Getting outside, hitting the trails, breathing in the fresh air, and connecting with nature are all great ways to clear your head and keep you healthy. Taking an RV vacation to a national park is one your whole family can enjoy together, making memories to last a lifetime. We've put together some tips for you to stay safe while venturing out to national and state parks this summer!

Safety Tips

When you're heading out to the parks with your family, remember to keep a safe distance from other hikers and groups. Cover your coughs and sneezes and bring hand sanitizer for when you don't have access to soap and water. Reservations are often required in advance for national parks. You can make reservations by looking up the specific park you want to visit and searching by dates and the number of people in your group.

Where to Stay

Since many national and state parks have limited access open for day use, here are some recommendations for other places to stay:

• KOA Campgrounds – The KOA website has a list of campgrounds within 50 miles of National Parks, searchable by state.
• Boondockers Welcome – Free overnight RV parking on private property. Locals invite travelers to spend the night, share their stories, and save money for the real adventure.

How Many National Parks Are There?

The United States has a total of 419 NPS sites. Only 61 carry the national park title, but the others are a combination of historical sites, monuments, preserves, and more. Texas alone has 14 national parks — a great reason to visit the Lone Star State! Consider Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

• Bring the proper gear — opt for a backpack instead of a suitcase.
• Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
• Download helpful camping apps like the Weather Channel, KOA Camping App, and Gaia GPS for trail navigation.
• Get an annual park pass — for $80 it covers access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites and free entrance to all national parks for your entire vehicle.