Photo Guidelines

Please read the Official Contest Rules.

What?

We are seeking photos that share the best of America's State Parks in the following five categories. Photographs taken in other locations not managed by America's State Parks do not qualify.

• Camping - make it more than a day trip and stay for the nightlife
• Wildlife - catch a glimpse of the local wildlife at a safe distance
• Friends and Family - make memories by sharing adventures with others
• Scenic and Seasons - witness the natural environment change every season of the year
• Activities - biking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, historic & cultural ranger tours, boating, off highway vehicles, winter sports and more

When?

All photographs must be taken on lands managed by America's State Parks between May 15, 2020 and July 15, 2022. Contest entries are accepted from the start of contest on May 15, 2022 12 a.m. ET to July 15, 2022 11:59 p.m. ET. Winners will be announced by September 30, 2022.

How to Submit?

• Submit photos at: StateParksPhotoContest.org
• Entries must be submitted by the original creator.
• Submit photos in JPEG format. Try to ensure that the photo is 3 mb or larger with high resolution (300 DPI) as the winning photos must work in print.
• There is a limit of Forty (40) entries total per individual regardless as to the method of entry. Additional entries received from any individual beyond the fortieth entry will be void.
• Please allow at least 2-3 business days for moderation before your photo appears on the website.

How are the Photos Judged?

Photos will be judged on the following criteria:

(i) originality, (ii) artistic composition, (iii) technical quality, and (iv) whether the photograph showcases the best of America's State Parks camping and outdoor activities. 

Who's Eligible to Enter?

• Legal residents of the 50 United States and DC, who are at least 18 years of age and of the age of majority or older in the state of their residence at the time of entry
• Photographs must be taken by you and you must have the rights to the photo.

Who's Ineligible to Enter?

• Employees of the participating agencies and sponsors and their family members are not eligible to win prizes.
• Photographs(s) created by someone other than you but submitted by you will be disqualified.

What Not to Do

• Do not alter or manipulate photos except for cropping, red eye removal and/or adjustment of contrast and brightness. However, photographic techniques such as HDR, light-painting and long exposures are allowed.
• Photographs with any watermarks, writing or symbols of any kind will be disqualified.
• Don't break any laws or rules.
• Don't do anything unsafe.
• Don't photograph anything that is inappropriate, indecent or obscene.

What to Do

• Enjoy the outdoors and share it with us using hashtag #americasstateparks!
• Tell your friends!

2021 Winners & Stories

www.reserveamerica.com/articles/camping/2021-america-s-state-parks-photo-contest-winners

Contact Us

Please email americasstateparksphotocontest@gmail.com.