Responsible recreating
National parks deserve our care.
In 2024, a record 332 million people visiting national parks, the most since record keeping began in 1904. That's great news for anyone who believes in the power of parks to help people feel more connected to nature and to the rich history of these beautiful places. But with this increased visitation comes an increased responsibility to ensure that we're all doing our part to care for these national treasures so that we can continue to enjoy these special places while preserving them for future generations to enjoy.
Caring for our national parks protects more than the parks themselves; it protects the communities – human and non-human – living in or around them, as well as the tens of thousands of NPS employees, plus volunteers, partners, and others, who provide services for the safety and enjoyment of parks, including emergency assistance, facilities such as restrooms and visitor centers, transportation, and sales.
Please remember: national parks are home to some of our nation's most treasured and irreplaceable monuments and resources, including wildlife, scenery, and historic places. Let's all work together to be sure they remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
How to recreate responsibly in national parks
For more information, please visit the NPS's guidelines for recreating responsibly.
Know before you go
Check the status of the place you want to visit for closures, fire restrictions, and weather.
Plan and prepare
Reservations and permits may be required. Make sure you have the gear you need and a back-up plan.
Build an inclusive outdoors
Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
Respect others
There is space for everyone and countless outdoor activities. Be kind to all who use the outdoors and nature differently.
Leave no trace
Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Native communities. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.
Make it better
We all have a responsibility to sustain and support the places we love.
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