Plan a Trip to National Parks: The Ultimate Guide for Your Adventure

Starting Your National Parks Journey

Visiting National Parks was a bucket list item for our family. In our BC, Before Camping, days we talked about visiting the parks, but never took any action. As we jumped into our RV camping lifestyle our adventures in the National Parks really took off!

Sara and I learned quickly that planning a trip to National Parks involves so many details. The planning process is much more detailed than our traditional beach vacation!

For instance, if you plan a trip to National Parks during peak season, summer planning needs to start about 12 months before the trip! 

This guide is designed to help you plan the perfect national park adventure!

TL;DR: Plan a Trip to National Parks

• Selecting Parks: Tailor your National Parks adventure by finding the perfect park for your family.
• Best Times to Visit: Identify the optimal times for your visit to dodge crowds and enhance your experience.
• Packing Tips: Get essential packing tips to fully prepare for your national parks exploration.
• Accommodations and Activities: Insider advice on accommodations and activities ensures a trip filled with memories.
• Navigating the Parks: Smooth navigation tips for a stress-free journey through the parks.
• Seamless Planning: Use our guide to effortlessly plan a trip to National Parks for an unforgettable journey.
• Adventure Awaits: Pack up and get ready to explore the majestic beauty of America’s natural treasures together!

Planning a National Park Trip: Finding Your Adventure

Visiting National Parks can extend well beyond the 63 National Parks.

Over 429 “units” comprise the entire National Park System. National Park Units include the crown jewel National Parks and National Historical Parks, National Historic Sites, National Battlefields, National Seashores and Lakeshores, Public Lands, and more! 

Anyplace you want to explore, this is probably a National Park Unit close!

Planning Your National Parks Trip: Best Parks to Visit

First, the best National Parks to visit are subjective! 

Second, the best National Parks to visit depend on your circumstances.

For instance, maybe you live in the eastern United States and traveling to the NPs in the west is a huge challenge. After all, we are dealing with limited resources…time, money, etc. Maybe, like us, going to American Samoa or the Virgin Islands is out of your budget. In that case, exploring the NPS units closer to home is a great alternative.

The fun part of planning your trip is getting to choose which parks are the best and are the most important to you and your traveling crew.

Pro Tip: We find State Parks are often very similar to neighboring National Parks. State Parks are often less crowded and offer better hiking opportunities!

Planning a National Parks Expedition: Trip Map

Creating a “Trip Map” is an exciting way to visualize your National Park adventure. It’s not just about marking the parks you plan to visit; it’s about plotting the journey, identifying potential routes, and considering what each destination offers. Your Trip Map can be as simple as a list of parks in order of visitation or as detailed as a map with routes, stops, and attractions highlighted.

This visual planning tool helps ensure you don’t miss any must-see spots and assists in managing travel times between parks. Plus, involving the family in this mapping activity can build anticipation and excitement, making everyone part of the adventure from the very start.

Creating your Trip Map could also include marking locations for overnight stays, identifying points of interest along the way, and even noting the best spots for gas stops or food. This step is crucial for maximizing your time and enjoyment during your National Park explorations.

We like to use RV Trip Wizard to create our Trip Map. This tool lets us visualize our route, reserve our campsites, and plan trips on RV-safe roads!

The Best Times to Visit National Parks

Choosing when to visit the National Parks depends on your situation. Explorers traveling with kids typically get “boxed into” the summer months.

And you guessed it…the biggest most popular parks like Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more are super busy! Sara and I find the secret weapon is to plan your trip.

If you have the flexibility to travel anytime and work remotely, then the “shoulder” seasons or winter can be excellent times to visit the NPs. The shoulder seasons include the Spring and Fall before or after the peak summer months.

We had friends visit Badlands National Park in early June, and they reported very small crowds because schools were not out and the summer travel season was not in full swing.

However, visiting Glacier National Park in the shoulder season may limit what you can see and do since Going to the Sun Road is typically closed until at least mid-June! Sometimes it opens around 4th of July!!!

Winter offers a peaceful side of the parks. My sister and I visited Death Valley National Park, Zion National Park, and several historical parks during February and enjoyed exploring!

Seasonal Guide: What to Expect Each Season

Planning for the seasons means keeping a watchful eye on the weather. The weather in the US National Parks varies by region. The best advice is to watch the weather as you plan your visit and make sure you pack accordingly. 

I learned on my visit to Death Valley that the air in the desert is much dryer than in Kentucky and felt much cooler. While 45 degrees Fahrenheit may not be super cool, with really dry air and strong winds, it feels cold. I benefited from having a jacket.

Meanwhile, on our visit to Grand Teton National Park in July, the weather was hot and a little humid! Plus, the sun was very bright in a cloudless sky. So, it’s really important to pack sunscreen, hats, long sleeves, etc.

A few days later, we were in Medora, North Dakota, visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We bundled up in winter coats and blankets to enjoy the Medora Musical!!

Keeping an eye on the weather helps make sure you are prepared to enjoy your vacation!

Essential Preparations for Your National Park Visit

Researching the National Parks is super important. Since we are traveling with kids, we like to involve Madeline and Jack in the planning process. As a family we decide where we are going to explore on our annual ultimate road trip. The kids help find cool trails to explore.

Madeline and Jack are proficient YouTubers and love watching some of the creators like Kara and Nate, Adventures of A+K, and more. This helps Sara and me because they watch hours and share the best videos with us!

During your planning, make sure to be realistic about your limits! It’s essential to understand how our Outdoor Skills, Experience, Physical Conditioning, and Medical Conditions may impact our trip. The National Parks cater to all ability levels. Paved or groomed walking trails are often available to see the most popular attractions. While backcountry hiking and exploring can push even the toughest and most prepared adventure seeker to the limit!

Making National Park Reservations

Before showing up at the visitor center or ranger station, knowing the “rules” of the park is vital. Parks like Glacier National Park, Zion National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, and many more require advance reservations to access the park. Talk about a ruined trip if you don’t have reservations!

Check out this guide for the inside secrets to planning a last-minute trip to a popular park like Glacier.

Winging it in the national parks is a bad idea!

The America the Beautiful Pass: Your Ticket to the Parks

Did you know some National Park Units charge an entrance fee? Some are cashless. A lawsuit is working to figure out which side is right until then, don’t ruin your national parks trip by being unable to pay the entrance fee!

The NPS offers an annual park pass, which is the best deal if you plan to visit for several days or explore multiple national parks. The annual park pass is about $80. Families with 4th-grade students can get a free annual pass! Seniors and military members get better rates on the annual pass. 

What to Pack for a National Parks Adventure

Since the weather forecast can change so quickly, it’s important to pack for the various weather conditions you may encounter at the national parks. We find layers really beneficial. One of the best investments we made was buying each member of our crew a quality rain jacket and good hiking boots. 

As you gear up for your national parks trip, check out the gear guide below.

Ultimate Gear Guide for Your National Parks Trip

Traveling to the NPS often involves air travel planning and packing your gear is an important consideration. One easy tip is to wear bulky items and several layers on the plane. It may look strange, but it saves valuable suitcase or backpack space for essential gear on your national park adventures.

Airlines and the TSA prohibit specific essential hiking gear like bear spray and an outdoor knife. 

Our critical must-pack gear includes:

• NPS annual park pass
• Clothing (layers, rain jacket, winter coat, hat, sunglasses, hiking boots, etc.)
• Water bottles or bladders for hydration. On long plane trips, these come in handy!
• Bear Spray (if we’re going someplace with bears)
• Maps and compass
• Flashlight
• Bug Spray
• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (if tent camping)

Pro Tip: Check for crowd-sharing like the Share Shack in West Glacier!

Tips for Avoiding Crowds in National Parks

The crowds in National Parks are huge during the summer peak season. After visiting several parks, I understand their draw. Exploring the parks lets me connect with nature in a way that’s impossible to do in the city.

In 2023, national park visitors exceeded 325 million! In parks like Yellowstone, the number of park visitors was over 4.5 million, and in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, over 13 million visitors enjoyed a national park visit.

With so many visitors in the park, it’s important to have a backup plan. Have an alternate activity plan if the parking lot is full or the line to enter the park is hours long! 

Visiting national forests can be a great alternative to specific national parks. We enjoy visiting the Daniel Boone National Forest, which is home to Red River Gorge, The Big South Fork, and many other amazing natural wonders!

Itinerary planning services like Dirt In My Shoes make national park visits much smoother. The Dirt In My Shoes team has itineraries for most of the national parks in the USA. Their plans range from one day to five days. The best part is that Ash, the owner and chief planner, is a former National Park Service Ranger. She shares all the insider tips to help you avoid crowds. Her itineraries are worth every penny!

Other tools like Guide Along are wonderful. After downloading the free Guide Along app, purchase the national park plan you are visiting. When you arrive in the park, start the Guide Along, and as you drive through the park, you hear the park’s history. In addition, the Guide Along app leads you to the best overlooks, hikes, and other ca n’t-miss areas of the national park. 

Pro Tip: Check out the entrance cameras before you head to the gate to understand how busy it is. Or arrive at the gate early. We arrived around 7 AM or earlier and did not have any problems!

Exploring National Parks

Hiking in National Parks

I was completely unprepared on my first national park trip to Grand Canyon National Park! I planned to stay over an extra day on a business trip. My goal was to drive to the park, hike to the canyon bottom, and back up. HA! Arriving at the park gate, I was greeted with a lot of traffic to get into the park. When I described my plan to the park rangers, I advised them against it. The park rangers suggested some easy hiking trails around the South Rim of the canyon. I’m glad I listened to the Rangers and had a lovely experience at Grand Canyon!

How to Plan National Park Hikes

Now, as a more experienced hiker, I use all the resources possible before we visit to plan our hiking adventures. I like the AllTrails App. 

Pro Tip: Subscribing to AllTrails is worth the money because the Pro version allows users to download maps directly to their phones. Maps can be accessed with your phone on “airplane” mode, which saves battery life! Plus, cell service in the park can be very limited in remote areas of the NPS!

The NPS App is helpful. It includes trail maps, interactive tours, useful information, and a trip-planning guide. And the app is free, so you really have nothing to lose by downloading it!

A paper map and compass can be an absolute lifesaver in the parks. We have found ourselves deep in the backcountry, and our cell phone won’t pick up a signal. Having a paper map helped us feel more confident about our adventure! Make sure you know how to use the map and compass!

Finally, Park Maps are available at the visitor center or ranger station for FREE! Park Rangers love sharing their favorite hikes and want to help you have a fabulous visit to their park! Stopping at the visitor center is always worth the time!

National Park Hiking Trail Etiquette

Hiking or strolling trails around the geysers in Yellowstone or to the Jenny Lake Inspiration Point Overlook in Grand Tetons can feel like walking in a single file line in a crowded school hall! A national parks trip in the summer peak season will be busy. Pack your patience. Be kind and courteous. We waited in the ferry line to cross Jenny Lake for about 2 hours. While that was long, it was easier than hiking 2.5 miles to the visitor center!

Our dog, Finn, loves camping and hiking! In fact, he can probably out-hike everyone in the family. But at most national parks, dogs are not allowed. Between potential encounters with wild animals (bears) and the crowds, it’s easy to see why dogs are prohibited!

Accommodations and Camping

As the number of national park visitors continues to increase, scoring accommodations inside the park is very difficult! If you plan on camping or staying in a lodge-like the Old Faithful Inn, secure your reservation early!

Fortunately, many “gateway” towns offer accommodations ranging from tent camping to luxury hotels and glamping resorts. As an added bonus, these towns have local restaurants and brewery options.

Glamping and Private Campgrounds Near National Parks

Under Canvas provides fantastic glamping near several major national parks. We glamped at the West Glacier Under Canvas. Glamping is a one-of-a-kind experience. The tents are first class, and this is as close to roughing it as we will get!

Private Campgrounds near the national parks range from simple RV parking with RV Hookups to resort-style RV destinations. Medora Campground was a simple campground next door to the national park entrance. While Grizzly RV Resort was a full RV resort about 1 mile from the West Yellowstone Park entrance. Our preference is more for the RV resort! While these are more expensive than the RV campgrounds in the national park, the cost is still much lower than nearby hotels!

Unique National Park Experiences from the National Park Service

Experiences in the National Parks are as unique as the landscapes. Plan on visiting the visitor center or ranger station to learn about all the unique opportunities at the park.

Stargazing in National Parks

On my visit to Death Valley National Park, we made the short drive over to Borwax Mine for a night sky exploration led by a National Park Service Ranger. The ranger was very knowledgeable and pointed out the stars in the sky as well as the milky way. 

In Glacier National Park, we looked through telescopes with special filters to see sun flares exploding on the sun’s surface! How cool!!!

Visiting National Parks with Unforgettable Winter Activities

Congaree National Park has the one of a kind Mosquito Meter. This reads near zero in the winter which is unbelievable because the rest of the year it has to be near 10! The bald cypress trees are amazing. Plan on visiting this swamp land in the low country of South Carolina! It’s a lightly visited park, but it’s certainly worth the trip!

Become a Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger program is designed to engage kids of all ages while exploring the park. Creative and educational guides are available for FREE at the visitor center or ranger station. Here, the ranger will highlight the “requirements” to complete the program and earn a badge. As part of earning the badge, your child is sworn in as an official Junior Ranger.

Our kids were “too cool for school,” and Sara and I probably lacked the patience to help get the kids through the books, so we usually pass on the program. But it’s a great idea and a way to engage your kids!

Responsible Travel within National Parks

As visitors to national parks, it’s our responsibility to follow the rules and regulations of the National Park Service. National Park Rangers developed the rules to keep visitors safe. After all, they extensively study the park and its features. 

In parks such as Yellowstone, the ground around geysers can be very thin or soft. Visitors can fall into geysers if they are not careful, which could cause serious injuries or death. It also puts responders at risk.

In federal recreation lands like Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest, hikers often go off trail or over-estimate their abilities and require rescue. In the winter of 2024, some hikers were stranded on top of a massive rock tower and required a daring helicopter rescue!

It’s up to us to be responsible. 

Recreate Responsibly and Leave No Trace Principles

Recreating responsibility also involves leaving no trace. There are seven principles of Leave No Trace. However, it can be summarized as leaving only footprints and taking only pictures and memories. Taking rocks, building rock structures, carving on walls or trees, etc., leaves scars for years, and other visitors are deprived of the natural beauty. 

Overcoming Challenges and Emergencies

Planning for the Unexpected and Tips for Dealing with Emergencies in National Parks

Things can go wrong in life, even on vacation. Creating a backup plan is smart. Part of the backup plan includes a trip plan and a trusted contact (e.g., someone not on the trip)! Make sure to check in with your trusted contact. A quick text message when you are heading out on your adventure and a quick note that you returned are smart practices.

Part of the trip plan should include the phone number for the National Park Service ranger station in the park you are visiting. If your trusted contact has not heard from you by a specific pre-designated time, they should contact the ranger.

Understanding your limits is essential. Listen to your body and be safe!

Conclusion: Plan a Trip to National Parks: Your Adventure Guide

As we wrap up this ultimate guide to planning a trip to National Parks, remember that each park offers a unique adventure waiting to be discovered. From Glacier’s majestic peaks to the Badlands’ serene landscapes, the National Park System is “America’s Best Idea”. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, these parks provide endless opportunities for adventure, reflection, and connection with nature.

Reflecting on Your Journey and Planning the Next

Armed with this guide, you’re now equipped to confidently tackle the planning process. Remember to consider the best times to visit, gear up appropriately, and plan with consideration for crowds and accommodations. Most importantly, you should connect with nature, immerse yourself in the experience, respect the natural environment, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

How to Keep the Adventure Going

The journey through America’s National Parks is more than just a trip; it’s an exploration of the heart and soul of the great outdoors. So pack your bags, gather your crew, and embark on an adventure that promises to inspire, challenge, and delight. The parks are calling, and it’s time to answer.

Happy travels from all of us at Our Campfire Unplugged! Here’s to discovering the unmatched beauty of America’s National Parks together.

About Us

Mike & Sara began RV camping in 2020 and instantly loved the lifestyle. We found the thrill of exploring new places, breaking our vacation routine, and crossing off all those “one-day” trips a blast! At Our Campfire Unplugged, we enjoy sharing our experiences to help fellow travelers live their best lives.
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