The New Rules of Visiting National Parks
What to Know Now
What to know when planning a national park visit in 2025
Our parks have never been more popular鈥攐r understaffed. Here鈥檚 what to expect this summer and how to navigate the busiest parks.
Timed-entry reservations are back. Our national parks columnist reveals how to get into these popular parks.
The White House has ordered the Bureau of Land Management to rescind the Public Lands Rule, which allowed the agency to lease lands specifically for conservation and restoration
Most national parks have an entry fee, but not these. And they鈥檙e all awesome places to visit.
Ada Lim贸n, America鈥檚 first Latina poet laureate, is helping us rethink wild spaces with some perfectly placed poems at a park near you
Quieter Stays
The best spots (and times) to visit for quieter outings
Modern life is filled with noise. These peaceful parks are very, very quiet.
Surrounded by more famous destinations, this area is often overlooked. Yet it is one of the wildest and most beautiful units in the national-park system.
Our parks expert has put together long weekend trips for as little as $204, with details on free entrance fees and campsites, and active itineraries that keep costs down
According to new NPS data, visitation is up at the country鈥檚 most popular national parks. But at these under-the-radar gems, the scenery is equally spectacular and you鈥檒l have plenty of room to explore.
Destination Spots
Plan a trip you'll always remember
Volcano House overlooks the K墨lauea Crater, increasing guests' chances of witnessing an eruption.
These cool new lodging options are within striking distance of some of the country鈥檚 most popular national parks
Our parks expert found the coolest small towns to stay in next door to U.S. national parks. You鈥檙e welcome.
It isn鈥檛 impossible to find lodging around our nation鈥檚 most-visited national park. But these spots are extra cool鈥攆rom secluded cabins and riverside retreats, to a treehouse and beyond.
Things to Do
Hike, bike and swim at the best parks across the nation
Walk among deep river gorges, glacial mountains, alpine lakes, and vast deserts, all on beautiful under-the-radar public lands
Some of the wildest, best beaches in the country can be found in our national parks system. These are the most spectacular.
国产吃瓜黑料s in national parks don鈥檛 end at sundown. We鈥檝e found the best ways to explore after dark, from seeing the Northern Lights to Yooperlite hunting.
Ditch the crowds as you hike, camp, and revel in the most stunning backcountry landscapes in the U.S. They don't call one circuit Wonderland for nothing.