POCKET RANGER TOOLKIT

Do I need a reservation?

Some parks turn you away at the gate without a timed-entry reservation or permit — and the windows sell out fast. Pick a park to see what it needs, when, and where to book it.

🎟️
Yes — plan ahead for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This park has timed-entry, permit or lottery requirements. Here's what applies:

🎲
Lottery

Synchronous fireflies viewing · early-May application for the June event (~22,000 apply)

Book on the official site ↗
📋
Permit required

Parking tag required · $5/day, $15/week, $40/year (year-round)

Book on the official site ↗

Windows and exact dates change every year — always confirm and book on the official site before you go. Data on record at StayNear; the booking link goes to the National Park Service / Recreation.gov.

NEVER MISS A PERMIT WINDOW

Save your Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip

Get a heads-up before timed-entry and lottery windows open — plus new guides for the parks you care about.

FREE · NO SPAM · UNSUBSCRIBE IN ONE TAP