the eastern entrance through Many Glacier from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. 
• Details: Vehicle reservations will be required to access Glacier’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road or the remote North Fork area. Vehicle reservations are available on Recreation.gov and will be released in January 2025. You can see the most up-to-date information on the NPS website here. 

Visitors are welcome to enter the park outside of the timed hours without a reservation. 

5. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii 

Unlike other national parks that require reservations during large portions of the day, Haleakalā National Park only requires permits for those looking to catch the sunrise on the summit of Haleakalā.

• When: Year-round (Sunrise Only).
• Details: Sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā is an iconic experience, but due to its popularity, reservations are required. These can be made online through Recreation.gov and should be booked as early as possible since they sell out fast.

6. Acadia National Park, Maine 

Acadia, with its rocky shorelines and dense forests, offers a stunning contrast to the nation’s western parks. If you’re planning to drive up Cadillac Mountain in your truck camper for its famous sunrise or sunset views, you’ll need to plan ahead.

• When: Year-round (Cadillac Summit Road Only).
• Details: Vehicle reservations are required to access Cadillac Mountain Summit, especially for sunrise and sunset drives. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov. 30 percent of reservations will be available for purchase 90 days in advance of the reservation date, while 70 percent of the reservations will be available at 10 am EST two days in advance of the reservation date.

National Parks Without Entry Reservation Requirements in 2025

While several national parks have introduced entry reservations, many others remain open without such restrictions. If you opt to be more spontaneous in your truck camper, don’t fret! There are plenty of fantastic national parks that have no entry requirements. Here are a few notable parks that you can enjoy without needing to reserve a spot ahead of time:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: As the most visited national park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains remains accessible without any timed entry or reservation system. However, due to its popularity, it’s wise to arrive early or visit during off-peak times.
• Yellowstone National Park: Known for its geysers and geothermal wonders, Yellowstone does not require entry reservations. However, be prepared for heavy traffic during the summer, particularly in areas like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
• Shenandoah National Park: This park, famed for its scenic Skyline Drive and Appalachian views, remains free from entry reservation requirements. Fall is the busiest time due to the foliage, but no timed entry is required.
• Joshua Tree National Park: With its surreal desert landscape and dark skies, Joshua Tree is another park where you can visit without an entry reservation.