Are you a hiker or mountain biker? Avid outdoorsperson? Nature aficionado? If so, you know that the national parks in the United States contain some jaw dropping scenery and great recreational activities. With active vacations gaining more popularity than ever before, that means these outdoor spaces are also full of people. If you’ve ever organized a trip to a popular destination, you know that reserving your spot is an important part of planning.

Here are some tips for making the most of your national park experience:

Dixie National Forest, photo by The Radavist

1. Book in advance!

Reserving a campsite is important because it can be difficult to find places to camp without reservations. This is especially true during busy times of year (such as holidays) or when you’re visiting popular parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone.

Canyonlands National Park, photo by Cheston Bogue

2. Find out which sites are RV- friendly

As many travelers can atttest to, visiting National Parks in an RV can allow for some creature comforts while you’re out in nature. However, you can’t just pull up and park anywhere! There’s no blanket rule for all parks; some campsites allow trailers or RVs but others don’t, so make sure to check before booking. Here’s another helpful resource: Enjoying US National Parks Responsibly

3. Look for free entry days

Not all national parks charge an entry fee, but most do. But even those parks offer free entry on certain days. If you mark your calendar, you can snag free entry at national parks on specific days! They are usually holidays, so you might have to share the park with lots of tourists.

4. Use online resources

Once you’ve decided where you’re headed, check out that park’s online Plan Your Visit section. You’ll find great things to do, maps, calendars, directions, park brochures, and operating hours.

5. Or……Get someone else to do it for you

If you don’t want to bother with the details, using a tour outfitter definitely has its benefits.

Zion National Park is a must-see, but it’s also the second most popular national park in the United States. Arranging for campsites, renting gear, and transporting food can be so much of a headache, you miss out on the adventure! If you want to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time in the park, we recommend using a tour operator. Sure, we might be a little biased, but it’s because we believe so fully in enjoying nature responsibly!

For over 30 years, we at Escape Adventures have been leading adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Escape Adventures visits some of the greatest national parks in the country, including Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.

Mountain biking, road cycling, and multi-sport adventures all take place in many of the nation’s parks. Give us a call to find out which is the perfect fit for you! 800-596-2953

Canyonlands:

White Rim MTB Tour