National Park Reservations: More Lead Time Wanted

Above, a morning view of Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The national park reservation system is filled with problems. To many, it is an unfair system in dire need for reform.

For international tourists and tourist companies, it is a problem as more lead time is needed. Operators are also calling for reform.

According to an article in RV Travel:

Nearly 400 travel industry organizations—including domestic and international organizations—have sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and National Park Service Director Chuck Sams calling for reforms to the visitor reservation systems in the national parks.

Specifically, reservation systems with short booking windows and inconsistent procedures are not workable for international travelers and international tour operators, many of whom plan travel a full year in advance. The letter proposes that reservations be allowed 10 to 12 months in advance, and that reservation systems are consistent across parks that implement them.

While reservation systems are not appropriate at all national park sites, any action by the Interior Department to expand new reservation systems for parks should be preceded by engagement and discussion with national park constituencies, including gateway communities, tour operators, and those that provide transportation to and through parks.

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