National Park Service Campgrounds

Federal coverage only. This compares federal campground agencies in the Recreation.gov system; state-park and private campgrounds are out of scope.

The National Park Service operates 605 campgrounds across the federal Recreation.gov system, offering a total of 21,415 overnight sites distributed throughout 41 states. Of these campgrounds, 419 are available for advance reservations through Recreation.gov, while the remaining sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This extensive network represents a significant portion of federally managed camping infrastructure, providing access to diverse outdoor experiences across the country.

The NPS primarily manages campgrounds located within national parks, national monuments, national seashores, and other protected public lands that showcase America's natural and cultural heritage. These facilities typically provide access to forests, mountains, coastal areas, desert landscapes, and other distinctive ecosystems. The agency's campgrounds range from developed sites with amenities to primitive camping areas, accommodating various visitor preferences and activity levels while supporting the NPS mission of resource preservation and public enjoyment.

What National Park Service camping looks like

National Park Service-managed campgrounds span 41 states and about 21,415 overnight sites. The states below carry the most; each state page breaks the grounds down by rec area and links every facility to Recreation.gov.

← Compare all managing agencies · Find campgrounds in your state →

Federal RIDB export, verified June 2026. How we compile this.