Planning on RV road-tripping to a national park but don’t know which national parks require reservations? See our list of NPS reservations for updated 2025 changes!
In the past several years, the National Park Service has seen big and small changes to our national park system. And, since 2020, there has been an increased reliance on reservations to the introduction of timed-entry permits and fee increases. Here's a look at some national park updates visitors can expect to see in 2025.
Timed-Entry Permits and Reservations
Back in 2020, Rocky Mountain National Park was the first national park to implement a timed-entry permit. The change was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was supposed to be a temporary way to manage visitation. However, in 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park brought back reservations for timed-entry permits, and they're still sticking with them in 2025. From 9 am to 2 pm, May 24th through October 14th, timed-entry permits are required for access to most of the park. Which other national parks require reservations?
Which National Parks Require Reservations 2025?
Many of the national parks that implemented park reservations have done away with them. However, two other national parks besides Rocky Mountain National Park have stuck with them for 2025. Arches National Park introduced timed-entry permits in 2022 and has since been using them.
At Arches National Park, timed entry tickets are required from April 1st through July 7th and then again from August 27th through October 31st. These tickets are only required for guests arriving between 7 am and 4 pm.
Additionally, Glacier National Park has implemented a timed entry program for 2025 running from June 13th to September 28th. Tickets for the timed entry reservations go on sale on February 12th, 2025.
If you're planning an RV road trip to any of these national parks this year, they usually allow you to make timed-entry permit NPS reservations several months out, so jump on their websites and reserve a spot now.
Reservations for Camping
Of particular relevance for RV travelers is the fact that more national parks are doing away with first-come, first-served campgrounds in 2025. Which national parks require reservations for camping? Grand Teton National Park has completely done away with first-come, first-served camping, with all spots requiring online reservations.
Some national parks require reservations only for certain campgrounds, while others can be expected to follow Grand Teton's example and require reservations for all sites. Plan ahead of time, and check if your preferred campground requires NPS reservations before you head out.
Look Out for Price Increases in 2025
Visitors to Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore never previously had to pay an entry fee, but that changed in 2022. And, per person, overnight backcountry fees for Grand Canyon National Park went up from $12 to $15 (in addition to a $10 backcountry permit) in 2023.
Everglades National Park implemented a modest price increase on January 1st, 2024. Vehicle entry fees rose from $30 to $35 for the seven-day pass.
In 2025, camping fees for Dinosaur National Monument will increase to help fund important maintenance and park improvements.
If visiting a park introducing timed-entry permits, these also often come with fees; for example, timed-entry permits are "free" at most or all parks, but all actually come with an unavoidable $2 online service charge. Meanwhile, in 2022, Acadia National Park in Maine introduced timed-entry permits for the Cadillac Summit Road at $6 per vehicle.
It's not all bad news: The National Park System has designated six fee-free days for 2025 (January 20th, April 19th, June 19th, August 4th, September 27th, and November 11th), so take advantage if you can!
Be Mindful of Nature-Preserving Measures
Due to concerns about the effects of climate change, along with the increasing public use of national parks in the past several years, many national parks are taking increased measures or continuing policies to preserve their environments. You can consider the aforementioned timed-entry permits and fee increases as part of these measures, but there are other things national parks are doing as well.
More trails will likely have signs warning hikers away from venturing off-trail to protect flora and fauna. Some campgrounds might be closed for renovations, while especially in the West, prescribed fires (a.k.a. controlled burns) in places where forest or wildfires are common in summer. It's all a part of ensuring these parks' natural resources will still be around for future generations to enjoy.
Visit National Parks in 2025 with Cruise America
Now that you're in on the latest national park updates put that knowledge to good use with a road trip. No RV? No problem! Cruise America has RVs for rent or sale that can get you wherever you want to go. Before you make any NPS reservations, visit Cruise America to reserve your RV rental first! Get in touch with Cruise America now!
