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Visiting America’s national parks is a cherished public pastime. The wetlands of Congaree in South Carolina, the depths of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the peaks in Yosemite in California are iconic American experiences for residents and travelers from other countries.
There are numerous benefits to visiting national parks or any park in general. Spending time in nature enhances mental health. Moving outdoors—walking, biking, running, paddling—benefits physical health. Sharing experiences with others builds social connections and fosters a relationship with the landscape. Visitors also learn about ecosystems and cultural history.
National park visitation is on the rise, with record-high visitor numbers across the entire 398-property system, including at the 63 formally designated national parks. There’s a trend of people gravitating to Instagram-popular parks and specific spots within popular parks.
Reduced federal funding and staffing at national parks mean visitors might encounter longer lines to enter parks or popular locations within them. Fewer visitor services and educational programs are available, as well as fewer rangers for advice or assistance.
As scholars of parks and recreation, we know crowded conditions make it harder to enjoy national parks. But careful planning can create a great experience.
What hinders fun?
Research identifies three main barriers to recreational enjoyment:
1. Confidence in physical abilities and safety in the park.
2. Presence or absence of people to share space with, family obligations, or cultural influences.
3. External factors like free time for recreation and ease of travel from home.
Recent research also highlights environmental barriers outside visitors’ control, such as thin ice preventing winter activities or excessive heat reducing summer recreation appeal. Extreme weather events can block roads and damage parks, creating logistical challenges. Wildlife habits may draw crowds to areas where they can observe wildlife but restrict others from dangerous areas.
If your desired park seems too busy, consider changing travel dates to a less crowded time. Try a different park or activity. For example, if an angler typically visits Great Smoky Mountains National Park for trout fishing and finds some streams warming, they might try bird-watching, hiking, or reading by a stream instead.
If you still want to visit during a busy period, adjust your expectations. Park personnel often manage visitor numbers to protect the park while ensuring everyone can enjoy it. For example, reservations for Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain at sunrise ensure some people have a serene experience rather than overcrowding.
Park staff also design amenities in useful locations and provide advance information, charge entry fees, conduct tours, or ticket or arrest people for activities they’re not supposed to do. These efforts reduce the effects of overcrowding.
Planning is key. The National Park Service recommends planning ahead to have the park experiences you want and enjoy them as much as hoped. Planning includes looking at parks’ websites for ideas and considering the best time to visit, understanding weather conditions, finding lodging, learning about local flora and fauna, sharing your itinerary with friends and family, and talking to park personnel.
Thinking ahead also means being considerate of other visitors. Have patience in parking lots, visitor centers, trailheads, and lookout points, as others seek similar experiences. In many cases, it’s not the number of people but attitudes and behaviors that can make a place feel crowded or like a community of outdoor enthusiasts.
