Important Links

Are you ready? Whether you want to explore local places or plan a vacation, you'll find a park to suit your interests!

Step 1: Pick Your Park

Find a national park to visit. There are more than 400 national parks to choose from. Search for a national park based on a location, activity, or topic that you are interested in.

Step 2: Plan Ahead

Whether you are visting a few hours or a few days, know before you and be prepared before you arrive. Check your park's website or NPS App for information to help plan your visit so you can have an enjoyable, safe trip. 
What places are you going to visit or activities are you going to do?
Are there entrance fees, reservations, timed-entry, or other passes required to get in or for the activities you want to do? 
Are you properly packed with the right equipment?
Do you know what to do when unplanned things happen, such as medical emergencies, wildlife encounters, or severe weather? 

Step 3: Visit Your Park 

Put your plan into action! Come out to enjoy your national park.

Focus on Safety

  • Visitor holding a map while standing in a desert
    Trip Planning Guide

    Heading to a park? Get planning and safety tips to make your trip a fun, safe adventure.

  • Tents lit up by flashlights inside set up next to rock formations under the Milky Way
    10 Essentials

    These are ten essentials to consider bringing with you for most outdoor activities.

  • Flashlights illuminated tents from the inside
    Outdoor Emergency Plan

    Accidents and the unplanned happen in the outdoors. Have a plan to prep and handle them.

Join Us

  • Park ranger talking to a group while holding a sign that reads
    Plan Like a Park Ranger

    Park rangers share their top 10 insider tips to #PlanLikeAParkRanger when visiting their parks! Get the insider scoop.

  • Kid standing near sand dunes at sunset
    Recreate Responsibly

    Join the #RecreateResponsibly movement to protect America's treasures while looking out for each other's health and safety.

  • Ranger holding up props in front of a computer webcam
    Find Your Virtual Park

    Visit from anywhere. Explore national parks with digital tours, ranger programs, educational opportunities, and more.

Trip Ideas

Last updated: December 5, 2024