Park-ranger-approved tips for visiting national parks

It’s officially National Park Week and if you’re heading out to celebrate, you might need some tips for visiting a national park. From April 20 to 28, parks across the country will be hosting special events and encouraging people to come visit, which means it’s the perfect time to hike, camp and backpack in the great outdoors.

To help you make the best of your experience, we reached out to park rangers at 12 different national parks, monuments and recreational sites for tips on how to properly visit. From advice on what to bring to a national park to where to go, here are park-ranger-approved tips and tricks for visiting national parks.

What is a national park?

National parks are congressionally designated protected areas that are operated and maintained by the National Park Service. Currently, there are 63 national parks in the United States, all protected for different cultural, natural and ecological reasons. There’s a wide variety of parks, from Yellowstone National Park, which covers 2.2 million acres, and Gates of the Arctic National Park, which is so remote you have to fly or hike into it, to the tropical National Park of American Samoa or the Gateway Arch National Park in the heart of St. Louis.

But parks aren’t the only thing the National Park Service manages. There are also national rivers, seashores, monuments and so much more that the government protects. No matter the designation, these sites strive to protect and preserve the landscapes and environments so the public can visit and enjoy them for years to come. There’s sure to be a site near you, so if you’re ready to visit one, check out tips from park rangers below.

Tips for visiting a national park

“Plan, plan, plan,” says Michael Barber, public affairs officer at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. “Doing some basic planning before a trip will help visitors stay safe and not miss out on sights and activities at their destinations.” Many parks have millions of acres and a seemingly endless number of activities for you; that’s why most of the rangers we talked to encouraged doing your due diligence before you arrive at the park.

“Before going to any national park unit, go to the park website,” says Lori Rome, chief of interpretation at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. “There is safety information, orientation information and pages to learn more about park topics and resources.” If you take the time to plan your visit — and come up with a backup plan too — your experience in the park will be much more enjoyable.

This is especially true if you’re planning on camping, Chris Derman, chief of interpretation and education at Big South Fork National River says. “You have to make a reservation on recreation.gov,” he says. “There’s a very good chance there won’t be any sites available by the time you get here.”

On top of figuring out exactly where you want to go and what you want to do, many rangers also suggested stopping by the park’s visitor’s center to get even more information and advice. “Stop into the visitor center to speak with a ranger. Rangers can identify what might be the best spots to visit or the best activities based upon the conditions of the day, and they can give you tips to help you best connect with the park,” says Dylann Turffs, outreach and education ranger at Everglades National Park. “We work in these amazing parks because we love them.”

To help preserve this beauty that park rangers and visitors love so much, it’s important to respect the environment and stay on the trail. “National Park Service trails lead to amazing places; staying on the trail helps preserve the park and it ensures that you’ll get to enjoy your experience and the folks that visit next or long in the future will get to have a similar experience,” says Jonathan Shafer, public affairs specialist at Zion National Park. “Remembering while you’re in the park to travel and camp on durable surfaces is a really important thing that everyone can do that’s very simple to help keep these places special.”

Rangers we talked to also made sure to emphasize staying out of closed areas and respecting the wildlife. “Bears are iconic symbols in the Smokies, but they are also dangerous wild animals,” says Dana Soehn, management assistant of public affairs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “While rare, attacks on humans do occur, causing injuries or death.” Make sure to look on the park’s website for what to do if you encounter wild animals.

You should also expect crowds at many national parks, especially the most popular ones like Great Smoky Mountains, which had more than 13 million visits in 2023. However, if you plan to go on a weekday or in the off-seasons, you’re more likely to have a less stressful experience. Shyla Ronia, law enforcement park ranger at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a ranger tip. “Check operating hours for the park you plan to visit. Many visitors don’t realize that Hawaii Volcanoes is open 24 hours a day,” she says.

Derman also recommends telling someone where you’re going and what time you’ll be back whenever you venture into a park. “That way if you run into trouble and you’re overdue, people know where to go look for you.”

While there are many tips to help keep you safe and prepare for your trip, some of the best advice we got was to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. “I always tell visitors when you are in parks to try and have a moment to yourself to really soak up everything that is around you,” says Karli Sinclair, interpretive park ranger at Congaree National Park. “My most memorable experiences in nature have been when I don’t have my camera out and I am just enjoying the sounds and sights around me.”

National park trip essentials

The first thing you need when you go to a national park is a way to get in. While the prices vary at every location, you can purchase an annual interagency pass if you plan on visiting more than one park per year. “I highly encourage getting an annual interagency pass at the beginning of any trip,” Rome says. “As of today, the cost is $80, and it’s good for an entire year, providing entrance access into national parks with a fee and other federal lands. It’s a wonderful deal.”

Beyond a pass, many rangers say that what you should bring depends entirely on what your visit is going to look like. “Every national park is unique and many require different provisions to enjoy,” Sinclair says. “You’ll want some different items with you walking around the National Mall compared to exploring the wilderness of Congaree. That being said, a map of the area, extra water and dressing in layers [are] almost always a must-have.”

Below are some essentials you should bring on every National Park trip. While the rangers and National Park Service employees we interviewed told us what visitors should bring on a trip, they couldn’t recommend specific products, so what you see below and throughout the story are our own favorites based on their recommendations.

Now that you have all your essentials, we asked each park employee if there was anything special to bring to their specific park and what to expect when you visit. Here are some tips for visiting 12 national parks and recreation sites straight from the people who work there.

Acadia National Park

“Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats and a rich cultural heritage,” says Kathy Grant, park ranger at Acadia National Park in Maine. “It’s a great park for hiking, bicycling, birdwatching, camping, picnicking and stargazing. There are also great opportunities for exploring tide pools, swimming and boating.”

Grant says one of the best times to visit Acadia National Park is actually in the winter. “A winter visit to Acadia is quieter and offers amazing opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.” (Learn more about visiting Acadia in the winter.

Acadia National Park is also one of the most dog-friendly national parks since dogs are allowed on most trails as long as they’re on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs aren’t allowed on several trails, at Sand Beach and at Echo Lake Beach for parts of the year; in park buildings; or at ranger-led programs. However, a Bark Ranger program ensures there are plenty of things to do with your pup. “I’ll also remind pet owners to think about their pet’s limitations,” Grant says. “Think about whether your pet can really climb Acadia’s mountains or is ready for a hike on a hot day.”

Grant emphasizes that Acadia is one of the busiest parks in the US, logging nearly 4 million visitors in 2023. That’s why she says it’s critical to plan ahead of time. “We encourage visitors to start their trip planning at nps.gov/Acadia and consider places to go and things to do before arriving,” she says. “During the peak season (June through October), parking in popular park destinations is limited and typically fills before 9 a.m.”

In fact, one of the most popular sites in Acadia, the summit of Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the eastern seaboard in the US) gets so busy you need a vehicle reservation if you’re planning on driving to the top between May 25 and Oct. 22. Grant strongly encourages visitors to snag a reservation well before their actual visit.

Here are a few products you should pack if you plan on visiting Acadia National Park.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

“This park, for better or worse, flies under the radar,” says Christopher Derman, chief of interpretation and education at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee. “We have Great Smoky Mountains National Park; they are routinely the most heavily visited national park. We are [a two-hour] drive west of them, and we receive a tenth of their visitation. And you can argue that a lot of the sights and sounds and things you can do are on par with what you can experience at Great Smoky Mountains.”

The park has 125,000 acres of space to explore, and Derman says it can often feel like you have the whole place to yourself. Horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, hiking and camping are all easily accessible, as are water sports. However, Derman says if you plan on going into the water, be sure to bring and wear a personal floatation device. “The water, I can guarantee, is stronger and deeper than you expect it to be,” he says.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

“The park is rugged and dramatic, so most folks drive the South Rim Road, stop at all the viewpoints and hike short trails,” Rome says. “Exploring the inner canyon is incredibly challenging and most don’t venture below the rim. If folks want to, they need to research in advance, train for the challenges and prepare for obstacles. Hiking in the inner canyon requires a permit, and there are limits on use.”

While hiking below the rim is for experienced and prepared hikers only, there are still plenty of things to do at Black Gunnison National Park, including stargazing. “The park is an International Dark Sky park so stargazing is spectacular,” Rome says. “The park is at high elevation and has clean, dry air, so the sky at night is breathtaking.”

Rome also wants visitors to know that Black Canyon is managed with the Curecanti National Recreation Area. “What ties the parks is the Gunnison River and the canyon system,” Rome says. “Visiting both and learning about their similarities and differences is worthy of a trip. Curecanti has more hiking trails and many are dog friendly. Both parks reveal the story of humans and their impact on a landscape, and they both have incredible views, diverse ecology and interesting geology.”

Here is a useful item you’ll want to pack on your trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

“Established in 1953, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is America’s first national seashore,” Barber says. “Swimming, surfing, lighthouse climbing, fishing, hiking, camping and beach driving are all popular things to do. By foot, bicycle or vehicle, we urge our visitors to explore their seashore and create lasting memories.”

There’s plenty to do at Cape Hatteras, but Barber emphasizes to take the appropriate precautions, especially when it comes to the ocean. “A mistake made by some visitors is thinking that the conditions in the Atlantic Ocean are similar to conditions in a lake or pond,” he says. “Rip currents — and ways to avoid and escape from them — should be researched by every visitor planning to enter the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras.”

Barber also says to look into surrounding parks when you’re visiting Cape Hatteras, as Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial are both just 15 minutes from the national seashore.

In terms of special equipment, Barber recommends sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat since visitors will likely spend lots of time in the sun.

Chiricahua National Monument

“Chiricahua was established as a national monument in 1924 to preserve and share the unique rock pinnacles formed by erosion after the massive eruption of the Turkey Creek Volcano 27 million years ago,” says Matthew Cahill, supervisory park ranger at Chiricahua in Arizona. “Chiricahua is also a ‘Sky Island’ with unique flora and fauna at the [ecological] intersection of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts and the Sierra Madre and Rocky Mountains.”

While enjoying the scenery at Chiricahua, Cahill wants to remind visitors that it’s a desert environment, which means you’ll want to drink a lot of water. “Visitors should be sure to carry several liters of water when they hike at Chiricahua National Monument,” he says. “Even in the winter, dehydration is a significant risk in the desert. Salty snacks are also advised.”

He also advises visitors to bring some sort of a light source, whether that’s a flashlight or headlamp, in case they’re still on the trails when night falls. “A light source besides your phone is a valuable tool, especially in winter when days are shorter,” he says. “Chiricahua National Monument is an International Dark Sky park. If you found yourself at nightfall on the canyon trails, your only choice would be to stay put and wait for morning.”

Congaree National Park

“Congaree is the largest remaining section of old-growth bottomland forest in the United States, and our boardwalk provides an accessible way to experience the wilderness floodplain,” Sinclair says. “Congaree is an immersive experience. Instead of coming for a scenic vista, visitors become enveloped by our forest. This park can provide people with moments of peace and solitude.”

If you’re looking for a quiet space to enjoy the subtle beauties of nature, not many places can beat Congaree. However, Sinclair reminds you to be prepared for some rough terrain. “Before arriving at Congaree, visitors should make sure they are wearing proper footwear, such as boots or comfortable hiking shoes,” she says. “Congaree is a floodplain, which means that we can have mud, roots and standing water on our trails. We also have creatures in our park that can cause a hazard if you are not wearing proper footwear.”

But if you come prepared, Sinclair encourages you to enjoy the peace you can find in the park. “When you come to the floodplain, take advantage of our benches on the boardwalk,” she says. “Listen to the bird songs and maybe write a poem to record what you are feeling and seeing in the moment.”

Dinosaur National Monument

“Like many parks, Dinosaur has incredible scenery, wildlife and cultural sites, but it also has 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils that you can see and a few you can touch,” says Dan Johnson, program leader for interpretation, education and visitor services at Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado and Utah. “If visitors come in the summer, definitely [bring] several water bottles with plenty of water. Temperatures often exceed 100 degrees [Fahrenheit] during the summer months.”

While the weather can get pretty extreme at Dinosaur, Johnson says visitors are actually least prepared for the size of the monument. “Probably the biggest mistake is that visitors often don’t realize how large Dinosaur National Monument is (210,000 acres) and the distance [or] travel time it takes to visit various areas of the monument,” he says. “Many visitors also think [that] because of our name, the only thing to see here is dinosaur fossils and wish they had planned more time to visit some of the other attractions.”

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

“The Smokies offers something for everyone in a traveling group,” Soehn says, management assistant of public affairs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. “There are over 800 miles of backcountry trails that provide access to 500,000 acres of wilderness, opportunities for camping, backpacking, picnicking, fishing, biking, horseback riding and 384 miles of scenic roadways that were specifically designed with overlooks so that people could have an incredible auto-touring experience.”

While there’s a lot to see, you’ll also likely run into a lot of other people at Great Smoky. “Visitors need to be prepared for the congestion and crowding that can occur in the nation’s most-visited park,” Soehn says. “We had more than 14 million visits in 2021.” To avoid that congestion, Soehn suggests visiting at off-peak times. “Generally, winter, late spring and early fall are less busy times, aside from the weekends. Keep in mind that while visitation is less in the winter months, we still receive more visitors each month in December, January and February than most national parks receive during summer months.” She also recommends coming mid-week and early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

If you’re planning on bringing your pup, you might want to reconsider or go to Big South Fork National River instead because dogs are only allowed on two of the trails in Great Smoky, along with the campgrounds, picnic areas and along roads, according to Soehn.

Everglades National Park

“Everglades National Park is different in that it was the first national park protected because of its biodiversity,” Turffs says. “It hosts an incredible array of plant and animal species inhabiting nine different habitats.”

Due to the park’s location, the weather in Everglades can get pretty uncomfortable in the summer months. “Many visitors to the Everglades prefer visiting during the cooler months of the dry season, December through March, when the weather is more comfortable, mosquitoes are less common and the conditions provide opportunities to more easily spot wildlife,” Turffs says. “The lowering water levels during the dry season [concentrate] aquatic species including alligators, freshwater fish and invertebrates, and the birds that prey upon them.”

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

“To me, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a park best explored on foot,” Ronia says. “We have more than 150 miles of hiking trails that extend from sea level to the nearly 14,000-foot summit of Mauna Loa.”

While hiking, you’ll not only be able to see the geological wonders but learn about the land’s history. “Many national parks focus [on] the tangible and physical resources, water, trees, etc. Then there are historical sites that discuss cultures and history of the area,” Ronia says. “But Hawaii Volcanoes National Park does both.”

In terms of gear, Ronia suggests the usual list of food, water, sturdy shoes, rain gear and extra layers, especially if you’re hiking up to the summit of Kilauea. However, she does want to remind visitors to drive slowly to protect the rarest goose in the world, the nene, and to be prepared for crowds. “Most visitors do not seem prepared for the crowd sizes, and when they get frustrated, some visitors take it out on park rangers,” she says. “If the park is busy, the staff are not to blame. Being prepared for the wait/crowds and having a backup plan is my best advice, and to treat everyone, including rangers, with aloha.”

Joshua Tree National Park

“Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park, so it is a great place to see the transition zone of these two iconic deserts,” says Hannah Schwalbe, park ranger at Joshua Tree National Park in California. “Visitors come to sightsee, hike, rock climb, stargaze, birdwatch and enjoy numerous other activities.”

In terms of when to visit, Schwalbe says every season has its charms. “Summer is best for stargazing and avoiding crowds, but it can be dangerously hot, and midday activities are severely limited,” she says. “Fall, winter and spring can be a great time for hiking and rock climbing when the temperatures are low or moderate. Fall and spring can be the best times for birdwatching.”

She also wants to warn visitors that planning is critical before you visit Joshua Tree because the park has almost no facilities or infrastructure.

Zion National Park

“One of the things that’s really exciting about Zion is that it’s a very popular place,” Shafer says. “There are people coming here from around the country and across the globe, and folks come here because they want to see the iconic scenery of the canyon.”

Zion had over 5 million visits in 2021, the most in park history, so Shafer says it’s absolutely essential to plan your trip. One thing he mentions that many people overlook is that the only way to get into Zion canyon — one of, if not the most, popular areas of the park — is through the park’s shuttle service. “It’s really important for visitors to know where to get the shuttle,” he says.

And if you’re wanting to do the most popular hike in Zion, Angels Landing, you’ll need to have a permit, Shafer says. To get a permit, you’ll need to enter yourself into a seasonal lottery, which will give you access to the hike months in advance. Currently, a lottery is open through April 20 to get a permit to hike between June 1 and Aug. 31. If you’re more of the spontaneous type, you can apply for the day-before lottery between 12 a.m. and 3 p.m. the day before you’re trying to hike. “No matter when you want to apply, there’s an easy way to get a permit to hike to Angels Landing.”

Shafer also wants to remind visitors to be mindful of how they’re feeling throughout the day, as it can get very hot in Zion in the summer. “Be sure to watch for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion if you’re in the park,” he says. Additionally, if you’re hiking in narrow canyons, Shafer says you need to be aware that flash floods are a real possibility whenever there’s rain. “Flash floods can be caused by storms that are miles away,” he says. “They can be life threatening, so it’s important to keep in mind if you’re going into a narrow canyon like The Narrows, to check the forecast and [to] be aware of what conditions may be like on the day of your visit.”