Sustainable Travel Tips for National Park Visits

9 March 2025

Imagine standing at the edge of the grandest canyon, a sea of stars twinkling overhead, surrounded by nature’s most breathtaking vistas. Now picture being able to enjoy these moments while minimizing your environmental footprint. Sounds great, right? That's where sustainable travel comes into play.*

When you visit a national park, you're stepping into some of the world's most treasured ecosystems. These areas are home to thousands of species, rare landscapes, and fragile environments that deserve protection. The good news? There's a lot you can do to ensure your travel habits have a positive—or at least neutral—impact on these incredible destinations.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into practical, easy-to-follow sustainable travel tips you can implement on your national park visits. Ready to become an eco-conscious explorer? Let’s go!

Why Does Sustainable Travel Matter?

It’s no secret that tourism can have a negative impact on the environment. Large crowds can damage ecosystems, while waste and pollution are often left behind. National parks are particularly vulnerable to these effects since they rely on fragile natural resources and habitats.

Sustainable travel helps to mitigate these negative impacts. By adopting certain habits, we can protect these cherished spaces for future generations. The goal is to balance enjoying the outdoors while minimizing harm to the environment and the local communities that depend on them. Essentially, sustainable travel is all about leaving no trace—or better yet, leaving places better than we found them.

1. Choose Parks Less Travelled By

Sure, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon are absolutely iconic, and no doubt, they should be on your bucket list. But, let’s face it: These spots are also the most crowded. Park overcrowding can lead to trail degradation, litter, and strain on park services.

Instead, why not explore less-visited national parks? Places like Capitol Reef National Park in Utah or Isle Royale National Park in Michigan are equally stunning but see far fewer visitors. Not only will you enjoy a more tranquil experience, but you'll also help ease the burden on the heavily trafficked parks.

Tip: Try off-season travel

Consider visiting during off-peak times. Fall and spring can offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and just as much beauty as summertime excursions.

2. Take the Leave No Trace Principles to Heart

National park visits are all about enjoying nature, but that also means respecting it! The “Leave No Trace” principles are a set of guidelines designed to keep the environment as pristine as possible. Here’s a quick breakdown:

- Plan ahead and prepare: Know the park regulations and trail conditions. Be realistic about your abilities and pack accordingly.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stay on designated trails to avoid trampling delicate vegetation.
- Dispose of waste properly: Trash belongs in bins—not in the woods! Pack out everything you bring in.
- Leave what you find: Picking wildflowers or taking rocks home may seem harmless, but it disrupts the natural ecosystem.
- Minimize campfire impact: If fires are allowed, keep them small, and only use designated fire rings.
- Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them!
- Be considerate of other visitors: Keep noise levels down and be mindful of shared spaces.

By following these principles, you’ll ensure that future visitors can enjoy the same unspoiled beauty.

3. Reduce, Reuse, and... REFUSE Single-Use Plastics

Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to our national parks. Even remote locations aren’t immune to the scourge of plastic pollution. Luckily, there are several easy ways to reduce your own plastic footprint during a visit.

Opt for reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic ones. Many national parks have refillable water stations available. If you're staying for multiple days, bring reusable containers for food storage, snacks, and toiletries. And don't forget a sturdy tote bag or backpack for carrying your gear—just say no to plastic bags!

Pro Tip: Ditch the bottled water

If you're worried about water safety, invest in a portable water filter or purification tablets. It’s more eco-friendly than bringing a case of bottled water, and it can make a significant difference in reducing waste!

4. Use Eco-Friendly Transportation

How you choose to get to and around the park matters. Cars emit greenhouse gases and contribute to pollution. While sometimes driving is unavoidable, there are greener alternatives.

If the park offers shuttle services, use them! Many parks have implemented these systems specifically to cut down on vehicle congestion and reduce emissions. If you're close to the park's entrance, consider parking your car and walking or bicycling in.

For those venturing on longer trips, opt for public transportation when possible. Trains and buses emit far fewer pollutants per passenger than individual cars.

Bonus Tip: Consider carpooling

If you're traveling with friends or family, carpooling is an awesome way to cut your collective carbon emissions—and it might even make the road trip more fun!

5. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses

Many national parks are surrounded by small communities that rely on tourism. By supporting local businesses, you help these communities thrive in a sustainable way.

Look for accommodations that practice sustainability, like eco-friendly lodges or campgrounds that use renewable energy, conserve water, or support local causes. Similarly, when dining or shopping, prioritize local eateries, farms, and artisans over large chains. You’ll often find that your money goes further in these smaller, community-driven businesses—and you’re likely to get more unique and authentic experiences in return.

Think Before You Souvenir

While it's tempting to snag a souvenir from every trip, opt for items that are either produced locally or made in an eco-conscious manner. Avoid products that exploit wildlife or delicate ecosystems.

6. Respect Wildlife and Maintain Safe Distances

Remember, you are a guest in nature, and wildlife should always be observed from a respectful distance. Getting too close to animals can cause them stress and even alter their natural behaviors.

Follow the park guidelines on safe distances—usually 100 yards for predators like bears and wolves, and 25 yards for other wildlife like elk and bison. And absolutely do not feed the animals! Even if it seems harmless, feeding wildlife leads to dependency on humans, which can be dangerous for both animals and visitors.

Fun Fact: Binoculars are your best friend

Investing in a pair of binoculars can make your wildlife watching experience more enjoyable and ethical. Plus, it allows you to appreciate animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.

7. Minimize Your Carbon Footprint Through Smart Packing

When it comes to sustainable travel, what you pack matters. Instead of buying new gear for every trip, consider reusing or repurposing items you already have. Choose multi-functional clothing and gear to reduce the total number of items needed.

Bringing along lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly products makes a difference too. Opt for sustainable brands—those that use recycled materials, avoid harmful chemicals, and ensure ethical production practices.

Don’t Forget: Pack out your waste!

Everything you bring into a national park should leave with you. This includes food wrappers, plastic packaging, and even biodegradable items like fruit peels if there aren’t composting options available.

8. Opt for Zero-Waste Camping

If you're planning to camp in the park, aim for a zero-waste approach. This means reducing your garbage output as much as possible while maximizing the use of reusable materials.

- Use reusable containers for meals and snacks.
- Avoid individually wrapped items.
- Cook meals over a camp stove (rather than an open fire) to reduce the need for extra wood.
- Bring biodegradable soap and dishwashing supplies, and use them sparingly.

Consider Solar Power

If you're planning an extended stay, invest in solar-powered gadgets. There are even solar-powered lamps, phone chargers, and stoves that let you tread lightly while still having access to those little comforts, like heated food or light at night.

9. Stick to the Trails

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to promote sustainable travel in national parks is to stay on designated trails. While wandering off the path might lead to an adventure, it can also result in erosion, harm to plant life, and even destruction of animal habitats.

Sticking to trails also keeps you safe, as some areas may have unstable ground or serve as wildlife corridors. Plus, well-maintained trails offer the best views for a photo-worthy experience, without the guilt of wrecking the environment.

10. Educate Yourself and Others

One of the most important aspects of sustainable travel is education. The more you know about a park's ecosystem, history, and importance, the better equipped you'll be to protect it. Take the time to chat with park rangers, visit visitor centers, and read about the unique challenges a park faces.

Beyond personal education, use your platform to encourage others to adopt sustainable habits. Whether it's through social media, blogs, or casual conversations with friends, spread the word about how easy—and crucial—it is to travel responsibly.

Share Your Knowledge

The more people understand the importance of sustainability, the more we can collectively protect our national parks. So don’t keep these tips to yourself—share them!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, visiting national parks is a privilege. These pristine places offer a retreat from the chaos of everyday life and a chance to connect with nature. By practicing sustainable travel, we can ensure that these special spaces remain preserved for generations to come.

From reducing plastic waste to opting for eco-friendly transportation, even small changes in your travel habits can make a big difference. So next time you're planning your national park adventure, remember: it’s not just about enjoying the view—it's about protecting it too.