national park passport travel stamps

National Park Passport Guide: Which One to Get and How to Use it

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Everything you need to know about the National Park Passport book, including which one to choose and how it works. 

Are you someone who likes to travel to the national parks? Do you like to commemorate your trips, but don’t like loading yourself down with chotchkies? I know I don’t. 

Or are you a parent to a few competitive kids, looking for an economical and fun way to remember your camping adventures without needing to buy a new souvenir at every park?

The national park passport book is the solution for you. 

Don’t be confused by the name, the passport book is not required for park entry. 

It’s simply a small journal you can take to a park visitor center to have it stamped with a special park insignia to remember your trip. 

Interested in learning more about this decades-old National Park Service tradition? 

Read on to learn more about the national park passport and how you can get started with it today.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Table of Contents

What is the National Park Passport and How Does it Work?

The national park passport program was dreamt up in 1986 as a way to boost interest in the parks (and man, the parks certainly don’t have that problem today!). 

The national park passport is kind of like your regular passport. It documents which national parks you’ve been to with a dated stamp that is placed in a compact notebook. 

The notebook has several spaces per park since many national parks have more than one stamp (or you may want to get the same stamp every time you visit). 

The main difference is that you don’t need a national park passport for entry into the national park. 

Most parks participate in the national park passport program, and given that there are over 400 national park units (including national battlefields, national seashores, national monuments, and national historic parks), you should have plenty of places to visit. 

The way it works is simple: buy a passport book ahead of time in the online store or at the visitor center once you arrive at your destination. 

Once you have the book, you can add free stamps, also called cancellation stamps.

The parks also make unique stamps to commemorate special events, like the 2016 centennial anniversary of the park service. 

Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state. 

How do I get a National Park Passport?

You can purchase a national parks stamp book via the non-profit America’s National Parks Shop or each park visitor center.

I advise you to buy the book ahead of time online since many visitor centers remain closed due to the pandemic. 

Additionally, even if the visitor center is open, you may miss the operating hours, or they may not have the version of the passport you want, and that would be a bummer. 

You can also buy similar books on big retail websites, but I encourage you to buy di]]\rectly from park stores or the America’s National Parks shop. 

The reason for this? 100% of the purchase proceeds go to support the parks. 

Where do I Stamp My Passport at Each National Park?

National park passport stamp locations are typically located in the visitor center of each national park; however, some parks have many different stamps in several locations. 

For example, Grand Canyon National Park has stamps at the visitor centers. 

However, they also have different stamps at Indian Garden and Phantom Ranch, which are small campgrounds/ranger stations. 

And they have some at Kolb Studio and the Yavapi Geology Museum, which are both museums/gift shops. 

Luckily, America’s National Parks online puts together an updated list of cancellation station locations here . 

The cancellation station is typically set on a podium or desk. It may be signed and will consist of a rubber stamp with a moveable date (so you can document the date you received the stamp).

You will often see scrap pieces of paper where people tested the stamp before placing it in their book. 

The Three Types of National Park Passports

Passport to your national parks classic edition.

Cost: $12.95

Features: Compact size, 112 pages, spiral-bound, softcover

Best for: National park adventurers on a budget

The Passport to Your National Parks Classic Edition is, well, the original version of the national park passport. 

The classic edition passport is a 6’’ x 4’’ soft-sided, spiral-bound book with 112 pages to stamp. 

The classic edition offers plenty of dedicated space to collect the regular national park stamps and the unique commemorative cancellation stamps. 

It also includes an official map of every national park and a color-coded guide for parks in different regions. 

Passport to Your National Parks Collector’s Edition

Cost: $29.95

Features: Bigger size, tear-resistant cover, extra space for added pages

Best for: Serious national park lovers 

If you know you’re someone with the “collecting gene” and you’re serious about your national park bucket list, the Collector’s Edition is the choice for you. 

The Passport to Your National Parks Collector’s Edition is a bit more expensive than the classic edition but has several added features. 

The collector’s edition is a little bigger at 7.5’’x10’’, but has a new lightweight design that is also tear-resistant and weather resistant. 

The collector’s edition national park passport book has 192 pages with additional pages for the special annual stamps that come out every year (up to 2029). 

It also has room for expander pages, which is a very useful feature because new national parks and park units are added to the National Park Service almost every year. 

Like the classic edition, the collector’s edition also has a national park service map of all the park units with color-coded sites by region. 

It’s also a soft-sided, spiral-bound book, but the collector’s edition features a space in the front cover to write your name and contact information. 

This is good to have in case you accidentally set your passport down in a visitor center. 

Passport to Your National Parks Junior Ranger Edition

Cost: $14.95

Features: Educational content on each park and park-themed stickers. 

Best for: Tiny park fanatics

The Junior Ranger Program is a beloved national parks program that inspires kids to learn about good stewardship of the parks and rewards them with wooden or plastic “ranger” badges. 

It’s v cute. 

The Passport to Your National Parks Junior Ranger Edition is perfect for the kiddo in your group. 

The passport book is 9’’x7’’ with 100 brightly colored and illustrated stamp pages. 

The Junior Ranger Edition also includes education about each of the parks and, the main selling point for the 7-year old inside me, park-themed stickers. 

Tips for Collecting National Park Stamps

Plan Your Trip in Advance

The number one tip I have for collecting national park stamps is to plan your trip in advance. 

Look on the park website to find the visitor center’s hours of operation.

If your national park adventure isn’t complete unless you get all your stamps, make a list of all the visitor centers and ranger stations with stamps. 

That way you won’t have to wait until your next trip to catch ‘em all. 

Pro Tip: Save money and purchase an America the Beautiful Pass .

Make Sure the Date is Correct

When people collect stamps at visitor centers, they can adjust the date on the stamp to today’s date. Make sure the date is correct!

Test the Stamp First

This tip goes out to all my Type As out there. There should be a pad of paper sitting at the cancellation station so you can test the stamp out first. 

If you’re like me and like neat lines and clearly legible stamps, be sure to do a test stamp first to double-check you have enough ink and pressure on the cancellation stamp. 

FAQs About the National Park Passport

Can you still get National Park Passport stamps?

Yes, even with the pandemic and the closing or shortening of many visitor centers’ hours, you can still collect national parks program stamps. 

What if I forgot to pack my passport? Can I still get a stamp?

Yes! If you forgot to pack your national park passport, you can still participate in the passport stamping. 

All you have to do is take one of the sheets of scrap paper available, stamp it, and then tape the stamp into your passport book.

Or, if you forget to stamp your passport at the national park’s visitor center before you leave (or if the center is closed), some parks offer a printable version of the stamp. 

Sure, it isn’t as satisfying as pressing the ink stamp into your passport book in person, but it’s better than missing out on the stamp entirely. 

Finally, some parks will mail you a stamped piece of paper if you send them a stamped self-addressed envelope. Contact the park in advance to make sure this is the case. 

Why are National Park Passport stamps called cancellations?

National park travel stamps are called cancellation stamps as a nod to the US postal service. 

The postal service uses a round ink-based mark called a “cancellation” over the sticky stamp you place on an envelope to signify a stamp has been used and cannot be used again. 

How many national park stamps are there?

There are hundreds of official national park stamps, and the number changes every year. 

Almost every national park unit (remember national monuments, national historic sites, etc are also part of the National Park System) participates in the program. And many parks have several cancellation stamps to choose from. 

In addition, the National Park Service designates new park units almost every year, and they will often make a unique cancellation stamp to mark special anniversaries. 

The official cancellation stamp program, run by America’s National Parks, isn’t the only agency making collectible stamps and stickers either. 

Other non and for-profit companies may sell similar products. 

No matter how many stamps there are, make sure your passport book has enough room for extra pages so that you can commemorate all your national park adventures in the future. 

What can I do if I’m missing a stamp?

If you’re missing a national park passport stamp for your passport, the simplest way to complete your stamp set is to visit that park.

If you can’t squeeze in a trip to the national park visitor center you’re missing, some parks offer virtual tours of select trails. 

After these virtual tours, you can sometimes download the stamp online and write in the date you “visited.”

Is a National Park Passport Worth it?

Yes, a national park passport is absolutely worth it. 

They’re reasonably priced ways to commemorate your national park adventures, and the purchase of a national park passport book supports the functions of the National Park Service. 

Plus, getting your passport stamp at each new cancellation station is kind of addicting!

Best National Park Passport Accessories

Collector’s expander pack.

The Collector’s Expander Pack for the national park passport gives you extra pages to add to your passport if it fills up. 

The expander pack comes with 14 pages that can be inserted into your national park passport without any special tools. 

The pages can then be used to collect stamps from more national parks, but they also have dedicated space for the special “National Stamps” or “Regional Stamps.”

Note that the classic edition of the passport may not support the expander pack, only the collector’s edition does. 

Stampable Sticker Sets

The Stampable Sticker Sets for the national park passport are a great thing to have on hand if you forget your passport or you want to share a stamp with a friend. 

I also think they make great ways to seal an envelope. 

The sticker sets may be sold at the national park visitor center you’re in, but I’d still recommend getting them from the official online store just in case. 

The stickers are made of smudge-resistant paper and work in the classic edition passport, the collector’s edition, and the Junior Ranger edition. 

Passport Stamp Set

Every year, dating back to 1986 when it all began, America’s National Parks puts out a Passport Stamp Set featuring 10 of the national park units. 

No need for a messy ink pad! The stamps, more like stickers, fit in a dedicated space in the passport and include educational information about the individual national park featured. 

The Book Pin is a super cute little pin in the shape of a national parks passport. And the pin actually opens and shows a gold outline of a cancellation stamp. 

This would be a super cute accessory to go with a Junior Ranger vest (which is sold in national park bookstores).  

Leather Passport Cover

If you’re set on visiting all 423 national parks and national park units, your passport is bound to get a little raggedy in the process. 

The Leather Passport Cover is a very elegant way to protect your classic edition passport. 

Alternatives to the National Park Passport: Other Ways to Keep Track of Parks Visited

The national park passport books are an excellent way to preserve your memories of national park adventures, but here are some more ideas to record your trips. 

These are a few other fun ways to celebrate your time in the national parks. 

National Park Passport Journal

The Letterfolk National Park Passport Journal is a smaller, more personalizable alternative to the traditional passport books. 

The book is 3.5’’x 5.5’’, so it won’t take up much space and includes more room for journal entries.

You can record your impressions of the parks, favorite memories, or who you traveled with, and it has a blank space so you can still collect the cancellation stamps. 

The journal has 48 pages, which is more than enough for most casual national park geeks. 

National Park Journal & Guide

The National Park Journal & Guide is a travel-sized leather-bound guidebook featuring all 63 national parks. 

The journal includes maps of each park and lists of helpful phone numbers for each park. 

The National Park Journal & Guide makes a great stocking stuffer or national park gift for that national park weirdo in your family. 

The thing I like about this item is its small, compact size and the fact that it includes a map of each national park. 

Now, the maps may not be big enough to give you trail directions, but oftentimes I just need a birds-eye view of the whole park while I’m visiting and don’t have cell service. 

National Park Scratch-Off Poster

The National Park Scratch-Off Poster is a trendy, minimalist-inspired poster with a gold panel for 63 national parks. 

Once you’ve visited one of the national parks, you gently scratch off the gold covering to reveal a retro-style mini illustration of the park behind it. 

I can definitely see this as a framable piece of wall art and it would be perfect for someone looking to decorate a new place who loves exploring America’s parks.

Interactive National Parks Poster

If national park passport stamps aren’t your thing, this Interactive National Parks Poster is an alternative way to get inspired to visit the national parks. 

This poster features all the national parks represented by a beautiful high color photo. 

The whole thing kind of has a National Geographic vibe, and you can select the option to buy a frame to hang it with. 

The poster is interactive in that each park has a checkbox next to it that you can check off once you’ve visited. 

National Park Stickers

Remember how I said America’s National Parks isn’t the only organization making national park passport stickers? 

That was an understatement. Everyone and their mom is making National Park Stickers these days, and you know what, I’m not mad about it. 

If you prefer stickers to stamps, you can make your own national park sticker book!

There are a million sticker options out there, and I particularly like these because the pack includes one for each national par,k and they’re bigger than the NPS passport stamps. 

My cooler and water bottle still have space on them; therefore I need more stickers. 

Collectible Pins

If you love the national park passport stamps, but you’re more of a pin person (hey, they’re out there), America’s National Parks has a solution for you. 

They offer Collectible Pins that look like the cancellation stamps! Well, sort of. They’re round and include the name of the park. 

Of course, you won’t be able to add your special date of visit, but these would make a great gift if you have one very special park that you love. 

Collectible Patches

If you’re looking for a way to decorate a backpack or jacket, look no further than Passport to Your National Parks Collectible Patches . 

The collectible patches look just like the collectible pins, but you can iron them on. I like patches because they give off a kind of retro aesthetic and can really personalize a piece of clothing. 

Collectible Walking Stick Medallions

Last but not least, America’s National Parks makes Collectible Walking Stick Medallions which can be affixed onto a walking stick. 

I have a few of these on my OG walking stick, albeit not from this organization, and they really personalize my walking stick and make it more of a keepsake and less of a dowel rod (which is what it was). 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meredith Dennis

Meredith is a biologist and writer based in California’s Sierra Nevada. She has lived in six states as a biologist, so her intel on hiking and camping is *chef’s kiss* next level. One of her earliest camping memories was being too scared to find a bathroom at night on a family camping trip. Thankfully, she’s come a long way since then and she can help you get there too!

Looking for more national parks travel inspiration? Check out my related posts below!

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National Parks in California: A Guide to All 9 Parks

Things to do in Yosemite National Park

San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip

Experiencing the Yosemite Firefall

2 Days in Yosemite Itinerary

Pinnacles National Park Guide

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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Everything You Need To Know About The National Parks Passport

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: October 24, 2022

If you are heading to any of the US National Parks , you should consider purchasing a national parks passport to help document your adventure.

But what is a national parks passport and why should you buy it?

A national parks passport is a great way to support the US National Parks. After you purchase the initial guidebook, its completely free to collect the popular ink stamps at each park you visit.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know, including:

• What is a national parks passport and cancellation stamp ?
• Where to buy a national parks passport and accessories
• The 4 different types of national parks passports with pros and cons
• How to find cancellation stamp locations

Now, let’s shop for a national parks passport!

Disclaimer : We received a National Parks Passport in order to share our opinion about this product but this is not a sponsored post.

What Is A National Parks Passport?

A national parks passport is a small guidebook featuring blank spaces where you can add stamps for each national park visited as well as commemorative stickers issued each year.

If you have a passport to travel internationally , you are already familiar with how a passport system works. The national parks passport system is set up in a similar way, but is not stamped for entry like a regular passport.

In 1986, the non-profit Eastern National, now known as America’s National Parks , created the Passport To Your National Parks® program.

Their goal with this program is to help visitors preserve memories and experience the beauty of the US National Parks. This mission also aligns with the “take only pictures, leave only footprints” practice.

The idea of the program is extremely simple. The only cost to you will be the initial cost of the passport book as the stamps are completely free to collect.

However, if you choose to collect the commemorative stamp sets, these will also be a small fee for each new set.

All net proceeds from the passport system are donated back into educational and interpretative programs managed by the National Park Service.

So not only are you able to document your travels to each national park, but you are also supporting the national parks with every purchase.

What Is A Passport Cancellation Stamp?

You are probably familiar with cancellation stamps used by the modern day post office.

A cancellation is a marking applied to the top of a previously used stamp on a piece of mail to signal the stamp has already been used. These cancellation markers can be found on any letter you receive.

The national park cancellation stamps are round 32mm ink-based stamps used in a very similar way to the postal service. These passport cancellation stamps record the name and date of the national park you visited.

What makes national park cancellation stamps unique is they have the park name listed across the top with the park location with city and state along the bottom of the stamp.

You can change the date, which is found in the center of the stamp, to the date of your visit.

To stamp your passport, you need to find the passport stamp cancellation station (which are often near the bookstores). National park cancellation stamps can be found in visitors centers and sometimes in ranger stations.

Looking for National Park inspiration? Don’t miss our popular national park quotes guide to inspire your wanderlust.

How Many National Park Passport Stamps Are There?

Passport stamps are the perfect souvenir when visiting the nationals parks across the United States. You can collect stamps from over 400 national parks, monuments and historical sites.

Once you purchase a national park passport, you will receive a detailed map showcasing 400+ parks across the entire NPS system. Use this map as a starting point when you begin collecting stamps.

Each visitor center location will have their own unique stamp with other stamps sometimes available. So you can assume each national park will have at least one cancellation stamp.

However, many of the larger national parks have multiple collection stamps at various locations throughout the entire park.

For example, Yellowstone National Park has 15 official stamps along with numerous bonus stamps found in the park.

After researching many databases online, we found varying numbers on how many national park stamps currently exist.

But we can conclude there are over 3,000 official national park cancellation stamps and about 490 anniversary stamps . If you have a Junior Ranger, there are another 485 stamps to collect.

Planning to camp in a National Park?  Take advantage of our exclusive  30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO  to snag a reservation at sold out campgrounds by using a fantastic new feature called Dyrt Alerts. These alerts will notify you about cancelations at the most popular US National Park campgrounds. Try it for free today!

Stamps, Stamp Series And Single Stickers

The verbiage can be confusing because stamps, stamp series and stickers are sometimes used interchangeably. Just to be clear, these are three different items you can collect with your passport.

• Cancellation Stamps – These are the free stamps you receive at each visitor center and must be physically stamped into the blank sections of your passport.
• Stamp Series – Each year since 1986, a new series of passport stamp set has been released. This annual set includes 10 stamps with one national and nine regional locations all on one sheet.
• Single Stickers – These are individual self-adhesive stickers featuring a specific park with additional informational text that is not included in the passport or as part of the stamp sets.

Passport single stickers are $2.95 and currently include the following locations:

• Acadia National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• Cowpens National Battlefield
• Flight 93 National Memorial
• Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
• Lincoln Memorial
• Monocacy National Battlefield
• Thomas Edison National Historical Park
• Wright Brothers National Memorial

Planning to visit several US National Parks in one year? Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass to save money on entry.

What To Do If You Forgot Your Stamp At The Park

If the visitor center was closed or you couldn’t access the stamp station during you visit, you can also access blank cancellation stamps online at the NPS website so you never miss a stamp.

Locate the national park location on the NPS website and head to the stamp page.

• Right click the blank image of the stamp
• Print the image from the webpage
• Add the date of your visit
• Cut out the stamp
• Tape it into your passport

Where To Buy National Park Passports

National park passports can be purchased through America’s National Parks store online or onsite at most national park visitor center stores.

We recommend you purchase your national park passport online in advance from America’s National Park prior to your trip.

If you wait to purchase your passport at a park, stock may be limited or sold out. So in order to guarantee the edition you want, be sure to buy your passport online.

This way you can also familiarize yourself with the book before heading to any of the national parks.

Travel Tip : Want to save 15% on your first purchase? Use code WELCOME at checkout at the America’s National Park store .

4 Different Types Of National Park Passports

There are four different types of national park passports. Depending on how many parks you plan to visit, a different edition may suit your needs.

Classic Edition

This is the smallest passport available with 112 pages. But its small size packs a big punch with need to know information about each park and color coded regional maps.

The classic edition is a practical and economical way to get your passport stamps. This edition also comes with an official NPS map featuring all 400+ park sites.

Classic Edition dimensions : 6″ x 4″

Current Price : $12.95

Pros to the classic edition:

• Lightweight and postcard size is perfect for travel
• The soft cover is durable and pages are firmly attached
• Spiral bound spine makes it easy to add extra pages
• This is the cheapest edition option

Cons to the classic edition:

• 112 pages only gives you 4-5 pages for each individual region
• Expander packs will be required if visiting many national parks
• Would need about 4 books if collecting from every national park
• Limited information about the national parks

>> Buy the Classic edition here .

Collector’s Edition

The Collector’s Edition is a larger passport book with 192 pages and a dedicated space for each national park stamp. This is a great option for those who frequent the national parks.

Similar to the classic edition, a map featuring the 400+ parks is included along with a checklist of all the national parks in each region.

This edition includes official pages for annual National Stamps though 2029 with updated maps, site listings and park designations.

Collector’s Edition dimensions : 7.5” W x 10” H

Current Price : $29.95

Pros for the Collector’s Edition:

• Additional information about each park compared to the Classic Edition
• Extra space for cancellation stamps in each region
• Dedicated area for each national park stamp
• Weather resistant cover makes it durable for travel

Cons for the Collector’s Edition:

• Bigger and more bulky compared to the Classic Edition
• Only room for two stamps and sticker per national park
• Will eventually run out of room if planning to visit many parks
• Depending on time of publication, this edition may not be up to date

>> Buy the Collector’s edition here .

Explorer Edition

The Explorer Edition is best for those who plan to visit many national parks. We like this edition because it is jammed packed with information about each park and allows the most creative freedom.

This edition has a 3 ring binder making it very easy to add and arrange the pages anyway you want. There are also two mesh pockets so you can keep your collectables safe.

Explore Edition dimensions : Portfolio binder with 3 rings about 11’’ x 8’’

Current Price : $69.95

Pros for the Explorer Edition:

• Best for the frequent travelers and road trippers
• Extremely durable due to the weatherproof portfolio
• Includes space for all 400+ national parks
• Extremely customizable

Cons for the Explorer Edition:

• Most expensive edition option
• Large size is bulky and not as travel friendly compared to other editions
• Will still need a few expander packs if visiting all 400+ parks
• Can be heavy if loaded with collectables and pages

>> Buy the Explorer edition here .

Junior Ranger Edition

The Junior Ranger edition is perfect for your little explorer. This kids passport was designed in collaboration with the National Park Service and is loaded with vibrant illustrations by Dave Klüg.

This edition includes a free set of stickers and blank spaces for specially designed Junior Ranger cancellation stamps which are earned after completing a park’s Junior Ranger program.

Junior Ranger Edition dimensions : 9’’ x 7’’

Current Price : $14.95

Pros for the Junior Ranger edition:

• Perfect for kids of all ages
• Incudes educational content created just for kids
• Passport is small and easy to transport
• Great way for kids to learn about US national parks

Cons for the Junior Ranger edition:

• Kids may outgrow this edition in time
• Does not have room for all 400+ parks
• Can be time consuming to collect with Junior Ranger programs
• Text may be difficult for younger children

>> Buy a Junior Ranger edition here .

How To Get National Park Passport Stamps

Hopefully, we have convinced you to travel with a national parks passport by now. It is the perfect way to share national park experiences with your loved ones.

So what are your next steps?

• Purchase the edition of your choice from the America’s National Parks online store
• Travel to your first national park
• Head straight to the visitor center (or ranger station)
• Find the cancellation stamp station
• Open the page to that specific park
• Check the date is correct on the stamp and that the stamp is right side up
• Stamp your passport (or participate in the Junior Ranger program)

And then all you need to do is visit another national park, monument or historical site to repeat the process.

If you forget your passport, the stamp station will also have extra pieces of paper for you to stamp. You can then just tape this into your passport when you get home.

National Park Passport Stamp Locations

Let’s quickly discuss how to find the specific stamps for each new location you visit.

The best way to find the exact stamp station for each location is the America’s National Parks website.

Click here to find Cancellation Stamp locations .

This link will give you the official list to every cancellation stamp supplied by the Passport To Your National Parks® program.

The list is updated every month and new listings are highlighted in red.

Tips For Stamping Your Passport

Here are a few important tips to consider when collecting your stamps:

• Check the information before you stamp – Make sure you have the appropriate stamp and adjust the date as needed.
• Complete a test stamp – Before you add the stamp to your passport, utilize the stamp testing area to ensure the stamp and ink are working correctly.
• Larger parks have many stamps – If you are visiting a larger park, do your research beforehand so you know exactly where to find all the stamp stations.
• Be respectful of others – There may be a small line while other people collect their stamps too. Be patient and take this time to compare stamps with others around you.
• Close the ink pad – This way the ink won’t dry out for others who visit after you.

Don’t know which National Parks you should visit? Check out the 20 best National Parks in the US .

Pros And Cons For Purchasing A National Park Passport

If you are still on the edge, here are a few reasons why you should or shouldn’t purchase a passport.

Pros to purchasing a National Park Passport :

• Cancellations stamps are completely free to collect
• Passports are compact (or you can travel with just a few pages)
• Your purchase supports the US national parks
• Preserve memories with your loved ones by a chronological record
• A passport stamp cuts down on waste of trinket souvenirs

Cons to purchasing a National Park Passport :

• Initial cost of passport

Which National Parks Passport Do We Have?

We started visiting the US National Parks in 2019 when Mark immigrated to America and didn’t know about the national parks passport system right away.

But we started using the classic edition to collect stamps and stamp sets in our passport in 2021.

However, we have quickly outgrown this edition because we frequently visit the national parks.

So we have just upgraded to the explorer edition at the end of 2022 and look forward to many more years of exploring our national parks.

Passport To Your National Parks Accessories

If you want to jazz up your passport with some fun accessories, shop popular options below.

• Classic Expander Pack – 20 additional pages (16 for cancellation stamps, 2 for national stamps and 2 for regional stamps).
• Classic Leather Cover – Give your passport some extra protection with this stylish leather cover.

Collector’s Ediiton

• Collector’s Expander Pack – 20 additional pages (14 for regional stamps, 2 for national park stamps and 4 for cancellation stamps).
• Collector’s Leather Cover – Add some durability with this leather cover.
• Explorer Expander Packs – 36 additional pages for all your needs.

Miscellaneous accessories

• Passport Camp Mug – This cute tin mug is perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
• Stampable Sticker Sets – Round sticker sets that can be stamped in case you forget your passport.
• Passport Journal – A cool place to write down your favorite memories and experiences.

Or maybe you are looking for a specific national park? Click here for a complete list of alphabetical park stores .

FAQ’s About The National Parks Passport

Let’s take a look at some of the frequently asked questions about the national parks passport and stamp sets.

The national parks passport ranges in price from $12.95 to $69.95 depending on the edition purchased. If you are on a budget, consider the classic edition which costs $12.95. But if you plan to visit many national parks, the explorer edition is what you need which costs $69.95.

You can get a national park passport cancellation stamp at most national park visitor centers. Bring your passport to the stamp station in the visitor center and be sure to check the date on the stamp before placing it in your book.

Yes, you can buy passport stamp books at national parks but we would recommend you purchase your national park passport online in advance from America’s National Parks .

Yes, all national parks have at least one cancellation stamp while larger parks have multiple stamps to collect.

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• Badlands – Easy hikes in Badlands National Park

Want more National Park content? Head over to our US National Parks travel guides to read all about the most popular parks in America.

We hope this guide featuring the National Parks Passport helps with planning your visit to the any of the US National Parks!

Please let us know if you have any questions about visiting the US National Parks below in the comments and have a great trip.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

4 thoughts on “Everything You Need To Know About The National Parks Passport”

How do you get to the blank cancellation page for each park

Hi Lisa, you can purchase expander packs for the Classic, Collector’s or Explorer Passport. Depending on the pack you purchase, this will give you extra space for official cancellations, regional stamps and national stamps. Here are the current expander packs: https://bit.ly/3P67FLT

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, I mean how do you get blank cancellation stamps I went to each parks page and can’t find them. I just need the ones I went to before I got the passport book Thanks

Thanks for the clarification Lisa! If you visit the official NPS website for the park in question, you can sometimes find the blank cancellations. But it can be frustrating because they are not available for every park. We are hoping this changes with the NPS in the future. Here is an example of a printable cancellation for Bryce Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/get-a-passport-stamp.htm

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The Roaming Monk

National Park Passport Stamps: The Ultimate Guide

Are you ready to turn your national park visits into memories? Then check out National Park Passport Stamps. Also called National Park Cancellation Stamps , this program is your way to collect unique souvenirs and chronicling your outdoor adventures (for free)!

What are National Park Passport Stamps? A Treasure Hunt for Park Explorers

There are currently 429 National Park sites in the United States and there is at least one unique stamp for each of them that you can use to commemorate your visit. The ‘stamps’ are rubber ink stamps that have the name of the park, date and location. They resemble a visitation stamp used on international passports, which is why the program is called the Passport to Your National Parks. 

Beyond the main stamp program, there are also special stamps that commemorative National Historical Trails, special anniversary stamps, along with stamps at National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, lighthouses, Junior Ranger, and other ‘bonus’ stamps that can be obtained. In all, there are over 8,000 different stamps to collect!

The History and Purpose of National Park Passport Stamps

  Eastern National is a Non-profit organization founded in 1947 to help our National Park System and other public lands with educational products. The National Park Passport Stamp program was developed in 1986, to help their mission to promote visitation to our National Parks. Officially called the “Passport to Your National Parks” program, net proceeds help fund educational and interpretive programs at National Park Service sites. 

Why are National Park Passport Stamps called Cancellation Stamps?

The stamps resemble a cancellation stamp used on international passports, which is why the program is called the Passport to Your National Parks.  That said, they don’t effectively cancel anything and are just a way to commemorate your visit to the park. International passport cancellation stamps usually render a passport invalid for future travel. It seems the use of the term ‘cancellation stamp’ was used as an analogy to international passport usage, but the exact origin is not entirely clear.  I tend to not use the ‘Cancellation’ term as it is a little confusing and frankly inaccurate.

Why Collect National Park Passport Stamps?

• It is a fun way to document your National Park adventures and track your progress.
• The act of collecting the stamps creates a personalized record of your travels and experiences.
• Provides a deeper connection to our national park system and a its mission.
• Collecting is fun!

Read more about our National Park Guides

Types of National Park Passports

Choosing the right passport:  classic, collector, explorer or junior ranger.

These passport stamps are pretty neat, and now I want to start collecting them.  So, now what? Eastern National sells three ‘passport books’ that you can use as your own adventure journal, illustrating your journey and travels.

Classic: The small blue version is by far the most popular. Pocket sized, perfect for dropping in a backpack or a pocket in your cargo pants, and full of information. Additional page inserts can be purchased as well, so you can cram a ton of stamps in this little book!

Collector: A larger spiral book that includes all the information in the blue classic book and more. It has a dedicated section for each park along with a place to up a special regional stamp sicker. 

Explorer : Is designed around a seven-ring binder and its own zip up case. The value with this book is in its flexibility, as you can buy inserts, or make your own pages to express your journey in your own way.

Junior Ranger: The Junior Ranger Passport Book is an interactive adventure guide for kids aged 5-12, packed with fun facts, activities, and colorful illustrations. There is a special Junior Ranger stamps at specific National Park Sites that can be used in this book.

Official National Park Passports vs. Third Party Alternatives; Understanding the difference

One thing to keep in mind is that there are key differences between the four official passports sold at Park visitor centers across the country and third-party books . You may find a 3rd party alternative on Amazon or another site that is unique and fits the style of your collecting, which is great. However, keep in mind that while there are a wide variety of options, the proceeds of these books do not contribute to park conservation or education programs . With the official passports you get high quality, consistency and the satisfaction with knowing you are supporting America’s National Park Service.

Explore Alternative Park Documentation Tools: Journals, Scratch off Maps/Posters, and More

Outside of the official passport books and third-party knockoffs, there are also several other options for personalizing your stamping collection and travelogue.

• You can use a normal moleskin journal to not only record the stamp but also jot down your reflections, capturing the sights, sounds and emotions of your journey. Maybe even sketch a cool image.
• Personalized stickers : If you have a color inkjet printer, use sticker sheets and print pictures of you in the national park or site.  You can then put the sticker in your journal or even in your national park passport.
• There are several scratch-off interactive maps or posters that reveal visited parks, transforming them into visual trophies of your outdoor conquests. I have one poster and also a cool coffee mug.  Every time I am sipping my cup of joe, it reminds me of our travels.

Using Your National Park Passport

Getting started: where to buy your national park passport book.

National Park Passport books can usually be found at National Park sites. The larger National Parks locations have larger gift shops and of course more options and accessories for you to purchase. If you are eager to start or need to prepare for a trip you can go to America’s National Parks on-line store and purchase all your supplies, there. This eStore is run by East National and is a non-profit organization where proceeds go to help information programs at National Park Sites

Where do you find the National Park Passport Stamps?

You can find a list of all the stamps that have been release by Eastern National by going to their web site.  It is a daunting list of 428 sites! Eastern National Stamp List .   

I would also suggest visiting and joining the National Parks Travelers Club . For only a few dollars a year you get access to the clubs Master Database, that is dutifully curated by the thousands of members to ensure accuracy. It is well worth the investment. Additionally, the club provides access to tons of useful information, a yearly convention of like-minded ‘stampers’, and local meetups as well. Their active forum is also a way to get clarity from the wealth of knowledge and experience of the members.

Discover the Regions: How National Park Passport Stamps are Organized

Navigating your National Park Passport may seem daunting, but the stamp organization is fairly simple. Your passport is divided into nine regions, each with their own color. Find your desired park’s section, then locate the designated space for its unique stamp. 

Remember, some parks offer multiple stamps at different locations, so be sure to explore thoroughly and document your full park experience.

Recording Your Journey: Personalize Your Passport with Stickers

Since 1986, Eastern National has released a regional stamp set, which are a collection of colorful stickers with beautiful photographs that highlights one park for each of the nine regions, plus a larger National Stamp. These stickers have a special location in each of the three passport books that enhances the book with a collection of great photos and added information about the different parks. 

While certainly not necessary, it is a way to breathe some context and life into an otherwise stale set of pages. I use them in my Collector’s edition book, adding one for each park I visit.

Deep Dive into the National Park Stamps

Different stamps:  national park sites, lighthouse stamps, special bonus stamps, etc..

The primary stamp offering is the National Park stamps, that can be found at each of the 428 parks sites in the United States, but there are other surprises on this journey. 

Bonus stamps can be found at some locations, some of which are quite unique. I enjoy finding these gems along my journey and look forward to seeing the collection growing. My favorite so far is the cute alligator from the Shark Valley Visitor center in the Everglades National Park.

Explore, Collect, Preserve: Lighthouse Passport Stamp Program

For avid collectors of National Park Passport stamps, you might have noticed intriguing lighthouses adorning some park sites. Did you know there’s an entire Lighthouse Passport Program supported by the United States Lighthouse Society?  

This program offers a dedicated passport book where you can document your collection.  With space for 60 stamps, it is a great way to memorialize your collection.  Importantly, they ask for a small $2 donation when you collect your stamp, directly supports lighthouse restoration and preservation projects. 

Check out my article that explores the stamps, benefits, and how you can contribute to preserving these maritime structures.

What to do if you are missing National Park passport stamps?

At the start of our stamping journey, we had already visited at least 14 different NPS properties in the past. Was there really a way I could travel back in time and get these stamps? The answer is of course, Yes!   

By sending personalized letters to the missing National Park Service sites with a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), we have been able to reach out and request these missing stamps. Imagine our delight when, after just two weeks, we received replies from five amazing locations! 

What was truly special was the response from FDR National Historic Site and Vanderbilt Mansion . Not only were they the quickest to respond, but they surprised us with a nice handwritten letter! They even apologized for some slightly “imperfect” stamps, which only makes them more charming. A simple letter, combined with pictures and genuine appreciation, can open doors and provide an even stronger connection to our National Parks.

Ready to embark on your own letter-writing adventure? Here are some tips:

• Personalize your letters to each park, mentioning specific things you enjoyed.
• Include a few photos from your visit.
• Include some passport stampable stickers, or an expander page.
• Be polite and complimentary.
• Don’t forget the SASE!

Essential Extras: 4 Travel Accessories to Complement Your Passport Stamp Collecting Adventures

To be fully prepared on your stamping adventure, I would suggest adding several items to your travel bag. These of course will depend on your collecting goals, where you are heading and how you travel.

Additional Page inserts :  Depending on which book you buy (see the list here), you can buy inserts that you can easily add to the book.  This is great if you want to just bring a page and not your entire book on a trip as well.

Passport Stampable Stickers :  Another option is the stampable stickers. There are three round stickers that fit the stamps and can be easily carried. I usually have one with me just in case!

Baby wipes :  Sometimes the stamps can get gunked up and do not generate a clear stamp. Baby wipes are really good at cleaning the stamp so you can reapply the ink to get a crisp stamp.

Stamp pad and ink :  While it is not common, it can happen. You finish an awesome national park experience, and you find the stamp pad is dry as a bone.  Having your own stamp pad can avoid relying on a park ranger or shop employee. If you are really gung-ho, you can get a different color for each region.

Beyond Stamps

Responsible park exploration: leave no trace principles.

Whenever you visit a national park or other public land, a great thing to keep in mind is the Principle of Leave No Trace. My son’s Boy Scout Troop really helped reinforce this, not only to me but to our entire family. In following the principles, it can ensure that our parks remain as pristine as possible for everyone. Below are the key seven principles but you can learn more about Leave No Trace in this article.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Remember, take only pictures and leave nothing but footprints!

Resources to Expand your Park Experience:  Great Resources, Community groups and more

What are some of the best resources to tap into for an incredible park and Stamping experience?

The obvious choice is The National Park Service site. It full of great information and one of the best resources to help you plan National Park visits and find passport stamps. A must before making any visit, as operating times and access to certain locations can change seasonally. Another key point, they consistently post up-to-date impacts to National Park sites impacted by local issues. Something as simple as an early closure due to a broken air conditioning unit on a hot summer day, or a road closure can be found.

Another good choice is the America’s National Par ks site. This non-profit runs the gift shops and stores at over 150 NPS locations. The proceeds support educational, interpretive, and preservation efforts at nearly 170 national parks. They are the ones who provide the National Park Cancellations stamps, and they keep a monthly list of all stamp locations .

The National Park Travelers Club is an amazing resource for any National Park Visitor. The club provides networking and resources to its members who are a dedicated group of National Park enthusiasts. For only a few dollars a year you get access to the club’s Master Database of the National Park cancellation stamps.

This is a great resource, which is dutifully curated by the thousands of members to ensure accuracy.  Moreover, the club provides access to their forum which is a great way to get a wealth of knowledge from their experienced members.

Final Thoughts on National Park Passport Stamps

National park passports: beyond stamps, a journey of exploration, education, and connection.

While collecting National Park Passport stamps sparks a sense of adventure and achievement, the real treasure lies beyond getting a stamp. It allows for a deeper understanding of ourselves and our nation. Each park visited, each stamp collected, opens a door to places, people, and their stories.

The National Park Passport program isn’t just a collection of colorful souvenirs; it’s a way to expand your appreciation for our national sites.

Start your Adventure Today

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your passport book , embark on your next national park adventure, and start collecting those stamps! Every park visit becomes a chance to add another chapter to your own personal park adventure story.

State Park Passport Stamp Programs

Looking something more than the National Park Passport program? Did you know that there are also Passport stamp programs in 25 U.S. States?

Here are the first three programs are on the list:

• Arizona: Passport for Fun- A free passport book is available, and you can win a free Arizona state park annual pass as well!
• Arkansas: Called Club 52 for the 52 park sites in the program. Arkansas offers a free stamp book as well.
• California: Offers a digital app to allow you to track your progress to the largest number of state parks in the nations, 280.

See if your state is on the list:

Check out the Roaming Monk Blog to learn more about our journey!

Related Posts:

Hello! My name is Dennis, and I am a husband, father, traveler, thinker, photo taker, trail walker and National Park stamp collector. I am on an ultimate journey to visit all 429 National Park units in the United States. The Roaming Monk was started to share the journey and to provide tips, ideas, and guides to our National Parks.

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Welcome to the national park travelers club discovering america one park at a time.

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Plan Your Visit: America’s National Park Enthusiasts Information Community

Have you ever dreamed or visiting all 63 national parks managed the U.S. National Parks Service? How about all 429 individual National Park Service (NPS) units which include 63 national historic parks, 84 national monuments, 75 national historic sites and hundreds of other cultural and heritage sites across the country (National Park Service, n.d.)? In recent years, major news stories have captured the incredible journeys of Americans from all walks of life doing just that, including Grandma Joy , visited all 63 parks at the age of 93, 3-year-old Journey Castillo who was designated the youngest to achieve that feat, and queer advocate Mikah Meyer , who was the first person to visit all 400+ individual units in a single journey. I know that I have certainly dreamed of exploring all these amazing places and despite having only visited 14 national parks and a handful of monuments, I still get excited at the prospect of stamping more parks in my “Passport to Your National Parks” cancellation collector. Despite coming from vastly different backgrounds, Grandma Joy, Journey Castillo, Mikah Meyer, and I are all part of an information community of national park visitors and enthusiasts and we have all shared similar information needs.

Fisher and Fulton (2022) note that “within an information community, individuals or groups may play multiple roles as information seekers, users, providers, managers, and so on.” This semester, I look forward to exploring how many national park enthusiasts fall into several of these categories and how the nature of visiting national parks requires members of this information community to wear many hats. Fisher and Fulton (2022) go on to describe five characteristics of information communities including collaboration, needs for access and use, exploiting technology for information sharing, transcending barriers, and fostering social connectedness. National park enthusiasts are no different and exhibit all of these characteristics when planning, visiting, and sharing their experiences about a park. Let’s take a closer look at these characteristics using some real-life examples.

Before I visited Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in 2022, I sought information about the park on the National Park Service website, in guide books, and from popular travel YouTubers. Some of the most valuable information I received was from friends who had visited the park previously. These were people who could anticipate my information needs and guide me in the planning process. Upon my return from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, I provided a list of must dos to a friend who was visiting later in the summer. I’d collaborated with a diverse group of information providers, including experts, professional sources, peers, and enthusiasts to plan my trip and in turn, also initiated collaboration with another national park visitor on their own information gathering journey.  

            The National Park Travelers Club (n.d.) was formed in 2004, evolving from an MSN Group message board that was started by Joe and Holly Scheppe when they saw a need to connect around the common information needs of people collecting stamps in “Passport to Your National Parks” cancellation collectors. The group now has over 2,500 dues paying members, they host an annual convention, and they provide community forums for park enthusiasts to connect and share information. Though this group is one small part of the greater national park enthusiast community, it is indicative of Fisher and Fulton’s (2022) characteristic that information groups form around a need to access and use information. It also demonstrates Fisher and Fulton’s (2022) point that membership in an information community can be instrumental due to a shared desire for specific achievements, in this case, a desire to visit all the park units in a lifetime.

A recent NPTC Instagram post celebrating a member who visited all NPS units (National Park Travelers Club, 2023).

            Though National Parks are known for their natural beauty, technology has become an essential part of how the National Park Service delivers information to the community. Emily Matchar notes in her Smithsonian Magazine article on the subject of national parks and technology that “when the NPS was founded in 1916, telephones were a rarity, the first television stations was more than a decade away and the internet wasn’t yet a twinkle in Al Gore’s grandfather’s eye” (2016). Today, many major national park units have dedicated podcasts, virtual tours, animal cams, and the NPS has a dedicated mobile app for information seekers to use in all stages of planning a visit. As gatekeepers of the national parks, the NPS is an integral part of the information community and has embodied a “capacity to exploit the information-sharing qualities of emerging technologies” (Fisher & Fulton, 2022). Matchar goes on to assess that “technology can detract from the park experience, but it can also enhance it greatly” (2016).

            The story of Grandma Joy Ryan captured many hearts when she became, in her words, “the oldest old lady to ever visit every national park” which she accomplished alongside her formerly estranged grandson, Brad Ryan (Daniel, 2023). Social connectedness comes in many forms in the modern era and Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan exemplify how national park enthusiasts are champions for connectedness. Their relationship grew and blossomed over the course of their eight-year journey to visit all the national parks. At the same time, they amassed over 100,000 Instagram followers who watched that journey unfold. They were featured in AARP magazine and their story was covered by numerous news organizations. They’ve even spoken at travel expos and conferences. What started as two family members looking to connect with each other as part of this information community evolved into a social phenom reflective of the social connectedness of broader community.

When discussing the five characteristics of information communities, Fisher and Fulton (2022) are also careful to note that “not all these characteristics are necessarily met to the same degree in every information community” and stress that information communities are facing challenges today due to misinformation, political unrest, social justice reckonings, and the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. All of the issues have had direct impacts on the national park enthusiast information community and one argument that I’d like to explore this semester is that this community still struggles to transcend barriers when it comes to information sharing. Despite the National Park Service documenting almost 312 million recreation visits in 2022, less than 22% of those visits are from people of color (National Park Service, n.d.). One recent article from the Journal of Leisure Research acknowledges multiple “studies showing that lack of awareness and fear and discomfort, in particular, represent prominent barriers to outdoor recreation for people of color” (Xiao et al., 2022). Similarly, lower income people and people living with disabilities are less likely to visit the parks despite available access programs. Thus, one should question whether socioeconomic, racial, or other information sharing barriers are being upheld to limit access to some members of the wider national park enthusiast community.

I look forward to digging deeper into the specific needs and behaviors of this information community and sharing that journey with you all during this semester. See you at the parks!

Daniel, A. (2023, June 1). How a 93-year-old visited every national park and healed a family rift in the process . NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/06/01/1178898433/ohio-grandma-sets-record-im-the-oldest-old-lady-to-ever-visit-every-national-par

Fisher, K.E. & Fulton, C. (2022). Information Communities. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (3 rd ed., pp 41-52). Rowan & Littlefield

Matchar, E. (2016, August 1). Five Ways National Parks Are Embracing Technology . Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/five-ways-national-parks-are-embracing-technology-180959970/

National Park Service. (n.d.). National Park System . Retrieved February 18, 2024, from https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/national-park-system.htm

National Park Service. (n.d.). Annual Visitation Highlights. Retrieved February 18, 2024, from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/annual-visitation-highlights.htm

National Park Service. (2021). National Park Service app [image]. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/images/phones_matching-designed-BG.jpg

National Park Service. (2023). National Park System Wall Map – NPS – wide [map]. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/npgallery/GetAsset/47d59a85-b7a8-41db-80f4-6178d54091a9/proxy/hires

National Park Travelers Club. (n.d.). Welcome to the National Park Travelers Club!

Discovering America One Park at a Time . Retrieved February 18, 2024, from https://www.parkstamps.org/index.php

National Park Travelers Club [@parkstamps]. (2023, November 21). CONGRATS TomW! #425parks #323days [Post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz6he4LrAbl/

Xiao, X., Lee, K.J., & Larson, L.R. (2022). Who visits U.S. national parks (and who doesn’t)? A national study of perceived constraints and vacation preferences across diverse populations. Journal of Leisure Research, 53 (3), 404-425. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2021.1899776

One Comment

I have always admired the devotion of National Park enthusiasts. So far, I have only vistied a handful of National Parks in the western side of the U.S and I regret not getting a passport book even though I have collected the official park passport stickers. Thank you for providing resources for this information community.

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60 Best National Park Gifts For Him + Her

A re you looking for the best national park gifts for the outdoor adventurer in your life? You’ve come to the right place because we’re going to show you amazing gift ideas for both him and her.

As lovers of the US National Parks ourselves, we’ve  personally hand picked every item  on this gift list. And we’ve included many thoughtful ideas so your present will be something they’ll actually use and love.

November 2023 Update : Click any Landmark Project link below and use “wherearethosemorgans15 ” for 15% off every order.

Our National Park Experience

Since Mark immigrated to the US in 2019, we’ve slowly been visiting as many of the US national parks as possible to celebrate this major milestone in our immigration journey .

We’ve visited 20+ parks now, but we’re in no rush to visit all the parks by a certain time period. In fact, we love visiting the same park in various seasons because it’s a completely different experience.

So we aim to give you extremely detailed US National Park travel guides about the parks you plan to visit based on our own experience.

Many of the items on this national park gift list feature items we wished we knew about before we started traveling.

Where Should You Buy National Park Gifts?

Before we get into our National Park gift shop guide, we will show you the best places to purchase presents for your loved one this holiday season.

• America’s National Parks – This is one of our top recommendations because 100% of all proceeds go back into supporting education and preservation programs at the parks.
• National Park Foundation – In collaboration with the NPS, this foundation protects the parks through conservation projects and land acquisition.
• REI – Our favorite store for quality outdoor gear because members receive 10% every purchase.
• Etsy – One of the best online marketplaces featuring handmade and vintage items. This is where you can find customizable national park products.

However, you can sometimes find amazing deals during the holidays on  official websites  or  Amazon Storefronts  so it’s best to shop around for the best price.

We have included links to everything you need to compare prices and find the best deal!

Top 3 National Park Gifts

With 60 national park themed gifts, we have many options to help you find that something special.

Start with our top 3 gift recommendations for your national park adventurer and then continue along the national park gifts list until you find exactly what you need.

We never leave for a USA Road Trip without the first three items.

Our Favorite Camping App : If your National Park lover is an avid camper, you can try our exclusive 30 day free trial for The Dyrt PRO to help them snag a reservation at sold out national park campgrounds.

1. Where Are Those Morgans Guidebook

Before visiting any national park, there are key things you should know about road closures, hiking trails, popular attractions, permits and info about seasonality. We cover everything you need to know in our popular guidebooks .

>> Buy WATM Guidebooks here

2. National Park Pass

If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, you should consider an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. At only $80 per year, this will grant pass holders free entry into 400+ parks, monuments, historical sites and battlefields.

>> Buy: REI | USGS

Want to know more about the national park pass? Don’t miss our detailed guide about an America the Beautiful pass including where you can gain free entry.

3. National Park Passport

This passport makes a great national park gift for those adventures who love to document their travels. Available in 4 unique editions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

>> Buy: America’s National Parks

Curious about this passport? Don’t miss our popular guide featuring tips for using a Passport To Your National Parks .

Best National Park Books And Guides

The first section on this list features books about the national parks. You’ll find everything from cookbooks and ranger stories to beautiful coffee tables books and unique campfire tales.

4. The National Park Cookbook

With more than 70 recipes including Acadia’s famous puffy popovers through Zion’s loaded Navajo tacos , this cookbook makes for a great gift idea to help your loved one makes new recipes and relive their favorite park memories.

>> Buy: Amazon | REI

5. Complete National Parks Of The US

Currently on the 3rd edition, National Geographic showcases beautiful illustrations about recreation areas, seashores, camping and national parks. This 544 page book is a gift any national park lover would enjoy opening on Christmas morning.

6. Park Lovers Journal

We love this unique journal because you can easily document your experiences in every US National Park including what you saw, where you went and even a small space for a passport stamp. The illustrations also make this journal a one of a kind national park gift they will never expect.

>> Buy: Amazon

7. National Park Coloring Book

If you’re looking for a national park gift to give the child in your life, look no further than this beautiful coloring book. Featuring all 63 parks on an individual page so colors won’t bleed through, this is a present even adults will love!

8. 100 Parks 5,000 Ideas

Another extremely popular National Geographic book, 100 Parks 5000 ideas showcases some of of the most popular experiences in the US national parks ranging from the geysers of Yellowstone to the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail in the Everglades.

9. Ranger Confidential

This is a unique national park gift because it follows 12 years of Andrea Lankford’s extraordinary career as a ranger as she overcomes life and death in some of America’s most iconic landscapes. We’re currently reading this right now and can’t put it down!

10. The Parklands

This book makes for a great national park Christmas gift because it features both trails and secrets from America’s parks. This is a fresh view of North America’s stunning topography through sustainable low-impact exploration .

>> Buy: Amazon | Gestalten

Like Gestalten products? You might like Gestalten’s Great American Road Trip which features many of our US photos.

11. Campfire Stories

This is a very popular book featuring stories about 6 major national parks by well known writers such as John Muir, Bill Bryson, and Terry Tempest Williams. But we love that it also includes interesting tales from generations of indigenous people and pioneer diaries.

12. Walks Of A Lifetime

Written by Bob and Martha Manning, this national park book is a compilation of the best walking trails , scenic vistas, majestic waterfalls, wildlife viewing areas and prehistoric sites. Reviewers always comment on the stunning photos and detailed information.

13. Ansel Adams In The National Parks

Known for his national park landscape photography and environmentalist ideals, this gorgeous book showcases Ansel Adams best photos. Adams was a regular champion for preserving natural areas and he helped to save many of our parks through his photographs .

14. John Muir Wilderness Box Set

This national park gift set is a collection of John Muir’s best writing including Wilderness Essays, Travels in Alaska, My First Summer in the Sierra and Our National Parks. These books help to showcase the importance of wilderness preservation in the United States.

15. 2024 National Park Planner

This 2024 weekly planner features breathtaking photos and each week presents new information about America’s national parks. Our favorite part about this national park gift is that proceeds support park conservation and educational programs .

US National Park Maps And Posters

If you’re planning to explore and hike in any national park, we highly recommend you use a paper map.

You can’t always rely on the maps provided by the NPS when you visit because they do sometimes run out of copies, especially in the smaller parks such as Capitol Reef in Utah .

Hikers should always carry a paper map and use a hiking app to help them find the correct route. We’ve used Gaia GPS for years because we found it to be one of the most accurate trail apps on the market.

16. National Park Trails Map

This national park map makes for a great gift because it is both waterproof and tear resistant. A full UTM grid is printed on the map to helps users with GPS navigation. These National Geographic maps are always highly rated so you can guarantee the park lover in your life will appreciate this gift.

>> Buy: Amazon | REI | America’s National Parks

17. National Park Scratch Off Map

Etsy is one of the best places to find beautiful national park scratch off maps. Amazon is usually cheaper, but we think Etsy has better quality maps . Shop around to find the best scratch off map for your loved one so they can showcase their national park travels.

>> Buy: Amazon | Etsy

18. National Park Posters

We can’t get enough of these vibrant National Park Posters because not only are they absolutely stunning, but they’re made from natural fibers and post-consumer recycled content . Available for many national parks and popular USA vacation spots such as Niagara Falls or Big Sur.

>> Buy: Landmark Project

Interested in Niagara Falls? Don’t miss our popular guide on how to visit the American side of Niagara Falls .

Unique National Park Gift Ideas

This next section features cool national park products you can give your outdoor lover.

There is certainly a chance your loved one already has many of the items we have previously mentioned in this best gifts for national park lovers guide, but we hope you can find something in this next section.

19. Personalized National Park Sign

This customizable handmade wooden sign is inspired by the national parks. It’s an indoor sign you can use for just about anything including a baby shower, wedding, to hang in an RV or a fun present for that adventurous friend.

>> Buy: Etsy

20. National Park Stamps

We love adding national park stamps to our national park passport! These stamps are available in sets dating back to 1986 with a new set available every year. Each stamp series includes national park treasures from all around the US.

21. National Park Calendar

This is the official and best selling calendar from the National Park Foundation. It features 12 months of beautiful photos with detailed information about each park mentioned. Any national park lover will enjoy this gift Christmas morning.

22. Huckberry Whiskey Peaks

We own several of Huckberry’s Whisky Peak glasses which highlight the world’s greatest mountains and landscapes . The Grand Canyon is pictured in our guide, but you can also shop for Half Dome, the Wave , Matterhorn and Mount Everest.

>> Buy: Huckberry

Heading to the Grand Canyon? Don’t miss our popular guide about best things to do at South Rim .

23. National Park Ornaments

These adorable Old World Christmas ornaments are just what every national park lover needs. Featuring many of the popular parks, these hand crafted ornaments make for the perfect national park gift.

>> Buy: Amazon | America’s National Parks

Planning to visit Yellowstone? Make sure you experience the 40 best things to do in Yellowstone during your trip.

24. National Park Patches

These colorful patches are the perfect national park souvenir because they are extremely eye catching . Shop all 63 parks and collect them all!

25. National Park Postcards

Made from recycled materials, these 20 stunning national park postcards are the best way to share adventures or create a fun travel scrapbook. This national park themed gift is a great idea for anyone who can’t get enough of the outdoors.

26. National Park Pins

We love these enamel national park pins because they are a great way to easily show where you have been . Just attach these gorgeous pins to a backpack or a duffel. We like Vegabond Heart on Amazon or Landmark Project for quality designs.

>> Buy: Amazon | Landmark Project

Heading to Joshua Tree? Be sure to read our Joshua Tree Day Trip guide .

27. Musky Trails Candle

Hand poured in Oakland and South Lake Tahoe, these candles are one of the best ways to relive your favorite memories in the parks . We can guarantee your loved one will enjoy this national park product when they smell the aroma of their favorite park.

Planning to hike at Mount Rainier? Don’t miss the 23 best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park .

Best National Park Clothing Gifts

This next section in our guide features US national park gifts that your loved one can wear. We covered everything from graphic tees and sun protection to belts and sunglasses.

28. National Park Graphic Tee

These beautiful graphic tees by Landmark Project are always our go to option because not only do they feature the national parks, but you can find additional destinations like Sedona . We like these tees for a casual comfy look when traveling or hanging out.

Planning a trip to Acadia? Check out the best things to do in Acadia National Park .

29. CoolNet UV Buff

These CoolNet Buffs make a great national park present for him and her because they will protect your loved one from the elements . The National Park series buffs feature the popular parks in stunning colors and will help to add a little bit of flare to their hiking outfit.

30. Goodr Sunglasses

We love Goodr Sunglasses because they are polarized and come in numerous colors . These sunglasses are great for any outdoor adventure and the no slip coating will help to keep them from slidding. The Joshua Tree glasses are pictured in our guide, but there are so many options!

>> Buy: REI

31. Arcade Belt

A national park Arcade Belt makes a great gift idea for him because it features a performance stretch and custom fit. The national park series was created in collaboration with the National Park Foundation so proceeds go back into the parks. The Great Smoky Mountains belt is pictured in our guide.

>> Buy: Arcade Belt

32. Pendleton Socks

Available in both men and women sizes, these national park striped socks are a fun national park gift. Made from cotton, polyester and spandex, these socks have the right amount of spandex to prevent slippage. Be sure to shop all colors!

33. National Park Beanie

If your national park lover plans to travel during the colder months, you should consider a colorful national park beanie. Available in numerous colors and parks, this is a thoughtful national park Christmas gift.

34. Customizable Sweatshirt

With over 12,000 positive reviews , this national park gift from Etsy should be at the top of your list because these sweatshirts are handmade. You can customize based on size, color and national park of your choice.

Fun National Park Games For Kids

In this next section of our national park themed gifts, you will find a large selection of board games and activities for kids. These are gift options the entire family will love!

35. National Park Monopoly

Gift your loved one the National Parks special edition of Monopoly for a game experience they will never forget! Players can buy , sell and trade landscapes such as Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Yosemite with a portion of the proceeds going back to the parks.

36. National Park Trivia

Does your loved one claim to know a lot about the US national parks? Then gift them this national parks trivia game to quiz their knowledge. With 600+ questions , this is a great challenge for families, friends and anyone interested in the parks.

37. National Park Playing Cards

If you are looking for a unique yet affordable national park gift, consider a beautifully crafted set of playing cards. This decks includes full color illustrations with standard numbered cards showcasing the popular national parks.

38. National Park Scrabble

We like this scrabble set because it includes a custom designed game board with 26 national park cards. This would make a great national park gift for those who love camping. You will score extra points for park themed words so get your thinking cap on!

39. Trails, A Strategy Game

If you are looking for a new take on a national park game, Trails takes users on a hiking journey through the parks . You can gather resources, go birding and earn wilderness badges. This is a fun quick game that can be played in 20 minutes and a portion of every sale is donated back to the parks.

40. National Park Yahtzee

For a new take on Yahtzee, this travel sized dice cup is everything you need. With this national park edition of Yahtzee, you can learn fun facts about the environment and how to help preserve the parks. We love the fun park themed icons featuring a tent, a deer, pine trees and a canoe.

41. National Park Jenga

This is a great gift option to give back to the national parks because proceeds from this Jenga product benefit the National Park Foundation. With over 100 national park facts on the blocks, this is a wonderful national park lover gift to play and learn at the same time.

42. National Park Puzzle

Bring the outdoors inside with one of these 1,000 piece national park puzzles. This is a good way experience the parks on a rainy or cold day when you can’t hike the trails. Anyone who loves the national parks will love receiving this puzzle as a gift.

43. National Park Scavenger Hunt

Kids will love this national parks scavenger hunt because they can explore all 63 parks in a bucket list game. This is a great gift for kids because it features fun facts about each landmark so they can learn along the way.

44. Scratch and Sketch National Parks

Another great national park gift for kids, this scratch and sketch book will help them bring the parks to life though swirling colors and shiny foil . This activity book includes black coated scratch pages, doodle designs and 20 pages of illustrations.

45. Parks Board Game

This Keymaster game is a great national park gift for the family because you will score points by visiting as many parks as you can before other players do. Showcasing mountains, forests, water and wildlife, there is no shortage to what you will see in this game.

National Park Themed Outdoor Gear

Anyone who loves the outdoors will love to open up national park themed gear during the holiday season. We’ve included national park gift ideas for him and her in this next section.

46. Reusable Water Bottle

The Helping Hydros stainless steel water bottle features Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Redwoods and Arches . This is a great gift option for anyone who loves to explore US national parks because the double sealed vacuum design keeps beverages hot or cold for 24 hours. Etsy also sells cute water bottles.

47. National Park Igloo Cooler

This adorable national parks cooler by Igloo is on our wish list this year because we love the vintage green color . Made from postconsumer recycled resin and THERMECOOL™ foam to keep content cold for hours, there is enough space for up to 30 cans.

48. Nomadix Towel

The Nomadic Towel National Park Collection is perfect for the beach, travel, swimming, camping and yoga. Made with recycled materials, these super absorbent mictoterry fabric towels absorb 4x more than regular cotton towels . Pictured in our guide is Yosemite towel.

Heading to Yosemite? Use our popular Yosemite itinerary for your vsit.

49. Compression Packing Cubes

This 7 piece ultra light packing cube set can help your national park lover save up to 30% of space in their suitcase or backpack! Set includes a Yosemite, Arches, Yellowstone, Tetons, Grand Canton, Sequoia and Great Smoky Mountains cube.

50. Rumpl Blanket

These top rated National Park Collection blankets by Rumpl feature their original puffy blanket. As you can see, the images and colors of these blankets are absolutely stunning. You can shop for all the popular parks and we have shown in the Bryce Canyon blanket in our guide.

>> Buy: REI | Rumpl

Heading to Bryce Canyon? You might like our guide featuring a Zion to Bryce Canyon Road Trip .

Our Smokey Bear Gift Shop

Smokey Bear is a fictional bear created by the USDA Forest Service in 1944 as a symbol to help prevent forest fires.

When you visit a US national park, you may see large cut outs of smokey placed throughout the park indicating the current level of forest fire risk.

We love the Smokey Bear products from Landmark Project because 10% of all proceeds are donated to the US Forest Service for Wildfire Prevention Education program.

51. Smokey Bear Sign

This vintage Smokey Bear sign would make a great addition to any wilderness lovers home, RV and even campsite. Made of high quality aluminum , this sign is environmentally friendly and recyclable plus it can be used both indoor and outdoors.

52. Smokey Bear Graphic Tee

Nothing shows your support for keeping our parks safe better than a Smokey Bear graphic tee. Available in manatee, conifer, smoke grey, deep navy and canyon, we are sure you can find one that matches your needs.

53. Enamelware Mug

This beautiful mug by Landmark Project has been licensed through the US Forest Service and some of the proceeds go towards funding for wildlife prevention . Any national park lover will appreciate this thoughtful gift.

54. Smokey Bear Puzzle

Owning one of these gorgeous Smokey Bear puzzles ourselves, we can tell you they are a fun gift for anyone who loves national parks and forests. The illustrations are beautiful and it’s a great way to support the US Forest Service.

55. Protect Our Forests Bandana

Another unique national park gift is this white bandana featuring a historic hand-drawn illustration of Smokey Bear . Made with BCI cotton and screen printed, this is a present they will never see coming.

Stocking Stuffers For National Park Lovers

Last but not least, we feature budget national park gift ideas for him and her in our final stocking stuffer section. While these gifts might be small, they are sure mighty so take a look!

56. National Park Decals

If you have an RV lover or a car camper in your life, they might like a national park decal to help showcase the parks they have visited. We love how these decals come with three options, one large decal for the official abbreviation of the park and two smaller decals for the important natural resources in the park.

Heading to South Dakota? Don’t miss the 32 best things to do in Badlands National Park .

57. National Park Stickers

Any national park lover will enjoy opening a set of their favorite park stickers this holiday season. We love using stickers for water bottles, car windows, coolers and suitcases. Amazon sells cheaper sticker sets while Landmark Project offers better quality stickers.

58. Junior Ranger Passport

If you are planning to take the kids to any national park this upcoming year, you should consider a Junior Ranger Passport. Illustrated by Dave Klüg, this passport includes colorful park-themed stickers and the pages are filled with educational content .

59. Luggage Tag

A luggage tag is a great national park gift for anyone who plans to visit the parks soon. We love the fun cancellation stamp print on this tag and it goes perfectly with a National Park Passport if gifted together!

60. Passport Expander Pack

Our last national park gift is for those who really love the parks and plan to visit many over the next few years. This expander pack is perfect for those who are running out of space in their Collector’s Edition of the parks passport (note this will not apply to the blue classic edition).

Conclusion For National Park Lover Gifts

If you have made it to the end, congrats because this is a very extensive list of national park souvenirs. However, we have put a lot of time and energy into it so we hope you found exactly what you needed .

But if you are still on the fence about a few products, here are the overall 10 best gifts for those who love the national parks:

• National Park Pass
• Graphic Tee
• National Park Passport
• Ranger Confidential
• National Park Collection Rumpl Blanket
• Personalized National Park Sign
• Any national park themed board game
• National Park Poster
• Smokey Bear gear
• WATM Guidebook

Any of these products are perfect gift ideas for both men and women, but we love that many of the presents on this list are gifts that give back to the national parks as well.

National Park Gift FAQ’s

Yes, you can give your park lover the gift of a national park pass because passes are issued unassigned. All you need to do is order the pass and give it to them. National park passes are claimed once an individual signs in the signature slot on the back of the card.

The most popular national park gifts include vintage posters, graphic tees, board games, clothing, outdoor gear and the National Park Passport.

The best place to buy national park products is the National Park Foundation, America’s National Parks , REI , official Amazon Stores and Etsy for unique homemade presents.

Our Popular Gift Guides

• Hikers – Unique gift ideas for hiking lovers
• Outdoorsy Men – Best gifts for men who love the outdoors
• Outdoorsy Women – Gifts for outdoor loving women
• Campers – Thoughtful gift ideas for campers
• Rv Owners – Fun gifts for people who own an RV
• Photographer – Cool gifts any photographer will enjoy
• Traveler – Gifts for people who are always traveling

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Looking for another gift? Head to our Gift Guides or Travel Product and Reviews to find something truly unique.

We hope this thoughtful list of gifts for people who love national parks helps you find exactly what you were looking for!

Please let us know if you have any questions about any of these national park related gifts in the comments below.

Happy Shopping ,

Mark and Kristen

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What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Additional routes in popular parks now require reservations, the annual pass gets a big change, Juneteenth is now a new free entrance day and more changes for 2024.

By Lauren Matison

In 2023, the seashores, lakeshores, battlefields, historic sites, monuments and more that make up the National Park Service had 325.5 million visits , an increase of 4 percent from the year before.

The National Park Service director, Charles F. Sams III, praised the surge of interest in “learning our shared American story throughout the hidden gems of the National Parks System.”

Expecting an even greater turnout in 2024, the Park Service and Recreation.gov , the booking platform for federal land reservations, have implemented new measures to streamline the park experience, manage overcrowding and safeguard the environment.

More parks are requiring reservations

To better avoid congested trails, packed parking lots and overflowing trash cans, additional parks are joining Rocky Mountain , Arches and Glacier National Parks this year in requiring day-use permits, timed entries and other reservations for travelers who wish to visit, particularly during peak hours, holidays and the parks’ high seasons. Yosemite National Park is reinstating a timed-entry system it instituted in 2020, but paused in 2022.

Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking. As nearly 75 percent of visitors each year descend on national parks from May to October (and often on weekends), park officials stand by the system.

“In some parks, the level of demand is exceeding the capacity for which infrastructure was designed or is outpacing the National Park Service’s ability to sustainably support visitation,” said Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist for the service. “This trend is resulting in the need to explore new strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide opportunities for safe and meaningful visitor experiences.”

It can be confusing.

New to implementing timed-entry reservations for vehicles is Mount Rainier National Park , in Washington, for its popular Paradise and Sunrise Corridors during certain times in the summer season. Reservations cost $2, are valid for one day and must be purchased along with the park ticket, but do not apply for visitors with wilderness permits or camping or lodge reservations. Similar vehicle reservations are now required for certain periods for viewing the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii , and driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park .

Visitors wishing to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park must obtain a day-use ticket between March 1 and Nov. 30, and in Zion National Park, in Utah, hikers wishing to visit Angels Landing , the dramatic 1,488-foot-tall rock formation, also need to purchase a permit. Fees range from $1 to $6, in addition to the parks’ entrance fees.

As each destination is managed differently, check the park’s webpage for the type of reservation required. Although most bookings can be made through Recreation.gov, some sites, such as Muir Woods National Monument, use a different system.

New features on Recreation.gov

In 2023, Recreation.gov reported that more than 4 million camping reservations and 2 million timed-entry reservations were booked online, and 1.5 million permits were issued. Some 2.9 million new users signed up for the site. With its expanding user base, the booking platform has added 58 reservable national park locations — including 17 campgrounds — such as Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Bluff Hike In Camping in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park.

Recreation.gov has also improved an alerts feature, piloted in July 2023, that can notify users through email or mobile push notifications when a sold-out campsite becomes available. After Recreation.gov notifies you of availability, you must book the campsite yourself online — and quickly, as you’ll be shown how many other people (possibly hundreds) have received the same alert.

While its customer support center and mobile app are still only available in English, Recreation.gov recently introduced a Spanish language translation option. The Park Service partners with Latino Conservation Week , which hosts nationwide hikes and events on environmental education and in-park stewardship, and will celebrate its 10th year in September.

A limit to the annual America the Beautiful pass

The 2024 America the Beautiful pass no longer allows two owners. The annual interagency pass, which costs $80 and covers the entrance fees for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (of which roughly 100 do not charge for admission year-round), is now marked by a single signature line on the back of the card. The pass owner must show I.D. and be present with any accompanying travelers wishing to access the park with the pass. (Annual passes issued in 2023 will still be valid until their expiration date.) The pass covers all passengers in a vehicle — up to four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free — or up to four cyclists riding together. Active military or veterans and people with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass; 4th grade students may receive a free annual pass; and senior citizens may purchase a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass.

At the parks, more accessible features, E.V. chargers and new lodging

To better protect against global warming, the Park Service is putting more than $65 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and Great American Outdoors Act into climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Using $15.9 million budgeted for zero-emission vehicle deployment, charging capacity and infrastructure, the Park Service is prioritizing a reduction in carbon emissions, said Mr. Sams, by installing new electric-vehicle charging stations and running electric buses.

An interactive online locator tool created in 2023 shows E.V. charging stations throughout 27 national parks and the type of chargers available. In addition to the tool, every national park page displays alerts on road closures, parking lot capacities, construction work and other incidents.

Mr. Sams also said the Park Service is investing $1.3 billion from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility features, ranging from a new A.D.A.-compliant visitor center at Morristown National Historic Park in New Jersey to new beach wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes , Channel Islands and Virgin Islands National Parks . Each destination’s website has an accessibility tab to help visitors plan their trip, and Recreation.gov now has a search filter on its homepage to make it easier to locate accessible accommodations.

New lodging options now available across the country include the Flamingo Lodge , which opened inside Everglades National Park last fall with 24 guest rooms built from repurposed shipping containers. In March, along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cataloochee Ranch reopened with 11 renovated cabins and a new restaurant. This spring, the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites will welcome its first guests in Rapid City, S.D., the closest major town to Badlands National Park , and opening in May in Idaho is the Yellowstone Peaks Hotel , a 30-minute-drive from Yellowstone National Park. This fall, California-bound travelers planning a visit to General Sherman, the largest known tree on Earth, might book at AutoCamp Sequoia , just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park .

Also in California: Those who don’t score a highly coveted (and contentious) spot at the newly reopened High Sierra Camps in Yosemite could book Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa, which offers more affordable rates, hiking trails and views of the Sierra Nevadas. Reservations for its first season are available beginning May 1.

Celebrating milestones and a new free entrance day

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, visitors can pay tribute to African American heritage at over 100 parks , including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail . This year also marks 100 years since Indigenous people were recognized as United States citizens. Although many parks have Indigenous programming , Mr. Sams, who is the first Native American to serve as N.P.S. director , suggested visiting Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ohio and Whitman Mission Historic National Historic Site in Washington, where he recently brought his daughter.

“In order to celebrate the diversity that makes our country great, we must share the complete story of America, which includes both the successes and challenges encountered on the way to form a more perfect union,” Mr. Sams said.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is the National Park Service’s newest free entrance day . Visitors can also take advantage of free admission on April 20, the first day of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the four-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act ; Sept. 28 on National Public Lands Day ; and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the Flamingo Lodge. It is inside Everglades National Park, not outside the park.

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Last updated: April 25, 2023