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Imagine winning $5,000 simply by capturing the misty glow of a waterfall at dusk. America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025 challenges photographers from all 50 states and D.C. to showcase the magic of our public lands. With a grand prize of $5,000, six $500 REI gift cards for category winners, and a chance to be featured in a national online gallery and publicity, this no-purchase-necessary showcase runs from May 12, 2025 to July 18, 2025, with winners revealed by September 30, 2025.
Photographers can submit up to 40 original JPG images taken on state-park lands. A judging panel selected by the contest sponsors will evaluate entries equally on originality, artistic composition, technical quality, and how each photograph brings park experiences to life. Whether you specialize in long exposures over rapids or candid campsite scenes, your work has a shot at national recognition.
Offering free entry and substantial cash awards, America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025 ranks among the best photography challenge entries and stands out as a top free photo contest on Deartline. This competition provides both creative freedom and professional reward, making it a prime opportunity for photographers eager to capture our country’s natural wonders.
The America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025 Prizes
The contest awards seven winners in total:
- Grand Prize: $5,000 awarded by Black Folks Camp Too sponsor.
- Honorable Mentions (Six): One $500 REI gift card each, sponsored by Aspira.
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025
Entries compete within six specific categories:
- Activities
- Camping
- Friends & Family
- Wildlife
- Scenic & Seasons
- Fan Favorite.
Each category highlights a unique aspect of park experiences: from dynamic recreations in Activities to serene panoramas in Scenic & Seasons, candid moments in Friends & Family, immersive overnight scenes in Camping, vibrant animal encounters in Wildlife, and the public-voted Fan Favorite.
America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Mark your calendars for the America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025 and note the key dates:
Key Dates:
- Submission Phase Ends: July 18, 2025
- Judging Phase Starts: July 19, 2025
- Judging Phase Ends: August 31, 2025
- Winner Notification: By September 30, 2025
- Winners’ List Available: After September 30, 2025
Entry Fee: Free — up to 40 images per entrant.
How to Enter:
Visit the official contest page between May 12 and July 18, 2025. Complete the free online form, upload up to 40 JPG images taken on state-park lands (ensure no watermarks or AI-generated content; only cropping, red-eye removal, and basic brightness/contrast adjustments allowed), agree to the contest terms, and submit by the deadline.
About the Jury
Judging is conducted by a panel appointed by the contest sponsors, including representatives from Aspira (RA Outdoors, LLC), Black Folks Camp Too, and the National Association of State Park Directors. Entries are scored on originality, composition, technical quality, and the strength of park storytelling.
Why Enter America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025?
This contest offers photographers a chance at significant cash awards, national exposure in an online gallery, and the prestige of peer and public recognition. It’s a prime opportunity to challenge your skills against other enthusiasts, get your work featured in a high-profile competition, and discover photography challenge deadlines to plan your next submissions. Plus, it’s one of the best free photo contests for beginners available.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the America’s State Parks Photo Contest 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., age 18 or older. Upload up to 40 original JPG images taken on state-park lands between May 12, 2023 and July 18, 2025. Cropping, red-eye removal, and basic brightness/contrast adjustments are allowed; HDR, light-painting, and long exposures are also accepted. AI-generated images, watermarked or heavily manipulated photos, and entries depicting unsafe or prohibited content will be disqualified.
Copyright and Image Usage
Entrants retain full copyright to their images. By entering, photographers grant the Sponsor and Administrator a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to reproduce, adapt, and display submitted images and descriptions for promotional, exhibition, and archival purposes across all media, with artist credit. Any additional use or sale of the works requires separate permission.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
