M
API Matrix

Recreation Information Database API

⭐ Beginner's Pick Open Data / API Key Intermediate HTTPS
Varies by plan (check documentation)
77 Score
Grade B
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Overview

The Recreation Information Database (RIDB) API gives you access to data about federal recreational areas, campgrounds, permits, historic sites, and visitor facilities across the United States. An API key is required and free to obtain from recreation.gov. It is a great resource for building outdoor adventure apps, trip planners, or campground finders.

💡

Beginner Tip

Register for a free API key at https://ridb.recreation.gov/register and use it in the apikey query parameter. Start by calling /recareas to list recreation areas, then drill into facilities and campsites using the facility ID.

Available Data

Recreation Information Database data via REST API
JSON-formatted response data
Requires API key authentication

Example Response

JSON Response 
{
  "status": "success",
  "data": {
    "result": "Data from Recreation Information Database",
    "description": "Recreational areas, federal lands, historic sites, museums, and other attractions/resources(US)",
    "timestamp": "2025-01-15T10:00:00Z"
  }
}

Field Reference

RECDATA Array of recreation area or facility records returned by the query
RecAreaID Unique identifier for the recreation area, used to query related facilities
RecAreaName Official name of the recreation area
RecAreaDescription Text description of the recreation area and what visitors can expect
GEOJSON Geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude) of the area as a GeoJSON point
METADATA.RESULTS.TOTAL_COUNT Total number of records matching the query across all pages

Implementation Example 

const url = "https://ridb.recreation.gov/";
// Replace headers or query params with the values required by this API.
const response = await fetch(url, {
  headers: {
  "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
  }
});
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);

What Can You Build?

Note: These code examples are AI-generated and unverified. Always refer to the official API documentation for accurate usage.

Common Errors & Troubleshooting

401 Unauthorized / apikey is required Missing or invalid apikey query parameter
✓ Register at ridb.recreation.gov for a free API key and include it as ?apikey=YOUR_API_KEY in every request
Empty RECDATA array The query or filter returned no matching recreation areas
✓ Try removing filters like state or activity; use the query parameter with a place name, e.g. ?query=Yosemite
429 Too Many Requests The free tier has rate limits on requests per second
✓ Add a short delay between requests and avoid making many calls in quick succession

Matrix Score Breakdown

🌐 Reachability 30/30
⚡ Speed 10/20
🔒 Security 15/15
🛠 Developer XP 12/20
✓ Reliability 10/15

Partially tested on Apr 5, 2026

Technical Specifications

Auth API Key
HTTPS REQUIRED
CORS UNKNOWN
Category Open Data
Difficulty Intermediate
Verified: 2026-04-04

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