Tips for Camping in and Visiting a National Park

Key points to know before you go to a national park that will maximize your enjoyment and ensure you’re not one of “those people” during your visit.

Americans have been reveling in their national parks since Yellowstone was established way back in 1872. In fact, it’s thought by many that the establishment of the National Parks has been one of the best accomplishments of the country throughout its history. Their splendor is world-renowned.

While there are 63 sites that actually include the name “National Park” in their title, the park system as a whole boasts a whopping 424 national park systems that span a range of 20 different categories, like “National Battlefields”, “National Historic Sites”, “National Preserves”, “National Monuments”, “National Historic Parks” and much more.

Each of these parks is unique, with its geography, climate, environment and history being special in one way or another. So special, in fact, that the U.S. federal government, specifically the U.S. National Parks Service, is fiercely committed to protecting each one.

Every park has exclusive features and historical significance to highlight the amazing geographical and cultural diversity of the country and interpret its past for all to learn. Thus, the national parks attract hundreds of millions of visitors each year.

With so many people traipsing around, the National Parks have to set some strict standards in order to both allow visitors maximal enjoyment and protect the parks’ precious lands for the next generation.

So, it makes sense that each national park has a unique set of regulations that you’ll want to be well-versed in prior to your arrival.

For example, don’t plan on taking your cat whitewater rafting on the Grand Canyon River — it’s illegal. And, sorry to disappoint you, but you cannot give birth in the Saline Hot Springs in Death Valley National Park. Find somewhere else to have your baby.

While these rules are highly specific (and a little odd), they highlight how important it is to know what you can and cannot do inside each National Park. It’s safe to say a few things have changed throughout the intervening years, especially where camping and outdoor recreation activities are concerned.

Be sure to research the rules for the particular park you’re planning to visit before you arrive. That said, there are definitely some universal expectations and regulations that will help you navigate your chosen park with ease and avoid a felony charge which can really put a damper on your holiday.

— Head’s Up —

Visiting and camping in a national park is very different from visiting a state park or just setting your tent up in a private campground.

A national park is federally owned land that has been set aside for preservation and can’t be used or developed for anything else. A state park, on the other hand, is controlled by the state government and is meant to generate funding. That means, parcels may be sold in order to make up for a budget deficit.

Many campgrounds inside state parks have more amenities and less strict laws governing activities and behaviors. For this piece, we’re focusing solely on rules and regulations for national parks.

Visiting a National Park

For day trippers, many of the rules for visiting a national park are no-brainers like no littering, no feeding or approaching the animals, no smoking, don’t vandalize, don’t veer off the trails…you get the idea. These are basically the bare minimum guidelines designed to protect the park and its visitors.

However, there are also rules and points of etiquette that aren’t necessarily mandatory, but are definitely good practices if you want to be a conscientious patron.

Know What Passes You Need

Visiting any of the national parks requires a pass of some kind. The National Parks Service has a comprehensive list of the various entrance passes here. Check the website to learn what exactly each pass covers – i.e., entrance fees versus standard amenity fees.

Typically, one pass will cover the pass owner and all occupants in a personal vehicle at sites that charge per vehicle. For sites that charge per person, a pass usually covers the pass owner and up to three additional adults (16 and over). Children ages 15 or under are admitted free.

Try Not to Make Too Much Noise

Music is great, but not everyone around you wants to be subjected to your favorite tunes while they’re trying to enjoy nature. As a result, playing your music loudly in a national park is prohibited.

This “noise ordinance” also extends to overlooks and canyons. While it is so tempting to want to hear your echo reaching over a vast space, don’t do it. Sudden loud noises can scare animals, and in some cases, may even cause rocks to fall.

And please, whatever you do, don’t have video calls or loud phone calls on the trails or overlooks. It’s just rude.

Do Not Throw Rocks

Speaking of rocks, please don’t throw them over ledges or into ravines or gorges. And, don’t let your kids do it either. You never know what or who is down below that could be seriously injured or startled by a stone unexpectedly hurtling from the heavens.

Don’t Hike Unprepared

For even the most seasoned hiker, if it’s your first time visiting a particular national park for a hike, don’t show up unprepared. Bring water! And please, for the love of all that’s holy, wear the proper footwear. The trail might not seem that steep, long or difficult on paper, but that doesn’t mean you can be safe wearing just your Vans for the day.

Additionally, always bring a map, rain gear, a multi-tool, first aid supplies, food, sunscreen and a few safety items as your bare minimum for even a relatively short day-hike. A lot can happen in a few short miles.

Don’t Pick or Move Rocks, Plants or Feathers

The national parks rely on preserving a healthy and thriving ecosystem, so moving or removing “souvenirs” from them is prohibited. Yes, it may be very tempting to take home that bald eagle feather you found on the side of the trail, but in actuality, it’s a federal offense that is punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

You may think that you’re just one person taking one tiny piece of the landscape that no one will notice, but remember, hundreds of millions of visitors come through the parks each year. What would it look like if everyone just took “one little thing”?

You may also be tempted to build those interesting rock cairns that you see throughout many national parks. This is also prohibited. The cairns often mark trails for hikers, so building new ones or moving existing ones can create confusion and lead to people getting lost or hurt.

Camping in a National Park

When it comes to camping in the national parks, every campground is a little bit different as far as rules and regulations are concerned, so be sure to research the specific park you want to pitch your tent in prior to arrival.

Reserve Ahead of Time

Reserve your site as far ahead of your visit as possible. The national parks’ popularity can’t be overstated, and sites book up fast. Don’t expect to roll up with your pop-up tent in tow and score an open site on a Friday morning. Check out www.recreation.gov to see what’s available.

Check the Site Map Before You Commit

Try to pick the best site to suit your needs. Do you have kids and want to be close to a bathroom? Do you need a site suitable for an RV, or are you planning to hike into a remote backcountry site? Either way, be aware of potential hazards, including sudden changes in weather, flash flooding, fire risk, dead trees or branches, etc. that require you to take added precautions when setting up.

Learn About Noise Ordinances and Allowable Activities

Many of the national parks have far stricter rules regarding camping than most state parks and privately-owned campgrounds. If you’re hoping to spend evenings sitting around a campfire toasting up some S’mores, you might want to check with the park ahead of time. Not every national park allows campfires.

Another thing to consider is the designated “Quiet Time” of each park. Most national parks have mandatory quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This is a great time to enjoy the symphony of nature, but not a good time to enjoy your “epic” playlist at full blast.

Don’t Steal Campsites

Okay, this might seem like the ultimate no-brainer and rule of etiquette, but apparently, it’s a problem, because it’s mentioned several times throughout the national parks service website. Please, whatever you do, don’t steal someone else’s campground. Not trying to be presumptuous, but that’s not how your momma raised you!

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