You’ll Need a Reservation Before Visiting These National Parks

Ready to plan your outdoor adventures for 2024? Well, there are some changes that you need to be aware of. Many of the National Parks are changing their rules for this year and making it so that you’ll need a reservation before entering the Park or doing their most popular activities like famous hikes and drives.

Here’s a list of National Parks that you are going to need a reservation for in 2024. 

Glacier National Park

Is there anything more beautiful than glaciers? Well, Glacier National Park has 35 of them! In 2024, Glacier National Park will now require vehicle reservations for specific areas that you can book 120 days in advance. 

For the West Entrance (the main entrance) and the North Fork Entrance, you will need to book a reservation for the dates of May 24th to September 8th.

Also, for Many Glacier Valley you’ll need a vehicle reservation for the dates of July 1st through September 8th.

All vehicle reservations are only valid for one day. However, if you get to any of the entrances before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. you don’t need a reservation. If you weren’t able to book it in advance, then you can try your luck and see if there are any next-day reservations available which open every day at 7 p.m.

Arches National Park

If you want to see these beautiful rock arches in the desert, then you are going to have to reserve your spot. Three months before your trip you can go to Recreation.gov to book your “Timed-Entry”.

For example, if you are planning to go to Arches in June, the reservations will open on March 1st at 8 a.m. MST. They also have a few tickets that are available the day before entrance, starting at 7 p.m.

Yosemite National Park

If you are looking for the ultimate outdoor vacation, Yosemite is the place for you. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places on the planet and one that you need to visit in your life.

You will need a reservation for all dates from April 13th to October 27th as well as every weekend of the year. To book a reservation, you can go to the Recreation.gov site. Then once you are at the park entrance, you will need to pay the $35 car fee.

Reservations for the high season (April 13th to October 27th) opened on January 5th, so there will not be any available. However, you can still make reservations seven days before your arrival date at 8 a.m. Pacific Time, but these are hard to get.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Hands down one of the most beautiful National Parks is in the Rocky Mountains. Beginning on May 24th, you will need a reservation to enter this Park. You can book your reservations starting on May 1st at 8 a.m. MT. These reservations will be for May 24th through June 30th. 

For the rest of the year, you can book a reservation for one month in advance. For example, if you are planning on visiting in July, you can book your reservation on June 1st. There is also a $35 car entrance fee when you get to the Park.

Zion National Park

Zion’s popularity has exploded over the last few years, making their requirements to get in more strict. You will not need a reservation to enter the park, but you will need a reservation for some hikes and campgrounds in Zion Canyon. 

For the famous Angels Landing hike, you will need to enter the lottery system to claim your spot. You can make a reservation for two months out on the 1st, 20th, and 25th of each month. The only other reservations that you will need to make are for overnight backpacking, cannoneering, off-trail hikes, river sports, and horseback riding.

Haleakala National Park

This is one of the most stunning places in Hawaii that you won’t want to miss. You can enter the Park without a reservation but there are some things in the Park that you will need a reservation for. 

If you want to climb Maui’s highest peak for sunrise, then you will need to book a reservation about a month in advance. Also, if you wish to stay in one of the wilderness cabins or wilderness campsites, you will need a reservation 6 months in advance.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Did you know that this is the most visited National Park in the USA? And not just by a small margin either. Almost 13 million people visit this Park every year. That’s three times more than the Grand Canyon!

Even with the millions of visitors this Park sees each year, you still will not need a reservation to enter. 

Some things that require a reservation are backcountry camping, frontcountry camping, Leconte Lodge, horse camps, group campgrounds, and picnic pavilions. You can make your reservation six months in advance on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is known for its breathtaking fall foliage, rugged coastline, and stunning mountain vistas. You are going to need a vehicle reservation from May 22nd through Sun Oct 27th, but only if you are planning on doing the iconic Cadillac Summit Road. 

These reservations can be made 90 days in advance. The only other reservation that you will need is if you are planning to do some rock climbing on the Otter Cliffs from May 24th to September 2nd. You can reserve your climbing permits a week in advance.

Shenandoah National Park

Last on the list we have Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Some of the major attractions at this Park include Skyline Drive, Bearfence Mountain, Old Rag Mountain, and Dark Hollow Falls. 

The reservations that you will need for this National Park are for backcountry camping permits, Old Rag Mountain summit, lodging, and camping. Campsite will be available up to 6 months in advance and the rest of the reservations can be made 30 days prior.

That wraps up the list of National Parks you’ll need a reservation for in 2024. I hope this helped you in your planning and hopefully, you’re able to snag a reservation before they sell out. Good luck!