National Parks / Alerts
National Park Alerts
632 active alerts across the National Park Service — closures, hazards and cautions, most urgent first. Browse the full park directory instead.
Make sure to take weather into consideration when visiting. Carry water and use sunscreen to reduce the risk of heat injuries during your visit.
Until further notice, the following are PROHIBITED in all park areas: (1) Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires or pellet grills, or any other open burning. Properly shielded, self-contained propane or liquid-fueled camp stoves and grills, lanterns, or other heated devices with on/off switches are permitted. (2) All smoking, except within a personally-owned enclosed vehicle. (3) Discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices.
Portions of Fort Christiansvaern and portions of D. Hamilton Jackson Park are temporarily closed due to unsafe conditions. For your safety, do not enter closed or barricaded areas and follow all posted signs and staff instructions. Crews are working to secure the affected areas and restore safe public access. The closure will remain in effect until conditions are determined to be safe.
City of Rocks is under fire restrictions effective 07/30/26 until further notice. Campers MAY NOT have a wood campfire. Campers MAY NOT use a self-providing gas-fueled fire ring. Campers MAY NOT use charcoal. Campers may use gas-fueled grills/stoves for cooking.
Cyanotoxins are currently present in the Iola Basin. Until further notice, the park recommends that no person or pet swims in, or drinks from, reservoir waters in the Iola Basin. Use caution when fishing, boating, or recreating in Blue Mesa Reservoir.
All campfires are prohibited. Devices using pressurized liquid or gas (stoves, grills or lanterns) that include shut-off valves are permitted when used in an area at least three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
Due to the extremely dry conditions and high fire danger all fires are prohibited. Only petroleum or propane-fueled stoves or grills are allowed in backcountry/river campsites, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Fireworks are never allowed. Smoke only inside vehicles.
Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous. Stay out of closed areas and monitor air quality. Eruptions can last a few hours and are often separated by pauses lasting several weeks.
The canyon from the toe of Exit Glacier to where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain is susceptible to sudden outburst flood events. These events produce sudden surges of water, ice and rock. For your safety please stick to designated park trails.
Due to structural conditions at the driveway entrance, access to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens main entrance and parking lot is limited to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 16,000 pounds or less.
Be careful and safe while out in the canyon! Be cautious of your surroundings, don't cliff jump, don't stray off of the main trails, and don't get too close to Little River Falls or the canyon rim. These activities could result in injury or death.
8/23/2026 - Due to active wildfire, Pinnacle Peak Trail and the surround area are CLOSED until further notice. This includes the ridge from Lane Peak to Foss Peak across the ridge and from Stevens Canyon Road to the southern park boundary. Stevens Canyon Road is NOT closed.
There is an active fire near Grand Park in the northeast area of the park. Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice. All trails originating from these park roads, and all trails in the Grand Park area, are also closed until further notice. The Wonderland Trail is open. 8/24/26 UPDATE: Due to new fires near Redstone Peak the backcountry CLOSURE of the Northern Loop is extended to Carbon River junction including Lake James & Yellowstone Cliff camps.
Smoke from wildfires is to be expected with active fires across the region.Take precautions when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present.
A lightning fire is burning near a ridgeline approximately 1 mile north of Maiden Peak. The fire is less than one acre in size. Fire managers are responding and ordering resources to assess other potential lightning starts within the park. There are no evacuation orders or closures.
The lightning-caused Mt. Tom Creek Fire is burning on a remote mountain slope on the west side of Olympic National Park. Firefighters are using indirect confinement tactics as part of a full-suppression strategy. Backpackers are encouraged to consider alternative routes to the Hoh River Trail should fire activity increase. There are no evacuation orders or closures.
Fire managers are responding to a lightning fire in a remote area 1.5 miles southwest of Mt. Barnes. The fire is less than one acre. Crews continue to use helicopter‑delivered water drops to support ongoing fire suppression efforts. There are no closures or evacuation orders. Additional updates will be shared as information becomes available.
A rabid bat was found at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on August 9th. At approximately 2 p.m., the bat swooped down onto an unidentified woman and was temporarily caught in her hair. This individual is at risk for rabies and should seek healthcare immediately, as well as contact the Mason County Health Department at 360-427-9670 ext. 405. More at the link.
Due to the continued fire danger in Southern Oregon, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve has instituted a full fire ban. To ensure public safety and to provide the highest degree of protection to park resources, the Fire Ban prohibits Campfires. Wood and charcoal fires are NOT allowed in Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve.
For visitor safety, the southern end of the Glover Archbold Trail is under an emergency closure until further notice due to aerial hazards. Please follow the posted detour along Foxhall Rd. / 44th St. NW / P St. NW.
Bacterial levels have exceeded public health standards at Sand Beach Lagoon and a Public Health Advisory has been posted. The public is advised against swimming at this beach until bacterial levels return to healthful levels. (Not for Sand Beach.)
You can help prevent vehicle break-ins in parking lots. Before leaving your car to catch the ferry: 1) Remove all valuables, 2) Lock your doors. 3) Take your cell phones and electronics with you. Read article for more details.
Park grounds and walking paths are accessible but visitors should use caution as there are fallen trees, stumps, and other typhoon debris.
A number of lakes are infested with an array of aquatic invasive species that damage natural ecosystems and waterways. Boaters are advised to Clean, Drain, and Dry all boats and equipment every time they leave the water.
Due to the narrow roadway & tight turn, RVs, mobile homes, charter buses, delivery trucks, or vehicles with trailers are prohibited from the crest of Monument Hill. Check for information about parking at the Visitor Center upon your arrival.
Black bears inhabit many of the Apostle Islands. Follow safety guidelines: store food and scented items properly, hike in groups, stay attentive, and make noises if you encounter a bear in a visitor area.
Human-habituated bears have been frequently spotted in the McAfee Knob Area. Allowing bears access to human food or garbage causes it to lose its fear of humans. Follow all food storage regulations, use provided food lockers and never feed a bear.
All fires are prohibited. Only petroleum or propane-fueled stoves or grills are allowed in backcountry campsites, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Fireworks are never allowed. Smoke only inside vehicles or in developed areas over 3 feet from flammables.
Do not rely on GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Badlands National Park. Please note that the Visitor Center at 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior SD 57750 is located just off I-90.
Numerous visitors have been routed to remote trailheads and out-of-the-way roads trying to use GPS to reach the main park area or shuttle stop.
If you see a dead bat or a bat acting strangely at the fort, please do not touch or move it. Report the location of the animal to park staff.
The design of the reconstructed fort fails to meet accessibility, fire, and life-safety requirements of 1976. A lack of code compliant components such as emergency lighting, illuminated exit signage, panic hardware on doors, and outwardly swinging exit doors results in a limitation of 49 occupants for visitor operations within the reconstructed fort.
Entry into the reconstructed fort is limited to the central plaza on scheduled days. For your safety respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access into additional areas.
There is currently no cold-water flow into the tub at Serpentine Hot Springs. Please proceed with caution. The National Park Service plans to complete repairs on the cold‑water pipe in August. Visitors are respectfully advised not to dig ditches or otherwise attempt to establish alternative cold‑water access. Thank you for your cooperation.
The windsock at the Serpentine Hot Springs airstrip is broken, and the National Park Service is in the process of ordering a replacement. At this time, we do not have an estimated date for when it will be reinstalled. Please use caution when utilizing the airstrip.
When lake levels are below 3625, boaters are advised to avoid areas south of Horseshoe Bend and the South Narrows due to low water levels. Throughout the year, lake water levels fluctuate greatly. Hazards and launching abilities change with the water levels. Please use caution when recreating on Bighorn Lake.
Please use caution in park waters due to navigational markers that may be missing or moved due to unforeseen circumstances.
Bryce Canyon is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. No setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using of open fires of any kind in the park. This includes campfires, charcoal fires, and propane fire pits in park campgrounds. Stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas are allowed. Smoking is not permitted, except inside an enclosed vehicle. Fireworks are never permitted at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Remember that rough surf is dangerous & rip currents can be deadly. Please use caution when swimming at Canaveral National Seashore.
The park may have delayed openings or closures in the event of severe weather. Travel may not be recommended during these times. Please check local weather forecasts. We appreciate your understanding.
All fires are prohibited. Only petroleum or propane-fueled stoves or grills are allowed in backcountry campsites, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Fireworks are never allowed. Smoke only inside vehicles or in developed areas over 3 feet from flammables.
There are no lifeguards on duty at Race Point Beach. Swim at your own risk.
Lifeguards will be present at Herring Cove Beach on weekends ONLY until August 23. Pay attention to signage and swim at your own risk on weekdays.
Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.
Due to a pumping issue, there is currently no running water available in the park. All plumbed restrooms are currently closed. Vault toilets are available at Chimney Rock trailhead, Hickman Bridge trailhead, the east entrance on SR 24, and at the end of the paved Scenic Drive. Crews are working to fix the issue, and water is expected to be restored later this morning. For now, visitors are encouraged to fill water bottles in town. Bottled water can also be purchased at the visitor center and Gifford House.
Capulin Volcano Highway is now a roadway shared by multiple users that include vehicles, hikers, bikers, walkers and runners. Dogs on a minimum 6-foot leash are also allowed on the roadway. Be watchful of others that are present on the highway. Follow the new traffic flow signs and keep vehicle and bicycle speeds at the posted speed limits of 20 mph in general and 10 mph in the S curves. Let’s all stay safe!
Fire restrictions are in place at Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Most camp stoves are. See fire restriction order for additional details.
Breaking down in the remote monument can be a life-threatening emergency. Most roads require a well-equipped, heavy-duty 4WD vehicle to travel. 2WD high clearance vehicles must use Walking Box Ranch Rd for entry and exit. No Visitor Facilities Available.
No building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire in all areas of the monument, including charcoal fires. Properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle. Discharging or using fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on all federal public land.
Source: National Park Service.