Updated June 11, 2021

by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

If you are a visiting National Parks for the first time (or you haven’t visited in many years), planning a trip might sound complicated, but with the help of online resources and this blog post, it doesn’t have to be. The National Parks offer year-round vacation destinations for travelers from all over the world with a variety of travel styles and budgets. Follow these steps to get the ball rolling on your upcoming adventure!

1. Research and plan ahead

When and where to go?

The beloved National Park System includes over 400 National Park sites, with 63 that have a title containing “National Park” in its name such as Arches National Park, Death Valley National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and White Sands National Park in New Mexico, which is one of the newest designated National Parks. On Pinterest you can find articles about the variety of choices and experiences to be had during your National Park adventure.

As you are planning your trip, consider these travel destination factors when deciding which National Park to visit. With 63 options, there are many parks that would make an awesome winter trip, showcase phenomenal fall foliage, offer a fun spring break road trip or provide an unforgettable summer vacation.

If you’re not sure where to go, these websites can help:

Why you will love using Global Game Plan for your travel planning!

National Park resources

The National Park System has an extensive website with helpful online resources, so take advantage of these tools as you begin to plan you trip. You can also purchase a hard copy guidebook which may be helpful if you’re going to multiple parks or visiting the park as part of a longer journey to a new city or state. However, the best resources are the national park website, maps, and newsletters that are available online and at park entrances and ranger stations.

Decide whether to stay inside or outside of the park

During popular seasons, lodging inside the park and just outside of it may fill up fast, so book your stay as soon as you confirm the dates of your trip.

A National Park vacation is the perfect opportunity to stay in a new or unique type of lodging. The central reservations systems of National Park Reservations or U.S. Park Lodging will help you find a lodge inside the park or in nearby communities. There are also some beautiful historic hotels that will enhance your lodging experience. Or if you have never gone glamping or stayed at an Airbnb, now is the time to give it a try! If you’ve already decided to camp in the national park with your tent or RV, you can check this website to find your ideal camping location.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, check to see if there’s air conditioning at the lodging options you’re considering and plan accordingly.

Park transportation

Even if you’re not taking an epic cross-country National Park road trip, consider beginning your trip at one park entrance and ending it at another. Using this strategy will save you lots of time and add to the convenience of your travel, especially in the bigger parks (like Yellowstone or the Great Smokey Mountains National Park). Speaking of efficient trip planning, try to visit more than one park in the same trip as some of them are a short or reasonable distance from each other and you’re already packed for a trip anyway.

Some parks offer their own shuttle service either inside or just outside the park, which is a convenient option available to visitors even if you drove your own car to the park.

If you’re using your own vehicle, download a narrated tour for your drive - it’s like having a tour guide in the car with you!

2. Try some new outdoor activities

Whether or not you’re a regular outdoorsperson, the National Parks are a sight to behold! No matter if you choose to camp or just spend your days outside, this is the perfect time to enjoy nature.

The National Parks offer stunning scenery for your favorite activities like hiking or biking, but you can also experience some unique activities that may only be available in this type of environment such as stargazing, horseback riding, off-roading, rock climbing, wildlife viewing (remember to bring binoculars), fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sandboarding or whitewater rafting.

While you’re enjoying your newfound activities, remember to be a good guest and #RecreateResponsibly.

How to save money while traveling

3. Consider your technology usage

It’s not a stretch to see how visiting National Parks can provide an opportunity to reduce your technology use or unplug from your devices altogether. In some places, you might not have much of a choice, given the rural or remote setting. It’s usually best to assume that cell service will either be unreliable or unavailable. In this case, it’s helpful to take screen shots on your phone of websites you want to remember or print out reference pages before you leave home.

However, if your phone works properly and you choose to use your technology, it can enhance your trip in the following ways:

The National Park Service recently released an app for your smartphone. Give it a try!
Use the GyPSy Guide app for narrated driving tours that are available in several parks (and take it from me-- the small fee is worth it!)
Pictures, Pictures, Pictures (and videos)! Smartphones take awesome photographs outdoors in natural light. Click here if you’re looking for some new easy-to-use camera options for your trip.
For sending messages faster than with traditional texting, use WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Be sure to download them before you leave home.

4. Safety, Safety, Safety

Safety guidelines while visiting National Parks are nothing to joke about – there are injuries or deaths every year in National Parks, due to accidents or failure to follow the National Park rules that exist for everyone’s safety.

Safety tips are provided by the park both online (search for your park to find specifics) and in signage throughout the park. Please adhere to the rules – everything from staying on the marked trails and roads - to how to deal with specific wild animals.

Be prepared both in your packing and by taking enough food, snacks, and water to sustain you throughout your trip. Some parks have solid food options onsite and others don’t, so research in advance to see what your park offers.

If you’re unsure or have some questions, read the newsletter provided at the park entrance and visit the ranger station to have your questions answered by a live person.

5. Bring the whole family

Touring U.S. National Parks is a popular family experience for kids and adults of all ages. Children can participate in the Junior Ranger program available at many of the parks. Also, did you know that students in 4th grade (and their families) have free access to the National Parks during their 4th grade school year through the following summer?! Read all about this incredible deal on the Every Kid Outdoors website.

For older kids and teenagers, parks may offer a variety of adventure activities to keep them engaged throughout your visit including whitewater rafting, ziplines, camping or glamping, wildlife viewing, aerial trams, searching for waterfalls, scenic hikes, and of course, lots of Instagram photo opps.

The National Parks offer multiple types of annual passes (including a free pass for members of the U.S. Military) or discount America the Beautiful passes (for seniors, persons with disabilities, and more).

6. Just Go!

So much helpful information and 63 options to choose from – which one should you visit first? Honestly, it doesn’t matter – and because there are year-round opportunities to visit a National Park for one day to two weeks or more, choose the one that fits best with your schedule or the one that you’ve always wanted to visit. Still can’t decide? Check out these travel bloggers’ favorite parks or think of your favorite childhood movie and the National Park Foundation will suggest which park to visit.

The National Park Finder includes information on state parks and national monuments and can help get you started.

If you’re not sure you want to plan a whole trip around a National Park – then add it onto a city trip you’re already planning.

Using these tips will help you prepare for your trip and you will not be disappointed by your decision to visit a National Park.

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If you liked these ideas, there’s more where they came from. Check out the travel planning services that Global Game Plan offers. It’s our job to make travel easier for you! We can help plan your trip activities and transportation route to your final destination (even if it’s in your own state), and we’re happy to help with Airbnb rentals as well. Contact us today!

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to the U.S. National Parks