The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and traveling in an RV is the perfect way to join in the fun!
The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday on August 25, 2016, and there is no better way to see America’s most beautiful destinations than in your RV. Here are 5 tips for making the most of your National Park explorations this year.
1. Make your campground reservations now.
RVing has never been more popular, and for good reason. RV owners love the flexibility and comfort afforded by this lifestyle. But this means that campgrounds are filling up fast, and you should plan ahead.
If you want to be in the heart of our National Parks, look for available campsites at www.recreation.gov. Remember, though, there are also amazing private campgrounds located just outside of many national parks. These private campgrounds can offer the best of both worlds: fantastic amenities along with easy access to the great outdoors!
2. Consider visiting some lesser know national parks.
People will be visiting Yellowstone and Yosemite National Park in record numbers this year. But with over 400 national parks, lakeshores, seashores, and historic monuments, you can celebrate the centennial without fighting the crowds. Oh, Ranger! is an app that can help you locate the nearest NPS sites no matter where you are in the country.
3. Buy National Parks Annual Pass.
Senior Citizens can purchase a lifetime National Parks pass for $10 and everyone else can get an annual pass for just $80. This will get you and a carload of people into any of the National Park sites that charge an admission fee. The best part about the pass is that it may just encourage you to visit a few more places over the course of the year. Of course, the flexibility of RV travel makes this easy as well!
4. Get off the beaten loop road.
Many visitors never venture far away from the loop road available at most national parks. Make sure you visit the ranger station and ask the experts for personally tailored advice, so you can experience the hidden gems and escape the crowds. Check the park calendar for ranger programs that will help bring alive the ecology and history of the park.
5. Bring all your toys!
National parks offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing. One of the best perks of traveling by RV is that you can bring all your gear and toys along for the journey. Fishing poles, canoes, bikes, and backpacks will all be safely stored in your RV, just waiting to help you get the most out of your national parks adventure.
So hit the road in your RV and join us in wishing the National Parks a very happy 100th birthday!
