Research shows that when national park visitors are educated on the benefits of keeping campsites clean, their behavior improves. The finding came from researchers from two universities, who developed and tested a social marketing campaign to help increase compliance with food storage rules in national parks. They found that compliance was generally higher in areas with the campaign than in those without it.
The strategies the researchers used included giving campers packing and organizational tips in a pre-arrival email. These enhanced campers’ capability to properly store food. Signs and report cards encouraging certain behaviors gave campers opportunities to act. The campaign hook, “Clean Campsite, Clear Conscience” motivated campers by supporting their desire to have a relaxing vacation and avoid fines, feelings of guilt, or social embarrassment.
The researchers tested their campaign at campgrounds in Acadia National Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Grand Teton National Park. They selected treatment and control areas from similar campgrounds within the same park. At the control sites, all signs, communication materials, and processes remained unchanged. At the treatment sites, the researchers covered or changed existing signs but didn’t add any signs.
The researchers collected over 5,000 observations across the four parks. They found that compliance in treatment areas was up to 13 percent higher than in control areas at three of the four sites. There was no significant change in compliance at the fourth site, possibly because compliance was already high there. As expected, the sites with existing bear boxes had higher levels of compliance at both the control and treatment sites than sites without bear boxes. "The campaign was super simple and very effective,” said Coleman. “We could see how effective this messaging is."
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
