Recreation Information Database

About Recreation Information Database

The Recreation Information Database (RIDB) is a data service and API operated as part of the Recreation One Stop program, which also runs Recreation.gov. It aggregates information about federal recreational opportunities across the United States, including recreation areas, facilities, campsites, tours, and permits, drawing on data supplied by multiple federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and NOAA. The website lets users search this catalog by state, organization, and activity, covering categories from camping and hiking to boating, climbing, and wildlife viewing.

The API is intended for developers and organizations who want to incorporate federal recreation data into their own systems, applications, or publications. Access requires registering and agreeing to the RIDB API Access Agreement; the data itself is provided at no cost, with no requirement to contact the operators before use, though linking back to Recreation.gov and crediting the data source is encouraged.

Federal agencies are responsible for the quality and completeness of the data in RIDB, and the site notes that some records, such as latitude and longitude fields, may be missing or incomplete. The database is distinct from separate annual visitation reporting required under Section 132(f) of the EXPLORE Act, which uses agency-provided data outside of RIDB.

Key features

• API access to federal recreation areas, facilities, campsites, tours, and permits data
• Search recreation areas and facilities by state, organization, or activity
• Free data access with no cost
• Covers all US states and territories

Frequently asked questions