• Lifestyle

National Park Etiquette

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today, offers her insights.

“The unspoken rules that drive outcomes.” 

——-

National Park Etiquette: Leave No Trace

Visiting our national parks is one of the best ways to experience America’s natural beauty. By following a few simple guidelines, you can help preserve these remarkable places for future generations.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Good preparation enhances your experience while reducing environmental impact.

• Research park regulations and special concerns
• Visit during less crowded times when possible
• Repackage food to reduce waste
• Carry a map and compass rather than creating trail markers

Remember, you are a guest in nature’s home.

1. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Stay on established trails and campsites
• Walk single file in the center of trails
• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams
• Avoid areas where impacts are just beginning to appear

2. Dispose of Waste Properly
Follow the principle: Pack it in, Pack it out.

• Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter
• Use restroom facilities when available
• If necessary, bury human waste in a 6–8 inch cathole at least 200 feet from water, campsites, and trails
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
• Use reusable containers and carry a small trash bag
• Consider picking up litter left by others

3. Leave What You Find

• Leave rocks, plants, and natural objects undisturbed
• Do not build structures, dig trenches, or carve into trees
• Avoid introducing non-native species

Take only photographs; leave only footprints.

4. Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Use established fire rings or camp stoves
• Keep fires small and burn wood completely to ash
• Extinguish fires thoroughly and scatter cool ashes where permitted
• Always follow local fire restrictions

5. Respect Wildlife

• Observe animals from a distance
• Never feed wildlife
• Store food and trash securely
• Control pets or leave them at home

Remember, we are visitors in their home.

6. Be Considerate of Others

• Yield appropriately on trails
• Camp away from others when possible
• Keep noise levels low
• Respect the experience of fellow visitors

7. Follow Park Rules

• Pay required entrance fees
• Observe speed limits and parking regulations
• Stay on designated trails
• Follow activity-specific regulations for fishing, boating, climbing, and other recreation

8. Practice Photography Etiquette

• Obey drone restrictions
• Do not disturb wildlife for photographs
• Be mindful of other visitors
• Never leave designated trails for a photo opportunity

National parks provide opportunities to learn about natural history, cultural heritage, and the connections indigenous peoples have to the land.

• Learn about the places you visit
• Share your knowledge with others, especially children
• Lead by example through responsible behavior
• Explore resources from the National Park Service for additional information

By following these simple guidelines, you help protect our national parks while ensuring future visitors can enjoy the same awe-inspiring landscapes. Enjoy your adventure, tread lightly, and leave these natural treasures better than you found them.