Share the Experience: The annual photo contest from the National Park Foundation invites submission of photos from US National Parks + Forests, as well as public lands managed by Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers + Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 6 categories:
- Adventure + Outdoor Recreation
- Family, Friends + Fun
- Historical + Cultural
- Scenic, Seasons + Landscapes
- Urban Playgrounds
- Wildlife
Winning photo will be awarded a $10,000 prize and published on the America the Beautiful Federal Recreation Lands Pass for 2021, as well as hotel stays and other travel prizes.
Free to enter by December 31, 2019. Open to amateur photographers (only) who are US citizens, 13+.
US National Parks: Want to win a new camera lens? Tamron is holding a new National Parks photography contest with a grand prize in each of 3 categories: Landscape, Wildlife + Night Skies.
Winners get their choice of Tamron camera lens, with mount for Canon, Nikon and Sony Full-Frame, or APS-C DSLR cameras, to take your photography to the next level.
Free to enter by August 31, 2019. Open to US citizens, 21+.
#MyStateofAdventure: Outside Online wants to see your best state park shots in color or black-and-white to be in the running for a 3-night trip for 2 to Big Sur, California. Prize includes accommodations at Big Sur Lodge, some meals, $300 gift card + use of a Honda Passport during stay. Note: transportation not included.
Free to enter by June 30, 2019 (11:59:59 p.m. ET). Open to US citizens, 18+.

Amateur Photographers in State Parks: New photo contest from Outdoorsy + Reserve America seeks photos in the following categories:
- Camping
- Wildlife
- Friends and Family
- Scenic and Seasons
- Activities – boating, biking, rock climbing, fishing, historic & cultural ranger tours, hiking, off-highway vehicles, winter sports and more.
Prizes include $2,500 RV rental from Outdoorsy, $500 REI gift card, subscription to Backpacker Magazine or a luxe camping pillow.
Photographs must be taken between May 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. Maximum entries: 40.
Free to enter by June 30, 2019 (11:59 p.m. EST). Open to US citizens that are amateur photographers only, 18+.
California State Parks: Ongoing ‘Photo of the Month’ contest from California State Parks Association asks to see your best shots to win prizes and publication on their website.
Free to enter, ongoing entries accepted.
Pennsylvania Parks + Forests: The ‘2019 State Parks and Forests Through the Seasons’ photo contest from The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation invites submissions in 7 categories to win state park gift cards:
- Selfie
- Dogs In the Outdoors
- Other Wildlife Sightings
- Park and Forest Adventures
- Motion
- Intergenerational Moments
- Young Photographers 12-17
Free to submit by September 4, 2019.
Missouri State Parks + Historic Sites: Rural Missouri Magazine is holding a photography competition for the best photos of their state’s natural and historic treasures. Categories include:
- Making Memories
- Capture the (Natural) Beauty
- Discover the (Historical) Past
- Fun on the Water
- Camping in the Parks
Winning photos will be published in the January 2020 issue of Rural Missouri.
Free to enter by October 31, 2019. Open to amateur photographers only.

Washington State Wild Places: Love photographing the Pacific Northwest? This one’s for you. Northwest Exposure is Washington Trail Association’s annual photo contest that celebrates outdoor photography and the community of hikers that explore Washington’s trails. The 2019 contest opens on August 17 + features five categories:
- Trailscapes
- Hikers in Action: In camp or on trail
- Trail Family
- Flora and Fauna
Prizes include $500 credit for online printing and framing with Frameable, MindShift Rotation180° Panorama 22L camera bag, waterproof notebooks, Nalgene water bottles and more.
Free to submit by October 20, 2019. Open to all photographers.
Not a photographer? You can enter to win a summer adventure 4-day trip for 2 to New Hampshire worth $4,800 from National Geographic. Prize includes flights, accommodations + $4,000 gift card for expenses.
Free to enter by June 30, 2019. Open to US citizens, 18+.