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Reader Participation Day: How Crowded Are The National Parks?

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Published Date

August 3, 2016

Have you enjoyed uncrowded views of the national parks this summer, such as this one at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, or has it been elbow-to-elbow with fellow park travelers?/Kurt Repanshek

We're halfway through summer vacation season, with Labor Day on the horizon, which brings up the question: How crowded, or uncrowded, are the national parks?

Some parks might be construed to be at the breaking point -- Yellowstone National Park had a record year last year, and is ahead of that pace -- while others might have lots of elbow room to enjoy. So what has your experience been like this summer? Too crowded to unwind and relax, or perfect? Tell us, travelers.

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Comments

Submitted by Mike Painter on August 3, 2016 - 7:06pm.

Wednesday and Friday 2 weeks ago, there were cars parked along Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite like I've never seen before. It was so bad, I didn't even think of stopping to look for a place to try to park for a short walk at Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, or even May Lake. I finally stopped at the Yosemite Creek picnic area and sat for an hour, reading Terry Tmpest Williams's "The Hour of Land."


Submitted by Mary M on August 3, 2016 - 7:10pm.

I love all of the national parks, national monuments and national forests - everyone should see as many as possible. However, my advice is to go to the most popular parks off season. Arches in mid-May was not crowded; neither was Canyonlands; even Zion was not crowded in May. In the height of the season, people should be smart and go to see those places that are less well known. National Wildlife Refuges often have wonderful visitor centers and scenic drives and trails. It's like going to any popular place - go mid-week and off season!!!!


Submitted by Sherry C on August 3, 2016 - 9:15pm.

We were in Glacier in July and totally agree with your experience. Ridiculously crowded everywhere. Maybe it's time to set a limit to the number of daily visitors. Wish the Park Service would stop advertising to encourage more visitation. 


Submitted by KathrynB on August 4, 2016 - 8:53am.

I just got back from four days in Great Basin National Park and it was great! Although campsites were full, we never felt like it was crowded. There were some very beautiful and pleasant hikes, in addition to some of the most amazing stargazing in the US.

My favorite National Park is Channel Islands and it never feels crowded because it's only accessible by boat.

If you're willing to go off the beaten path, you can find solitude this summer! 


Submitted by David Cole on August 11, 2016 - 10:51am.

i have been to a number of parks this year and last. The experience of gaining acces and particularly of being able to stay in the parks has become dreadful. it seems the parks are content with achieving their mission of protecting the environment but has abandoned any concern for protecting quality experiences. Sad to see the quest for quantity given priority over quality. The parks should take seriously their legislated obligation to address carrying capacity and at least honestly discuss and debate the pros and cons of the path they are on, whether there are any limits and, if so, the basis for those limits.


Submitted by Jaime Tafoya on August 11, 2016 - 8:38pm.

We were in Acadia NP this summer, end of June, and it was just as others have said it was...busy during the day and at highlighted stops and sites, but very quiet on the unbeaten path.  Getting up early helps, but the best was going to other parts of the park to enjoy without the big crowds.  I recall driving through Jordan Pond House parking a few times before I gave up because there was no parking and it seemed like everyone was trying to get in there without seeing anyone leaving.   Last year in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, parking was filled up quickly and people were parking along the roads outside of the parking areas.  

I will say, that it is nice to see so many people interested in our National Parks, but to get the most of it would mean finding the places that really allow one to fully experience the wilderness.  And that's typically not the places that each park really advertises.


Submitted by tahoma on August 12, 2016 - 9:12am.

The highest visitation in two decades at Mount Rainier has resulted in miles-long, hours-long entrance station backups this summer. 

http://www.thenewstribune.com/outdoors/article94621907.html

https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/congestion.htm

 At least the Paradise road project shuts down on weekends.

https://www.nps.gov/mora/getinvolved/nisqually-paradise-road.htm

Wonderland Trail demand is at a record high level, with dates when every backcountry site in the park is taken.  There are eight short Wonderland video clips at the first link above.

https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping-and-hiking.htm


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