Recreation.gov, also known as Rec.gov, is your one-stop shop for reservations with a 4.9 out of five-star rating from over 185,000 reviewers. You’ll be able to see campgrounds and individual campsites around the U.S. — however, you won’t find private campgrounds like KOA on this app. When searching for these campgrounds, it’s recommended that you put in your dates first to make it easier because sites do fill up quickly. A quick tip: use your annual America the Beautiful pass while booking campgrounds to receive a half-off discount.
This app also gives you the permits required for many activities at national parks. Some of these permits are simple to receive — you pay the cost if there is one, and you’ll have it. However, be aware that some others work like a lottery. For example, to hike Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, you’ll select the time of year you want to hike and learn when the next daily lottery is. When you go back to try and get the permit, there’s a chance you may or may not get it. This is because the hike is such a popular one, and there needs to be a strict schedule for how many people in a day can do the trail. However, if you’re attentive to the lottery schedule, the chances of you getting a permit may be better.