The National Park service
National Park Service homepage
This is the home page of the National Park Service. Here you can find a link to any specific park, plus much more!
Complete list of all sites operated by the National Parks Service
Here is a complete list of the 400+ sites (not just parks) that are operated by the National Park System. If parks and camping aren’t your thing, check out the historical sites, or national seashores!
Information about the Junior Ranger Program
We love the Junior Ranger program! These programs are designed to be fun and educational. They are the best souvenir, in our opinion, and the program is free at most parks.
The NPS Trip Planning Guide
The National Park Service has advice on how to plan your trip. Download their free PDF checklist at this link!
Download the NPS App
I highly recommend downloading the park info before you go. You should always have a map of the park downloaded or on paper, as cell service can be very sparse in some parks! The NPS app allows you to download this information, and it even allows you to download the whole park guide before you go!
Webcams from the National Park Service
You don’t have to wait to experience the National Parks! Check out these live webcams from various parks to enjoy some nature right now!
All Trails – Website
All Trails is both an App and a website that is designed to help people find and use hiking trails. There are many hikes on this app close to you, but there is also helpful information stored here like how to access the trailhead, and pictures with ratings, reviews and advice from other hikers.
Recreation.gov – Camping, Events, Permits, etc.
I use recreation.gov to reserve most of my campsites for National Park trips. You’ll need to create an account, but you can reserve sites up to 6 months in advance. I recommend reserving as early as possible. You can also apply for special permits through this site (like the Angel’s Landing lottery in Zion National Park).
Fat Bear Week
Hosted by Katmai National Park in Alaska, this annual event in early October is a favorite of mine. Vote for which bear you think looks like they have done the best job fattening up for the winter! There are brackets, and it’s always fun to follow along to see who wins.