Several national park and campground systems have finalized rule changes that will take effect this year. Some affect how large vehicles travel through popular corridors. Others change how campsites are reserved or how day-use parking is priced. These updates are confirmed and tied to specific start dates, which makes them relevant for anyone planning trips this year.
1. Zion National Park to Ban Large RVs on Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway
Beginning June 7, 2026, Zion National Park will prohibit oversized vehicles from traveling the Zion–Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. The restriction applies to vehicles that exceed any of the following limits:
- Longer than 35 feet 9 inches
- Wider than 7 feet 10 inches measured mirror to mirror
- Taller than 11 feet 4 inches
- Heavier than 50,000 pounds
- Combined vehicles over 26 feet from hitch to rear axle or more than 50 feet overall
The park confirmed that the existing permit system for escorted travel through the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel will be discontinued once the new limits take effect. In prior years, oversized vehicles were allowed to pass through the tunnel after paying a fee and waiting for traffic to be stopped in both directions.
The 10.7-mile scenic highway was completed in 1930. Studies conducted in 1989 and 2019, later reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration, concluded that many oversized vehicles cannot remain fully within a single lane on portions of the route. Tunnel and bridge clearances also fall below modern standards for larger vehicles.
A 2016 traffic study found that when escorts were required for oversized vehicles, free-flowing traffic averaged 19 minutes per hour and dropped as low as eight minutes per hour on peak days. Park officials cited safety and traffic management as the basis for the permanent restriction.
Large vehicles may still access Zion through the South Entrance in limited circumstances, including designated parking near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, approved access to Zion Lodge, off-season travel on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and reservations at Watchman Campground or South Campground when open.
Travelers heading toward Bryce Canyon National Park, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, or other destinations in southern Utah will need to use alternate routes if their vehicle exceeds the posted limits. Detours vary by direction and can add approximately 10 to 45 minutes of driving time.
2. Timed Entry Programs Adjusted at Major National Parks
The National Park Service has confirmed changes to timed entry programs at several high-traffic parks for 2026.
Yosemite National Park will not require advance vehicle reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February to March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic controls and temporary diversions when parking areas reach capacity.
Arches National Park will also operate without a timed entry system in 2026. Visitors will not need to book an arrival window in advance. Congestion will be managed on-site through traffic and parking controls.
Glacier National Park is eliminating its broad park-wide vehicle reservation requirement. Active management will continue in high-demand areas such as Logan Pass and along Going-to-the-Sun Road, where parking limits and temporary vehicle diversions may be used.
Rocky Mountain National Park will continue its timed entry reservation system from late May through mid-October. The program aligns vehicle entry with available roadway and parking capacity.
Entry requirements vary by park and season. Travelers should review the official park page before arrival.
3. Buffalo National River Moves Five Campgrounds to Reservation-Only
Buffalo National River will require advance reservations at several frontcountry campgrounds beginning March 13, 2026.
The following campgrounds will move to reservation-only status for the 2026 season, which runs through November 15:
- Steel Creek Campground
- Ozark Campground
- Carver Campground
- Tyler Bend Campground
- Rush Campground
Campsites must be reserved up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov or by phone. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted at these locations.
The park will discontinue placing reservation cards on campsites. Campers must have their reservation confirmation number upon arrival.
Some locations will remain first-come, first-served for 2026:
- Kyles Landing Campground
- Erbie Campground
- Select campsites at Buffalo Point
- Backcountry campgrounds such as Woolum and Spring Creek
Pavilions at Ozark and Tyler Bend will remain reservable up to one year in advance and will allow same-day reservations in 2026. Group sites at Tyler Bend will follow the same structure.
The change alters how visitors secure campsites at one of Arkansas’s most visited river destinations.
4. Oregon State Parks Raising Parking Fees and Changing Permit Rules
Oregon State Parks will increase parking fees and modify permit rules beginning in spring 2026.
Daily parking permits will increase to $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents. Twelve-month permits will increase to $60 for residents and $75 for non-residents.
The Oregon Coast Passport sold in 2026 will no longer count as a state park parking permit. Passports purchased in 2025 will remain valid until their expiration date, but future versions will not include parking access.
The updated fee structure applies to day-use areas where parking permits are required. Visitors should review individual park pages to confirm where fees apply, as not all locations require permits.
5. National Forest Sites Expanding Cashless “Scan and Pay” Systems
Select national forests are transitioning developed recreation sites to cashless fee collection in 2026.
The U.S. Forest Service has announced that certain forests will no longer accept cash or checks at developed recreation sites. Payments must be made through the Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay system or through advance reservations on Recreation.gov.
Under the Scan and Pay system, visitors use a mobile device to scan a posted QR code at a campsite, trailhead, or day-use area and complete payment electronically. If cell service is unavailable, the transaction is recorded and processed when the device reconnects to service.
Individual forests publish implementation dates and lists of affected sites. Campers planning to use developed national forest campgrounds in 2026 should confirm accepted payment methods before arrival.
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