Everybody loves a good national parks souvenir. Whether you collect postcards, stickers, or mugs, I think there’s something special about collecting a small way to remember each of our incredible adventures.
But the ONE souvenir I NEVER leave the park without? A stamp in my Passport to Your National Parks collection, aka the national parks passport stamps program.
The national park passport stamps program is a FREE way to collect stamps from each of the 63 National Parks (and over 400 NPS sites) —just like a passport stamp in your actual US passport.
I’ve been collecting my stamps for years, including each of the 30 US national parks I’ve visited to date!
Whether you’re just discovering this program or you’re a seasoned park lover looking to up your stamp game, this guide has you covered.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the National Park Passport Program and how to make it a part of your outdoor adventures!
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What is the National Park Passport Program?
The National Park Passport Program is a delightful way to document your journeys across the more than 400 sites managed by the National Park Service (NPS).
While many people think only of the 63 designated National Parks, the program extends to National Monuments, National Battlefields, National Historic Sites, and even lesser-known spots like National Seashores and Recreation Areas.
The concept is simple: at each site, you’ll find a unique cancellation stamp (like what you get in your real passport when you visit another country) with the park’s name and date of your visit. Collect your stamp to record your visit!
Over time, your passport book becomes a mini journal, documenting your adventures.
What Do I Need?
The “official” program, Passport to Your National Parks, is run by America’s National Parks™ / Eastern National, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service that provides education, parks fundraising and runs the gift shops in National Parks across the country.
America’s National Parks™ publishes a number of “official” passport books to record your stamps including:
- The Classic Edition: The iconic blue spiral notebook, with spaces for stamps at every NPS site, as well as limited edition stickers published every year, organized by geographic region.
- The Collector’s Edition: This larger version includes additional space for notes and stickers.
- The Junior Ranger Edition: A fun, colorful option designed for kids to record their own adventures and junior ranger stamps.
But here’s the best part: you don’t need an “official” passport to participate. For years, I used these National Park-themed Field Notes journals to collect my stamps and jot down memories of each trip. If you prefer something more personal, any notebook will do!
Where Can I Get a National Park Passport?
Ready to start collecting those National Park Passport stamps? Here’s where you can snag the official passport books.
Most National Park Service Visitor Centers sell passport books, so you can pick one up in person on your next trip.
If you want to plan ahead, you can order one through America’s National Parks, the program’s official partner, or on Amazon .
Getting Stamped: National Park Passport Stamp Locations
Finding those iconic cancellation stamps is part of the adventure! Here’s how to track them down:
Visitor Centers: The most common place to find national parks Passport stamp locations is inside the park’s Visitor Center, often near the gift shop or information desk. Look for a small station with ink pads and the cancellation stamps.
At particularly busy visitor centers, or if the Visitor Center is closed during normal operating hours for construction, they may set up a table out front with an ink pad and official cancellation stamp station for you.
Ask a Ranger: Can’t find the stamp station? Flash your passport book at a Ranger or gift shop worker—they’ll know exactly what you’re after.
Regional Visitor Centers: Some parks, especially remote ones, don’t have their own Visitor Centers. For example, in Alaska, the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center houses stamps for multiple parks in the region.
For a full list of National Park Passport stamp locations, check out the official directory on the America’s National Parks website.
Help! I Forgot My Passport!
You made it all the way to another incredible national park like Death Valley, Yosemite, or Capitol Reef! It’s a once-in-al-lifetime trip, but oh, no! You forgot your Passport!
Don’t worry.
Most Visitor Centers sell blank passport sticker sheets. You can stamp these stickers and add them to your book when you get home.
You can also buy these sticker sheet ahead of time and leave your passport book at home to prevent damage or loss.
If the stamp location doesn’t carry blank stickers, most Visitor Centers will be cool enough to lend you a blank piece of paper for your stamp.
Tape or glue it into your Passport book when you get home!
Happy Stamping!
Collecting my national park passport stamps is one of my favorite traditions when visiting a new national park site. I love that I’ve created a unique journal of my travels that will grow as I continue to explore.
Passport stamp collecting is a great activity for kids, too – and the nerdy kids-at-heart like you and me! Enjoy your stamp collecting journey, and happy stamping!
Explore More National Parks
Get the Ultimate National Parks Planning Guide (for free!) sent to your inbox, full of important planning information, printable packing lists, and the best things to do in all 63 National Parks.
Big Bend: Epic Big Bend Itinerary Guide
Bryce Canyon: One Epic Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
Cuyahoga Valley: 17 Best Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Great Smoky Mountains: The Ultimate Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary in 2 Days
Joshua Tree: The Perfect Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
New River Gorge: The Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
Yosemite: Epic Yosemite 2 Day Itinerary – How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Yosemite
