Exploring the Parks

A Day In The Park: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

We may think only of boating on Lake Powell at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and while this is one of the most popular activities here, it’s not the only activity. There is hiking, swimming, fishing, photography, scenic driving, and even off-roading on offer. There’s also lodging and camping within the park, so you don’t have to go far from the fun to overnight.

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By Rebecca Latson - October 27th, 2025

Funding Fuels A Refresh Of How Red Bay's Basque Whaling Story Is Told

On Saddle Island, a new boardwalk snakes between a memorial to the Basque men who came to Labrador to hunt whales and a reconstructed tryworks where blubber was rendered to produce the oil that once lit the lamps of Europe.

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By Jennifer Bain - October 30th, 2025

A Lasting Mark Of The Corps Of Discovery

The Corps of Discovery spent nearly two-and-a-half years (May 1804 - September 1806) on a journey to explore the West in search of a primary water route to the Pacific Ocean.

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By David and Kay Scott - October 22nd, 2025

Bringing History To Life In National Parks

There are many ways the National Park Service helps visitors engage with and appreciate history. One such approach is living history, where demonstrators offer insight into the weapons used during historic battles, lifestyles during certain time periods, how trains and machinery aided Western expansion, and more.

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By NPT Staff - October 21st, 2025

A Day In The Park: Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Native Americans, enslaved peoples, lighthouse keepers, farmers, and even pirates like Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard. You’ll also be able to beachcomb, fish, surf, paddle the coastline, and climb up a lighthouse or two.

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By Rebecca Latson - October 20th, 2025

Quiet Escapes In Overcrowded Banff National Park

It felt like we had Canada’s famously turquoise glacial lake all to ourselves.

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By Jennifer Bain - October 14th, 2025

A Day In The Park: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

At John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, you really can spend just a day here and get a flavor for the three units comprising this park. And, while you could ostensibly hike almost (but not quite) every single trail in this national monument, you’d need to start your day very early with the understanding there is about an hour’s drive between each unit.

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By Rebecca Latson - October 13th, 2025

A Day In The Park: Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore in Texas was made for sunrises. Established in 1962 to protect 66 miles (106.2 kilometers) of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, this national seashore protects five species of sea turtle which nest or forage along the beaches and dunes, including one of the most endangered sea turtles in the world: the Kemp’s ridley.

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By Rebecca Latson - October 6th, 2025

A Whirlwind Tour Of National Park Sites On The High Plains

STRONG CITY, KS — A pastoral sweep of prairie awaits the traveler who finds themself in the Flint Hills of Kansas, a slice of mid-America that offers connections with the past.

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By Kurt Repanshek - October 3rd, 2025

How Does Water From Snow And Rain Get To The Numerous Hot Springs In Yellowstone?

Water molecules (H2O) are made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, but these atoms aren't always the same. Tracking how these atoms in water molecules differ is a powerful tool for tracing where snowmelt or rain seep into the ground, how water flows beneath the ground, and how long does water flow until the arrives at a hot spring.

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By Yellowstone Volcano Observatory - October 1st, 2025

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Exploring the Parks

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

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