https://www.recreation.gov/ is the U.S. government’s official online portal for
booking and planning outdoor recreation on federal lands, partnering with 11 federal agencies (e.g., National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management). It serves outdoor enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking access to campsites, park tickets, guided tours, and activity permits—simplifying access to America’s public lands and waters.
Its strength lies in centralized access to federal recreation resources, with key tools:
- Booking for Federal Sites: Reserve campsites (tent, RV, backcountry), day-use passes (e.g., for Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon), and permits (hiking, fishing, river rafting) across 100,000+ locations.
- Detailed Site Information: Each listing includes amenities (restrooms, water access, electricity), availability calendars, and user reviews to help choose the right spot.
- Trip Planning Tools: Use interactive maps to find sites by activity (camping, hiking, boating), save favorite locations to a “Trip List,” and view agency-specific rules (e.g., fire restrictions, pet policies).
- Real-Time Availability: Check last-minute openings for popular sites and receive confirmation emails with booking details (e.g., check-in times, permit numbers).
- Search for Activities/Sites: Enter a destination (e.g., “Rocky Mountain National Park”) or activity (e.g., “RV camping”) in the search bar, then select dates.
- Filter Results: Narrow options by amenities (e.g., “electric hookups”), site type (e.g., “backcountry”), or agency (e.g., “National Park Service”).
- Book & Pay: Select a available site/permit, enter traveler details, and pay securely via credit card. Most bookings require a small reservation fee.
- Manage Bookings: Log in to “My Account” to view, modify, or cancel reservations (per agency cancellation policies) and access digital permits/passes.
- Family Campers: Reserve RV or tent sites in national forests (e.g., Olympic National Forest) with kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds or nearby trails.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Secure backcountry permits for multi-day hikes (e.g., the Appalachian Trail) or river rafting permits in federal wilderness areas.
- National Park Visitors: Book timed entry passes for crowded parks (e.g., Glacier National Park) to avoid long lines and guarantee access.
- Last-Minute Planners: Check real-time availability for campsites or day passes for spontaneous weekend trips to federal lands.