National Parks Are Reopening Across the U.S.-Here's What to Know Before You Go

""NPS employees and partners are working quickly to restore normal services and ensure visitors can continue to enjoy these treasured places," an NPS spokesperson said in a statement shared with T+L, adding "Throughout the lapse in appropriations, the Administration kept America's national parks safe, clean, and open wherever possible... the National Park Service maintained essential services, minimized disruptions, and prevented resource damage.""

"Going forward, travelers will be able to make advanced bookings for park services and permits. On Nov. 15, for example, Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park opened reservations for both houseboats permits and overnight tent camping for the 2026 summer season. Reservations are also back open for natural wonders and attractions, such as guided tours of National Park Kentucky's Mammoth Cave or a ranger-led tour of Joshua Tree National Park's Keys Ranch."

National Park Service staff have reopened hundreds of parks and recreational areas following the end of the government shutdown. Employees and partners are restoring normal services while essential operations were maintained during the lapse in appropriations to keep parks safe, clean, and open wherever possible. Advance bookings and permits are available again through recreation.gov, with examples including houseboat and camping reservations at Voyageurs and guided tours at Mammoth Cave and Joshua Tree. Some units remain seasonally or operationally closed, such as the Grand Canyon North Rim and parts of Yellowstone. Visitors are urged to check closures and conditions before traveling; late fall and winter offer distinctive landscapes and cooler temperatures.

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