Which National Parks Require Timed Entry in 2026?
In 2026, these five US national parks require timed entry reservations:
Acadia National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Haleakalā National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Many parks that had timed entry systems in 2025 no longer require them in 2026, including Arches, Glacier, Mount Rainier, and Yosemite.
As of 2026, Yellowstone National Park does not require vehicle reservations.
Read on to learn about each park’s 2026 timed entry policy, what kind of reservation you need, and what to know before your trip.
Before You Go: Timed Entry Tips
Check your park’s official website before making plans: every reservation system works a little differently.
Book early if you’re visiting during peak season.
Reservations usually open weeks or months in advance, and some parks release a smaller batch of extra tickets shortly before the entry date.
You can book most timed entry reservations at Recreation.gov. Search by national park name, road, hike, or attraction.
Screenshot your reservation since cell service is limited in many parks.
In most parks, you’ll need to pay the regular park entrance fee or show your annual pass, in addition to your timed entry reservation.
Timed Entry Requirements by Park
Between the different National Park Service websites, timed entry passes are called permits, tickets, or reservations. No matter what you call them, be sure to book well in advance of your trip.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, Maine
Only Cadillac Summit Road requires a vehicle reservation. The cost is $6. The rest of Acadia National Park does not require timed entry.
There are two types of reservations: Sunrise and Daytime. Sunrise reservations have a 90-minute entry window. Daytime reservations have a 30-minute entry window.
Cadillac Summit Road
Dates: May 20–October 25, 2026
Times: See the time chart on the Cadillac Summit Vehicle Reservations page for details.
30% of available tickets open 90 days before your entry date. The remaining 70% of available tickets open at 10:00 AM EST two days before your entry date.
Reserve a premium RV rental for your trip
The Hall of Giants in Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns works a little differently. Although you won’t need a reservation to enter the park itself, you will need one to enter the caverns.
Carlsbad Caverns
Dates: Year-round
Cost: $1
Tickets are released one month in advance at 8:00 AM MDT
Reservations are valid for a specific 60-minute window.
In addition to the reservation fee, an entrance pass must be purchased inside the visitor center upon arrival.
Get Tickets for Carlsbad Caverns.
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Watching sunrise? You’ll need a reservation for entry from 3:00–7:00 AM every day of the year. These reservations are only for sunrise access, not for daytime park entry.
Entire Park for Summit Sunrise
Dates: January 1–December 31, 2026
Times: Sunrise hours, 3:00–7:00 AM
Reservations open 60 days before your entry date at 7:00 AM HST. A few more open two days before your entry date at 7:00 AM HST.
Get Tickets for Haleakalā Sunrise.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
Vehicle reservations are still required for Rocky Mountain National Park during peak hours, depending on which area you visit.
Choose from two types of reservations:
Includes Bear Lake Road Corridor
Does not include Bear Lake Road Corridor
Reserve 90 days prior to your entry date at Recreation.gov. See the timed entry schedule on the RMNP website. Some additional reservations are released at 7:00 PM MDT the night before entry.
Reservations use two-hour entry windows. If you enter before the reservation window begins or after it ends, you do not need a timed entry reservation.
Entire Park Plus Bear Lake Road Corridor
Dates: May 22–October 18, 2026
Times: 5:00 AM–6:00 PM MDT
Entire Park Without Bear Lake Road Corridor
Dates: May 22–October 12, 2026
Times: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah’s permit is a little different—they’re only required for hikers on Old Rag Mountain. Every hiker, no matter their age, on Old Rag Mountain (including Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails) must get a day-use ticket prior to entry.
Old Rag Mountain Day Use
Dates: March 1–November 30, 2026
Times: 12:00 AM–11:59 PM
Cost: $2.
Four hundred tickets are released 30 days before your hiking date, and another 400 are released five days in advance. You need a park entrance pass in addition to the day-use ticket.
Get Tickets for Old Rag Mountain.
Does Yellowstone Require Timed Entry in 2026?
No. Yellowstone National Park does not require timed entry reservations in 2026. You’ll still need to pay the entrance fee or use a valid park pass, but there is no general timed entry system for private vehicles.
Make Your Reservations and Hit the Road
Exploring national parks in an RV is a practical and fun way to see incredible natural areas. You can move at your own pace, stay near the action, and pack more into your trip without rushing from hotel to hotel.
If you’re planning a national parks vacation in 2026, Blacksford’s premium RV rentals give you a comfortable home base for your adventures.