Officials at several national parks are warning visitors to prepare for traffic, congested trails and weather this Fourth of July holiday weekend.
In addition to areas with special events, sites expected to be especially busy this time of year include Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, and Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park and nearby Yellowstone National Park.
Here are some tips for making your holiday weekend national park visit safe and enjoyable:
- If timed entry is required, make sure you have a reservation. Some of the more popular national parks requiring a reservation include Rocky Mountain, Arches National Park in Utah, and Montana's Glacier National Park.
- Purchase entrance passes online ahead of time on recreation.gov. You can also use the website to make campground and lodging reservations, get a day-use permit, and book tours and special events.
- Note that many parks are going cashless and will no longer accept bills or coins for entrance fees.
- Have everything you need - passes, reservations tickets, etc. - easily accessible before you get to the park entrance.
- Check each park's website for the latest alerts and updates.
- Don't get caught off guard by the weather. Parks in Florida, for example, could be doused by rain this weekend while the parts of the central U.S. could be stormy, according to weather.com. And anywhere in summer can have unpredictable weather swings. Also keep an eye on the fire danger.
- Park only in designated areas.
- Be especially careful around swift moving water, lakes and rivers. At least two people have been killed in recent water-related incidents at Sequoia National Park and Olympic National Park.
- Remember that fireworks are not allowed in national parks, except by those putting on official displays.
- Consider utilizing the free National Parks App to plan your visit.
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Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
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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.
