Planning a trip to a national park or another natural attraction this spring? You won’t be alone — a new report estimates that 84.5 million Americans slept under the stars in 2023, and more than 20 million of them were new to camping.
Recently, alarming headlines like Long Lines and Canceled Rentals: Firings Bring Chaos to National Parks may have caught your eye.
The enormous influx of visitors accompanying lengthy days, warmer weather, and spring break vacations always bring challenges. This year, federal budget cuts and resulting staff reductions threaten to make those issues worse.
Here are three simple actions travelers can take to prepare.
- Bring Trash Bags: When dumpsters overflow with trash and litter removal services are curtailed, the result goes beyond unpleasant park visits — exposure to human food sources puts both wildlife and human visitors at risk. Bring extra trash bags for a backup so you can always pack out everything you bring in. Learn about Leave No Trace Principle 3.
- Have a Bathroom Plan: Closed restroom facilities can lead to unsanitary conditions and the potential for spreading human-borne diseases. Have a plan for closed bathrooms, including knowing how to bury your human waste properly. Watch how to dig a cathole.
- Be Careful Out There: Reduced park staffing may extend to emergency services, including fire response and emergency teams. Be sure to completely extinguish campfires before abandoning them, and be prepared to take responsibility for your safety in all conditions. Stay safe in cold weather.