Keys to Booking a National Park Vacation

Courtesy of NPS.gov

Planning your once-in-a-lifetime camping trip to one of our national parks? Getting your backcountry camping trip planned shouldn't be the most challenging part of your vacation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Choose the right time of year. When you travel is going to dictate which trails and campgrounds are open for use. Research for nearly every national park can be found online through the National Park Service website at NPS.gov.

Step 2

Plan your entire trip before requesting your permits. Hiking more than 10 miles a day with a 50-lb. pack is an extremely rigorous day. Terrain needs to be taken into account as well. Choose your trails and destinations wisely. Topographical maps are available through ranger stations, outdoor specialty stores and often online. NPS.gov has a backcountry trip planning feature for most national parks.

Step 3

Reserve your spots in advance. In many areas, backcountry permits are limited. For a $30 reservation fee, you can secure your spot in advance at most national parks. Many advance bookings are refundable up to 24 hours before the reserved date.

Step 4

Pick up your permits the day before you hit the trail, especially if you plan on covering a lot of ground on Day 1 of your trip. This will help you avoid any possible delays.

Tips & Warnings

Do not venture outside of established backcountry camping facilities. Be prepared for animals. Know what you need to do if you encounter wildlife.

Do not venture outside of established backcountry camping facilities.

Be prepared for animals. Know what you need to do if you encounter wildlife.

Resources

Article Written By Mati Bishop

Mati Bishop has been a freelance writer since 1999. He has been published in "Hawaii Skin Diver Magazine," the "Hawaii Wellness Directory," "Kailua-Kaneohe Sunpress" and a collection of Web sites. Bishop studied journalism at Windward Community College on Oahu, Hawaii.

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