Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov is a U.S. government website that serves as the central online portal for finding and reserving federal recreational facilities, activities, and permits.

It’s managed by a partnership of multiple federal agencies, including the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and others.

Through the site, you can:

• Reserve campsites, cabins, and day-use areas at federal parks, forests, and recreation areas.
• Book tours and experiences (e.g., guided cave tours, lighthouse climbs).
• Obtain permits for activities like backcountry hiking, boating, and hunting.
• Enter lotteries for limited-access events or areas (e.g., The Wave in Arizona).
• Find trip planning info including maps, fees, accessibility details, and regulations.

It’s essentially the government’s official “booking desk” for public lands and outdoor recreation across the United States.

If you’re planning to enjoy U.S. public lands and want an easy, official way to find, reserve, and manage your trip.

Here’s why it’s useful:

• One-stop shop – Instead of hunting through dozens of individual park or a