The photo contest allows professional and amateurs alike to vie for supremacy in a variety of categories, capturing all that is special and the memories that are made in our state parks and forests. Once selected each year, our photo showcase gallery is displayed in various ways – and the whole process begins again with the launch of a new contest each fall.
Our categories for 2026 are related to the country’s celebration of our 250th birthday. We’re encouraging our photographers (and everyone) to celebrate the experiences that take us on a favorite excursion – or offer a new experience.
- Pursuit of Happiness
- Joy, play, quiet moments, relaxation in nature.
- Freedom to Belong
- People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities enjoying public lands; inclusive recreation.
- Voices of the Land
- Stories of place—historic structures, cultural sites, Indigenous landscapes, CCC legacy, and ecological features.
- We the Stewards
- Volunteers, conservation work, community caretaking, youth programs, trail crews.
- Paths Through Time
- Natural and cultural heritage; landscapes that witnessed centuries of change; “then & now” recreation.
- Young Photographer (ages 12-17)
- We encourage young photographers to use the five categories to guide their submissions.
Get your copy of the rules and enter as soon as you can. In the meantime, enjoy the 2025 winners in the Gallery. Click to “Gallery” at the top of any page of the website!