With 58 national parks, it can be difficult to know just where to start when planning your family's next vacation. Although no two parks are alike, here are some general tips to ease your wallet, keep you safe, and enhance your park experience.
Admission
Many parks offer free admission, however you will typically encounter entry fees at the more popular destinations, such as Yosemite and Death Valley. Admission is usually set at a per-vehicle rate, averaging around $25 for cars, less for those arriving on foot, motorcycle, bike, or horseback. Other parks charge a per-person rate.
Several park pass options can stretch your dollar. Those planning on visiting several parks during their trip or one park several times during the year should purchase an annual, park-specific pass. A $50 annual pass to Yellowstone National Park, for example, will give you unlimited access for 12 months as well as neighboring Grand Teton National Park. These annual passes are not available at all parks and are not always transferable, so make sure to check out specifics at www.nps.gov before buying.
Another option is the NPS America the Beautiful or Interagency annual pass. The Annual Pass, which replaced the Golden Eagle Passport in January 2007, costs $80 and is valid for 12 months. It provides the holder and his entire vehicle of passengers (or an additional three people at a per-person admission park) unlimited entry to any National Park. You can purchase the pass by phone at 888 ASK USGS; by e-mail at fedrecpass@usgs.gov; online at http://store.usgs.gov/pass; or at any participating Federal recreation site.
Variations on the America the Beautiful pass may better suit your family's needs. The Senior Pass for adults 62 or older is only $10 and is valid for a lifetime. Although it must be purchased in person, like the Annual Pass it admits the cardholder and all passengers in the vehicle. For seniors who currently hold a paper or plastic Golden Age Passport, they may continue to use this pass or obtain new Senior Pass free of charge for a paper exchange and $10 for a plastic exchange.
A similar, but free, pass called the Access Pass is available to visitors with permanent disabilities. Finally, the Volunteer Pass—for individuals who volunteer 500 hours on recreation lands—is another option available to park goers. All passes are non-transferable and require picture ID.
Lodging
Whether you decide to pitch your own tent or wrap yourself in sheets with a high-thread count, many parks offer a range of accommodations.
You should first decide if your family wants to stay in the park or outside of it. Lodging in the park may limit your choices with campgrounds and modest lodges being the most common options. There are many more choices and price ranges outside the parks.
You may incur daily site fees at some campgrounds, but not all, and free doesn't mean no reservations. Not all campgrounds take reservations but for the ones that do, all booking must go through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) by calling 877 444 6777. Be quick; spots fill fast. Track your reservations online.
Different types of lodging may be reserved through the NRRS such as individual campsites, cabins, and lookouts, or larger group facilities for organized tours. The reservation window opens six months in advance (five for Yosemite) and 12 months in advance for group facilities.
It is important to keep in mind that not all lodging in the park will be run by the National Park Service and therefore reservation policies will vary. For example, at some parks, in addition to the NPS-run campsites, you may also find private campgrounds operated by the local Chamber of Commerce or another vendor. In addition, outside companies commonly own and operate the lodges and B&Bs inside the park, not NPS. For all travelers looking to spend the night, the safest bet is to survey the variety of options and book early.
When traveling by RV remember not all parks permit RVs on site and the ones that do have limited parking/hookup availability.
Safety
National Parks are not theme parks. Visitors may encounter wild animals, extreme temperatures, and other dangerous situations. It is important to be smart, keep alert, and take precautions. Review basic safety instructions with your children.
Perhaps the number one safety tip for all parks is "Keep Wildlife Wild." The NPS advises travelers to maintain a smart distance from wild animals, which will protect not only your safety but the safety of the wildlife as well. Don't feed the animals, keep your distance from them, keep your pets in control, and seek medical attention immediately if you suffer from a bite or other injury.
If striking out into the wilderness without a guide, consider registering at a park's trailhead or visitors center. Write down your name, where you're headed, and what time you go. Park personnel will then be able to alert you to inclement weather, unforeseen dangers, or go look for you if you don't return. Even more important than registering is to never hike alone.
Park personnel will advise you on various other safety tips. Be mindful of fire safety by reviewing the visitors center's campfire rules. Adjust to the altitude. Malingering altitude sickness can be an indication of a serious health problem. And finally, extreme temperatures mean keep hydrated and stay warm to prevent heat stroke or hypothermia.
Planning Your Visit and Other Tips
Parks are vast expanses of mountains, forest, glaciers, and plains with a long list of activities and programs to choose from. Make sure to plan ahead and move the visitors center to the top of your itinerary for the latest list of event and public programs. This will typically take the form of a park newsletter, sometimes referred to as a newspaper or brochure. Printed by most parks and typically available online, these 4- to 14-page publications are the best way to access up-to-date information regarding special hikes, current presentations, and trail closures.
Be advised that not all parks, lodging, and other amenities are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Plan your visit accordingly, and note that the summer isn't the only busy season. The Guadalupe Mountains in Texas, for example, attract most visitors in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Investigating the peak seasons and choosing an alternate time to visit may make your stay more relaxing and enjoyable.
Quick Facts
Parks often don't have ATMs and many lodges, eateries, and other programs accept cash only. Make sure you withdraw enough for your visit.
Before you arrive evaluate vehicle access to park, parking facilities available, and what types of shuttle services might be available.
Pets are allowed in most parks but there may be some areas within the park that are pet-free zones.
The Do Your Part! Program advises visitors on how to reduce their carbon footprint and fight global warming during their visit. Track your progress online and learn about how others are contributing to the effort at the National Parks website.
Useful Links
Buy America the Beautiful Passes Online