Dos and Don’ts of Visiting National Parks

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Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Grant

If history is any indication, US National Parks are in for an increase in visitors. That means a lot of the places we love will be loved by a lot more folks than us… and that’s ok! We are happy to see new folks love our national parks. That’s one of the goals of our blog. Increased visitation does put a strain on resources but there are many things visitors can do to reduce their impact and, in general, make a visit to a national park better.  Here is our list of dos and don’ts for visiting the national parks:

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DO: Check in with a Park Ranger

I can’t stress this enough. The first thing you do upon entering a national park, monument, etc. is check in with a ranger.

Rangers are most up-to-date on the conditions in the park and can tell you about any adverse conditions in the park. Want to hike that special hike? The ranger knows before you drive out there if it is closed due to bear activity or poor conditions.

Rangers have the best tips for good hikes, amazing views and spotting wildlife. I always ask rangers for trail and wildlife viewing recommendations and have never been disappointed.

Look for any warning signs at the trailhead of your Yellowstone hikes!
A warning sign for the trail we were about to hike. Yes, we saw bears.

Indeed, rangers in Yellowstone have helped me see some amazing wildlife several times.

If you are heading into the backcountry, rangers can help you with backcountry permits and, in many places, will keep a record of those headed into the backcountry.

DON’T: Skip the Visitor Center

If it is your first time visiting a park, go to the visitor center. Not only will you find a park ranger to check in with, you will also often find very good exhibits about the park.

Bonnie and I almost always sit down to watch the video before exploring a park, mainly to give us the back story on the park and inspire us to visit places we hadn’t thought about.

Fossil beds at Agate Fossil Beds NM
Fossil beds at Agate Fossil Beds NM

Also, I find I learn a lot about the “hidden” history of a site. At Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, the main attraction is the fossils. For me, however, the real attraction was the James H. Cook Collection, which tells the story of the relationship between Cook and the Oglala Lakota, including Red Cloud. The visitor center also  has significant artifacts from the Plains tribes.

DO: Plan Your Trip in Advance

Going to a national park requires a bit of planning. Check out the NPS web site before you go, especially in the winter!

We have learned this lesson the hard way a couple of times and it has worked out for us many other times.

Cave shields are one of the unique features of Lehman Caves in Great Basin.
One of the larger cave shields in Lehman Cave in Great Basin National Park.

Many park sites require guided tours to visit the preserved homes and, especially, the caves. Those tours must be booked in advance. Check with the park’s web site to see when the tours are offered, what they cost and what the requirements are.

Great Basin National Park, Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument all offer cave tours and all require sturdy footwear. Always be sure to check if there are clothing requirements for the tour you are looking to take.

The site of the Sand Creek Massacre
The site of the Sand Creek Massacre has limited hours in the winter. We had to return in the summer to see it.

Additionally, in the winter, many parks reduce hours and reduce access to the parks. Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks, for example, close large sections of road to cars due to snow. Some of the more isolated parks, like Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, have significantly reduced hours.

We were actually planning to visit both Sand Creek Massacre NHS and Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site on a winter road trip, only to find Sand Creek Massacre NHS was closed the day we were going to go. Fortunately, we figured it out before we drove out that way.

We were not quite as lucky with Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, which was closed the day we were going through.

"The Oaks," the home of George Washington Carver on the campus of Tuskegee University. We missed seeing it
“The Oaks,” the home of George Washington Carver on the campus of Tuskegee University. We missed seeing it because it was closed the day we were there.

Additionally, pay attention to the guidebooks and sites. In some of the more popular parks, parking lots fill up early and stay filled. Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park both see significant visitors and, in order to visit them, you need to make them an early morning priority.

DON’T: Ignore the Warning Signs

Warning signs in National Parks are both something I take seriously and a source of amusement for me.

Yellowstone’s warning signs, in particular, should inspire caution. The geothermal features can seriously injure a careless hiker or thrill seeker and the fences around cliffs are there for good reason.

National Park Service Warning Sign
Some NPS warning signs are humorous. Others, like this one at Cape Cod National Seashore, not so much.

I rarely find a National Parks site which doesn’t warn about interacting with animals. Sometimes, like in Yellowstone or Cape Cod National Seashore, those signs are sobering. At Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, however, the warning against perils of the ground squirrels seems a bit much, especially by comparison.

DO: Give the Animals a Wide Berth

I may chuckle a bit at some of the animal warning signs, but they are there for a good reason.

There is no one who enjoys seeing beautiful animals more than I and no one who is more interested in getting a good picture of a wild animal, but don’t put yourself in a bad position in regard to the animal.

The three animals I worry about most are bison, bears and moose.

A moose chased me once. I was walking along the Sandy Stream Pond Trail in Baxter State Park, Maine, when I came upon a cow along the trail. It was a decent distance away, so I stopped and started taking pictures. I did not take a step closer and the moose appeared unbothered by my presence.

Then I heard movement in the brush. I looked over and saw a calf that was going to put me between it and momma. The cow started towards me and I ran. It stopped chasing me after a bit and I settled down, but it was a bit scary.

his male almost succeeds in the mating with the female but she rebuffed him. After all the effort he went through, he left looking for another mate. She followed him into the woods.
This male almost succeeds in the mating with the female but she rebuffed him. After all the effort he went through, he left looking for another mate. She followed him into the woods.

Bears are an obvious fear and getting anywhere near a sow and her cubs or a mating pair is just asking for trouble. If you want to take pictures, make sure you have a good zoom lens and give the bears a lot of space.

Bison are probably my biggest fear. We like to hike, especially in Yellowstone, and you will find bison wallows and tracks everywhere. You must remember, though, bison are erratic. Most of the time, bison don’t get excited about people, but other times, they just decide to gore the bejeezus out of someone nearby. The thing is bison just do what they want.

A close encounter of the bison kind... licking the salt off the truck.
A close encounter of the bison kind… licking the salt off the truck.

Recently, Yellowstone has had a rash of bison selfies with predictable results for those getting too close to the bison. Don’t. Just don’t.

DO: Pay Attention to Bear Restriction in Campgrounds

While bear restrictions may seem onerous, do follow them. Bears can smell food for miles and will come into a campground looking for food if they feel they can get to it. That encourages human-bear interactions, which leads to bad things for both the humans and the bears.

A grizzly bear wandering along the road near Fishing Bridge Campground.
A grizzly bear wandering along the road near Fishing Bridge Campground.

While camping in Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we had a water bottle and mosquito candle confiscated by the folks at the campground due to bear restrictions. At first, we were a bit aggravated, but the reality is the folks who live and work in the park know better than we do what will attract a bear and what won’t.

DON’T: Gripe About the Admission or Tour Fees

The national parks are treasures for all of us. Yes, tax dollars support our national parks. Yes, there are some national parks which are free to enter, like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, mainly due to deed restrictions when the park was created.

The National Park Service estimates there is a $12 billion (yes, that’s billion with a b) maintenance backlog. Essentially, Congress has been underfunding the parks for years despite year after year of record-breaking attendance.

Road closed sign in Yellowstone National Park
The Park Service closed Blacktail Deer Plateau Road on our first trip to Yellowstone. Parks need a lot more money to keep up with the maintenance demands. On our second summer trip, we got to drive the road and saw a black bear.

The fees you pay go directly to supporting the national parks, but they don’t come close to paying for the “cost” of your visit. Other countries charge significantly more for access to their national parks. For example, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia charges $27 per person for a one-day admission. Yellowstone National Park, by contrast, charges $30 for a seven-day pass for everyone in a vehicle.

DO: Get Out of Your Car and Go for a Hike

The views from the roads in many of the national parks are simply amazing. Indeed, the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park is nothing short of spectacular.

To really experience a park, however, get out of the car and get on the trail. Most parks will have a variety of trails, from simple 30-minute walks to multi-day hikes. Check in with a ranger for recommendations on a hike that suits your ability level and available time.

Bonnie standing on the Beaver Ponds Trail in Yellowstone National Park.
For cooler days, zip-off convertible pants offer a lot of flexibility, especially on the trail.

One of the best experiences we have ever had was hiking in Wind Cave National Park. It was like walking through an episode of “Wild America.” 

Even in the most crowded parks, all you need to do is get a 1/4 mile away from the road and you will find a lot more peace and quiet.

DON’T: Hike Without Proper Supplies

When you do go into the woods on a trail, carry what you need with you. We have a great list of 10 Essentials to take with you when you go in the woods and you should carry most, if not all, of those items every time you go for anything more than a mile.

My big thing is learn how to use a map and compass. Most folks have become so reliant on their phones for navigation, they don’t know how to use a map to get from point a to point b. I am guilty of it, too, but I can do map and compass navigation and I always take a compass with me into the woods.

Grant climbing up the trail to the Hanging Rock In Big Bend National Park.
Grant climbing up the trail to the Hanging Rock In Big Bend National Park.

Water is another thing I see folks not carrying enough of. Most of the recommendations I see are to carry one liter of water for every hour you plan on hiking in the hot sun. We typically take a three-liter CamelBak with us on most hikes.

I have seen plenty of folks on long hikes (nine to 10 miles) taking only a small water bottle with them. I cringe whenever I see that.

Don’t be the person who goes into the woods completely unprepared. I suggest you have a good daypack with all of the essentials packed in and ready to go.

DO: Pay Attention to Those Around You

This is more of an etiquette thing than anything else. This is a problem I see in people in general and that is being unaware there are other people around.

As a photographer, I do not have exclusive rights to a particular shot. I am more than happy to patiently wait for other folks to take their pictures and move on. I will do my best to get the captures I am looking for quickly and then move out of the way.

What I don’t like are folks who don’t pay attention and walk into a shot completely uncaring. Yes, I am here. Yes, I am taking a picture. That’s why I am pointing the lens that way. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

Grant Sinclair taking a picture in Yosemite National Park
Grant working on a picture at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park.

Also, please don’t stop in the middle of the trail, sidewalk, road, etc. That’s the way people get by.

Also, one last gripe: If it’s early in the morning, don’t be loud. I was at Arches National Park a couple of years ago to take pictures at dawn. There was a large number of tourists there at the same time. Cool. No worries. It’s really pretty and I am happy to share.

But they were loud… so very loud… and moving all over the place. Seriously, it was like there was a pack of corgis wandering around… Really cool, but so loud and so distracting.

DON’T: Leave Anything Behind in the National Parks

As the saying goes: take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints. That goes especially for national parks. I know there are trash cans but take your trash with you if you are just there for the day.

It is one more way you can contribute to our national park by making the “cost” of your visit as small as possible.

Grant and Bonnie Shadow Selfie
Leave nothing behind but your footprints and take nothing but memories.

DO: Respect the Rules in Historic Buildings

When touring historic homes or other historic buildings, listen to the guide regarding where you can walk. You will usually be told to stay on the carpet and not touch anything. Please respect that. It’s how the park service keeps the floors and furniture in good condition for future visitors.

Along with that, please don’t lean on the railings, sit or lean on the furniture or touch anything historic. If you do need a chair or any kind of assistance, let a ranger know and they’ll typically help you out.

The Park Service volunteer giving a tour of the Oakland Plantation house at Cane River Creole NHP.
The Park Service volunteer giving a tour of the Oakland Plantation house at Cane River Creole NHP.

When we toured the Oakland Plantation house at Cane River Creole National Historical Park, we were told to stay on the carpet. Unfortunately, some rooms didn’t have carpet or only had a tiny rug. In this case, try to at least minimize your movement. And, please, don’t let your young child crawl all over the floor as one visitor did.

Yes, it’s easy to forget but please try to stay mindful of your potential impact.

DON’T: Ignore the “Other” Sites

Oftentimes the 61 National Parks get most of the attention. But there are actually more than 400 units of the National Park Service. The National Monuments, National Historic Sites, National Recreation Areas, etc. are also great sites and worthy of a visit. Seriously, the designation is often somewhat arbitrary.

Honestly, I still have a hard time accepting the fact that the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is now a National Park. I mean, it’s only 91 acres. The next smallest park (at about 5,500 acres) is Hot Springs NP, which seems like it should be a national historical park.

Our April 2019 visit to Cane Rive Creole NHP was the 200th site we've visited together.
Our April 2019 visit to Cane Rive Creole NHP was the 200th NPS site we’ve visited together.

On the flip side, Dinosaur National Monument is 210,000 acres and includes mountains, canyons, rivers and desert. It is every bit as impressive as the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The thing is, for the most part, the designation is really just dependent on the whims of Congress. The only exception is National Monuments, which can be declared by the president without the approval of Congress.

Don’t get me wrong, we have loved all of the National Parks we’ve visited. The other sites, though… Those are the ones that often surprise us and teach us something we weren’t expecting. Seriously, as we visit the National Park Service units we often feel like we are earning a Master’s Degree in our country.


Travel Resources
What do you use to find a flight?

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start.
Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties, so we use the Hilton website. You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express.
Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way.
Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN, or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them.
Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia.
Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct. We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper.
Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip.
Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first.
Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J.
Click here to get a Good Sam membership.
We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there.
Click here to get a AAA membership.

Visiting National Parks are a summer tradition for many folks. Before you head into a park, be sure to read these dos and don'ts to make you visit better.
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