The National Park System

The National Park Service (NPS) — founded in 1916 — manages over 400 protected areas across the USA: 63 national parks (the crown jewels), as well as national monuments, national seashores, national historic sites, national battlefields, and more. It is the most extensive conservation system in the world and America's "best idea" (according to historian Wallace Stegner).

The idea goes back to conservationist John Muir, who convinced President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 to place Yosemite under federal protection. Roosevelt then established five national parks, 18 national monuments, and 150 national forests — laying the foundation for today's system.

Entry & America the Beautiful Pass

Most national parks charge an entry fee of $25–35 per car (valid for 7 days). Those visiting multiple parks should buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 — valid for all 400+ NPS areas plus all national forests and wildlife refuges, for a whole year. One of the best travel deals ever. Available at the entrance of every national park or online (nps.gov).

Camping

Many national park campsites are booked months in advance (especially in Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yellowstone). Booking via recreation.gov — reservations typically open 5–6 months in advance and are often gone within minutes. First-come-first-served sites are still available in some parks, but only for early risers (arrive before 8 am).

The 10 Most Visited National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains (12.1 million), Grand Canyon (6.4 million), Zion (4.7 million), Yellowstone (4.5 million), Rocky Mountain (4.4 million), Acadia (4 million), Grand Teton (3.9 million), Yosemite (3.9 million), Glacier (3.1 million), Joshua Tree (3 million). The lesser-known parks — Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, North Cascades, Great Basin, Isle Royale — often offer a more intense experience with a fraction of the visitors.