Check requirements for the activity and entrance you plan to use. A parking reservation and a climbing permit serve different purposes, and neither should be assumed to apply statewide. The current notices below carry the source link and affected area.
Sam's Point parking
Sam's Point requires parking reservations on weekends and holidays from April 18 through November 15, 2026. State Parks says a reservation can be made through ReserveAmerica or by phone up to two weeks ahead. Confirm your visit date, available space and current instructions on the official page before setting out. This notice concerns the Sam's Point parking area; it does not say all of Minnewaska State Park Preserve requires the same parking step.
Thacher climbing
At John Boyd Thacher State Park, State Parks says the climbing area is open for the 2026 season and every climber must complete a free permit for this season. Use the park's current permit instructions before climbing; a general park visit and a climb are different plans.
If a date or instruction here no longer matches the linked agency page, follow the agency's current requirement. An expired notice does not prove a requirement was renewed or removed for a later season.
Documented current impacts
These notices are shared with affected park pages. Regional guidance is labeled separately.
Bear Mountain State Park: October 25 parking capacity and incoming traffic
Park-specific information
- October 25 parking capacity and incoming traffic
The operator’s October 25 capacity alert reports full parking and a temporary restriction on incoming visitors and traffic. Roadside parking is prohibited. This is a dated capacity snapshot; check the live park alert before travel and choose another destination if entry remains restricted.
Sam's Point parking reservations required on weekends and holidays
Applies to the named area
- Sam's Point parking area
State Parks requires Sam's Point parking reservations on weekends and holidays from April 18 through November 15, 2026. The agency says reservations may be made through ReserveAmerica or by phone up to two weeks in advance.
Start date not recorded – Nov 16, 2026
Thacher climbing area requires a 2026 permit
Applies to the named area
- Thacher climbing area
The climbing area is open for the 2026 season, and State Parks requires every climber to complete a free permit for this season.