This past weekend we stopped at Joshua Tree National Park on our way to Phoenix. We hadn’t originally planned on that, but when we saw that it had reopened we decided it would be a fun detour. Not all the services were operating again (Visitor Centers were closed but restrooms were opened) but we had planned ahead and still had a lot of fun. Today I’m sharing some tips for staying safe in our National Parks. Whether you’re going during this time or you’re going to wait awhile these tips will help you on any visit to some of the best places our nation has to offer.

tips for staying safe in our national parks

plan ahead

Before visiting a National Park at any time you should always check their website for notices and closures. Each park will tell you what roads or amenities might not be available during your visit. And if Visitor Centers are closed you can download the park guide ahead of time on their website! Also a good option if you want to reduce your footprint and just look at the guide on your phone. I also like to check out hikes ahead of time to get an idea of what would be good to do with the kids. During times like this it’s especially important to check ahead. Once you have your plan in place let friends or family know what you’re doing. Cell reception can be spotty or even non-existent in our National Parks so it’s safest to have a plan and try to stick to it.

pack it in

A good rule of thumb for any roadtrip is to be prepared. When visiting a National Park this is especially true, and even more so during any type of shutdown. Bring hygiene items like hand sanitizer or wipes. Don’t forget any medications you may need like an EpiPen or inhaler. Since you can’t always rely on food services in the parks it’s important to bring your own snacks or picnic meals. And during the summer months extra water and sunscreen is particularly important. On this last trip we even brought a one gallon water jug and even a misting fan to help stay cool and safe.

| Read what to do with kids this year in Yosemite here! |

leave no trace

Remember the government shutdown that affected our National Parks? Parks were open but all services were closed. As a result, people were flooding into our National Parks with the lure of free admittance. Unfortunately, many of these people didn’t care if they left a mess behind when they found bathrooms and trash cans closed. In one particular case local residents rallied at Yosemite National Park and started meeting regularly to go into the valley and pick up trash. We have taught our kids it’s best to try and leave places better than you found them. Always keep in mind the seven Leave No Trace Principles:

• plan ahead and prepare,
• travel and camp on durable surfaces,
• dispose of waste properly,
• leave what you find,
• minimize campfire impacts,
• respect wildlife,
• be considerate of other visitors.

| See some of our favorite National Parks to visit with kids here! |

When is the last time you visited a National Park? What tips do you have?