Plan Your National Park Vacation Like a Park Ranger

Insider tips for making the most out of national park adventures

Summer is here and many national parks are expecting an especially busy season in 2021. A little trip planning can ensure that your only surprises are happy ones. To help everyone have a great experience, National Park Service rangers share their top 10 insider tips to #PlanLikeAParkRanger.

Visit busy sites off-season or in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid lines and crowds during peak times of the day. (NPS/Frank)

1. Have a plan...and a backup plan

For us, a park visit begins at home with a trip to NPS.gov. Park websites have ideas about where to go, what to see, and what to do, and most important, what we need to include in our planning. Flexibility and a backup plan are key, too, in case of changing weather conditions, road closures, etc.

Learn more > Tools of the trade for planning your visit

2. Be patient with each other and us

We always remember to allow ourselves extra time to get from one place to another and enjoy the experience. This season, national parks are already bustling. Like lots of places you go this year, we may not yet be able to offer the past level of service as we emerge from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And keep in mind that people who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks inside park buildings and in crowded outdoor areas.

Learn more > Information about the NPS response to the pandemic and operational updates

Even the most visited national parks have places of serenity and solitude—you might just have to walk a little further on the trail to find it. (NPS/Hoyer)

3. Travel off the beaten path

There are more than 400 national parks across the country. We love exploring the lesser-known ones. They can be a great option for travelers looking for all the beauty of nature, hiking trails, and rich history, with fewer crowds and lines.

Learn more > Advanced search for a park by topic, activity, or even close to you in your state

Check out the full article from the National Park Service here.