Public access to the protected area is either open or limited. Open locations carry no special requirements for access to the property (may include regular hours of availability). Limited-access locations require a special permit from the owner for access, a registration permit on public land (for example, self-permitting Wild and Scenic River, backcountry Wilderness registration) or has highly variable times when open to use.

Examples: Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness Area, National Key Deer Refuge, River Raisin National Battlefield Park