Recreation Areas
National Recreation Areas center on reservoirs, lakes, and rivers — destinations built for boating, swimming, camping, and shoreline exploration.
18 parks and sites (NPS)
Featured parks for recreation areas
Upcoming events
Upcoming ranger programs and events at 18 parks in this designation (from the NPS Events API).
Sandy Hook History House
Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours
Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long. Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center.
Battery Weed Open House
Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge.
Fort Tompkins Tour
Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation.
Ranger-led Talk: Life at Mine 18
Step back in time and discover life in a mining camp! Join a ranger at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky for a 20-minute talk on the coal mining operations and daily life at Mine 18. Learn how miners worked and how families lived in this isolated community. This program is offered every Wednesday through Saturday at 12:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM ET. Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
CNPC Wellness Program: Pilates in the Park
Join official park Friends group Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy for Pilates in the Park , a free monthly wellness event held on the first Wednesday of each month from April through October at 6 p.m. Set in the peaceful field near the parking lot at Powers Island, this all‑levels class offers a refreshing way to unwind, move, and connect with nature along the Chattahoochee River. This wellness program is dedicated to building equitable opportunities for all individuals to enjoy programs like this in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Participants should bring their own mat and come ready to enjoy an hour of mindful movement in one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you're a seasoned pilates enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this community event is a perfect mid‑week reset in the heart of the park. Bathrooms and water fountains are available near the parking lot. What to bring: Water bottle Mat or towel
Introduction to Kayaking!
Interested in getting out on the water? Join National Park Service staff and volunteers for an introductory kayaking session! This program will include both on-land and on-water portions to introduce participants to basics of kayaking: boats and paddles personal flotation devices and other safety gear paddling posture, strokes, and form safety and self-rescue basics trip planning, next steps for learning and getting out on the water Where : Island Ford Pond @ Island Ford, 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA, 30350. Park in the second parking lot or at the Visitor Center and walk down the trail to the pond. (No parking at the pond.) We will be using the pond for this introductory session, not paddling on the river. Limits: Limit 10 participants per session (no repeats), ages 12+. Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wearing a fully-zipped, well-fitted life jacket (provided by NPS) is a requirement for participation. Preparation : Participants should come prepared for physical activity (we will be getting on kayaks on the water!) and to get fully wet. Drinking water and close-toed shoes that will not slip off are required (no flip-flops or slides; sandals or old gym shoes work well). Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes that dry quickly are recommended. A snack is never a bad idea. Please do not bring valuables or anything you wouldn’t want to get wet or lost. (Phones may be waterproof but they don’t float!) No pets allowed. Program proceeds in light rain but will stop in case of heavy rain, thunder, or lightning.
Critter Corner at Rugby
Join Us Saturdays and Sundays in September at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center for 'Critter Corner'! From 9 AM to 5 PM ET on Saturdays and Noon to 5 PM on Sundays families can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring pages, and chat with a ranger about the critters of Big South Fork.
Widllife Sanctuary Workday with Birds Georgia and Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
Join Birds Georgia and the park's official Friends group, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, for a rewarding and meaningful day of community service. Each month Birds Georgia leads a volunteer workday focused on sprucing up the Island Ford wildlife sanctuary for the upcoming seasonal change! In partnership with Birds Georgia, we will be completing varying tasks including: - Removing Invasive Species: Help us remove invasive plants that hinder the growth of native flora and harm local wildlife. - Preparing the Wildlife Sanctuary for the New Season: Assist in planting and nurturing native plants to create a welcoming habitat for wildlife. - Supporting Habitat Restoration: Learn about the importance of biodiversity and contribute to establishing a sanctuary for birds, bees, butterflies, and other local fauna. Why Volunteer? - Make a Difference: Your efforts will directly contribute to the health and beauty of our wildlife sanctuary. - Learn and Grow: Gain valuable knowledge about invasive species, native plants, and wildlife habitats. - Meet Like-Minded Individuals: Connect with fellow volunteers who share your passion for nature and conservation. What to Bring: - Gardening gloves - Comfortable outdoor clothing - A reusable water bottle - A positive attitude and a willingness to get your hands dirty! Age requirement: All CNPC volunteers must be 10 or older to participate in volunteer tasks. This volunteer workday is in partnership with Birds GA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and habitat protection of bird species in Georgia. This event will take place rain or shine, however it will be rescheduled in the event of severe weather including thunderstorms or flood warnings. Participants will be notified by email the morning of the event (or sooner) should an event need to be rescheduled due to weather. Note that Island Ford trails are closed for rehabiliation. More project info at chattahoocheeparks.org/iftrails.
CNPC Wellness Program: Yoga in the Park
Join the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy for Pilates in the Park , a free monthly wellness event held on the second Wednesday of each month from April through October at 6 p.m. Set in the peaceful field near the parking lot at Powers Island, this all‑levels class offers a refreshing way to unwind, move, and connect with nature along the Chattahoochee River. This wellness program is dedicated to building equitable opportunities for all individuals to enjoy programs like this in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Participants should bring their own mat and come ready to enjoy an hour of mindful movement in one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you're a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this community event is a perfect mid‑week reset in the heart of the park. Bathrooms and water fountains are available near the parking lot. What to bring: Water bottle Mat or towel
All parks (18)
Amistad National Recreation Area
An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, a Spanish word meaning "friendship," is known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, and rich cultural history dating back nearly 5,000 years. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life both above and below the water.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming—all within reach of downtown Boston. Youth programs, visitor services, research, wildlife management, and more are coordinated on the park's 34 islands and peninsulas by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon. Get Outdoors and experience your Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as you have never done before.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Springs, streams, lakes - whatever its form, water is the attraction at Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi. The park offers year-round recreation including hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year. Gateway offers green spaces and beaches alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. Every day, Gateway is open for you to explore, envision, and enjoy!
Gauley River National Recreation Area
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a vast panorama of human history.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. All of this and more awaits you, so get out and find your park.
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