Last updated: December 30, 2019
Article
10 Resolutions for Visiting National Parks
Wind Cave National Park, NPS Photo / J. Elizabeth Bennett
Be active and do what you love.
Whether it’s yoga on a windswept grassland, painting in a dense forest, floating down a river, or hiking through sand dunes, the national parks have something for everyone. A nearly endless range of outdoor recreational opportunities and activities awaits you in your public lands.
So get out there and find your passion in a national park near you.
Yellowstone National Park, NPS Photo / Janine Waller
Respect wildlife and give them some space.
National parks offer a unique experience for watching wildlife. Animals in parks are wild—you have the amazing opportunity to view animals as they live and interact with each other in their natural homes.
But with that privilege comes responsibility. You’re responsible for your own safety and for the safety of the animals, too. Simply put, leave animals alone—no touching, no feeding, and no making animal sounds or yelling. Just remember to keep your distance, and enjoy your experience watching wildlife.
Stay in the parks overnight. Camp responsibly.
Sometimes spending a day in the wilderness isn't quite enough to truly capture the feeling of a special place. Sure, you see some amazing views or go on an unforgettable hike. But to get the full experience, you yearn to see the dark, starry skies. To listen to the yips of coyotes. To watch the sun rise on a silent, dewy morning.
Camping in the great outdoors transforms a regular old road trip into an epic adventure. So pack up your tent or hitch up the fifth wheel.
Go on a guided tour.
Visitor tours are available at lots of parks around the country. Historical sites, caves, and scenic vistas all have stories that you can learn from a skilled park employee or volunteer. These special moments are immersive and give you the opportunity to hear about things that make each park unique and worth protecting.
The next time you visit a park, check its website to see what tour opportunities are available.
Learn something about our nation’s history and culture.
National parks protect archaeological sites, historic buildings, battlefields, and much more.
These spaces tell nationally important stories that celebrate our nation's diverse heritage. National Heritage Areas are lived-in landscapes outside of traditional national park units, and we collaborate with communities to determine how to make heritage relevant to local interests and needs.
Wherever you go, the story of people who came before us is important to understanding the steps we take into our future.
Wind Cave National Park, NPS Photo / J. Elizabeth Bennett
Listen to a park ranger demonstration.
One of the best ways to experience a national park is participating in a ranger program. National parks offer a variety of ranger programs, walks, and talks throughout the year. This is your chance to get a behind the scenes look at what goes on in our national parks to protect them for future generations to enjoy. Check the calendar for the national park you’re visiting to find specific program details.
Badlands National Park, NPS Photo / J. Elizabeth Bennett
Reach new heights.
Time to lace up your hiking boots! Maybe a strenuous trek up a mighty peak is what you’re after, or maybe you see yourself walking along an ancient trail that our ancestors used. Perhaps meandering down a boardwalk is more your speed. Park staff and volunteers work hard to keep trails safe for visitors and follow conservation laws to help protect our natural resources. National parks offer many opportunities to hit the trail.
Mesa Verde National Park, NPS Photo / J. Elizabeth Bennett
Take a picture, and leave no trace.
Photography is an important part of national park history. Photographers were able to show how beautiful and unique our nation’s landscapes were when people couldn’t visit them in person. Those photos proved why these special places needed protection, and the photos you take in our national parks continue that mission today.
Discover opportunities for capturing the national parks through photos and learn how photographs helped preserve them.
Wind Cave National Park, NPS Photo / J. Elizabeth Bennett
Volunteer to help maintain our national parks.
The National Park Service offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups as part of the Volunteers-In-Parks program. Work behind the scenes or on the front line in positions ranging from a one-time service project to a longer term position, serving alongside park employees or with one of our many partner organizations. Opportunities are available at park locations throughout the United States, including the territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Colorado National Monument, NPS Photo / J. Elizabeth Bennett