20 tips for making your next trip to a U.S. national park even more amazing

Whether you're looking for great fall foliage or a warm trip in the summer, choosing the right time of year at your park is essential. Going too early (or late) can mean road and trail closures, so make sure to do your research in advance. 

During peak seasons, many parks require timed-entry reservations that can be made in advance on each park's website. You may not need to make that reservation in advance, but checking before your trip is a good way to avoid disappointment at the gates. 

Because many parks have limited camping space, reservations fill up quickly, especially on major holidays like Labor Day. It's best to start checking at least a few months in advance for camping sites, and though a last-minute spot might open up, don't count on getting lucky at many of the busiest parks. 

National parks offer some of the country's best hiking opportunities, and websites like AllTrails can help you find hikes that suit your abilities and sightseeing wishes. By planning your hikes in advance, you'll be able to strategize and maximize your time in the park. 

If hiking's not your thing, don't let that keep you from checking out the country's incredible national parks. Almost all the parks offer scenic drives, many of which will get you up close and personal with nature without requiring a long trek. 

During the busy season, crowded parking lots and so many tourists can put a damper on your enjoyment of the outdoors. Consider planning your trip during "shoulder season" or just before or after the busiest times for the park you'd like to visit. A quick Google search will reveal when the park is busiest and also let you know about any weather conditions that may result in closures or other limitations on your visit to the park. 

Hiking even short trails at national parks requires the right equipment, and weather conditions can change rapidly depending on the climate. Make sure you've got good shoes, essentials like a rain jacket and sunscreen, and a first-aid kit in the event of any mishaps. 

Most national parks don't boast a ton of services like restaurants, which means that you'll need to bring your own snacks. Water is especially important, especially if you plan to hike — plan on bringing about 1 gallon per person even if you're just going on short walks, and more if you have more strenuous activities in mind. 

"Leave no trace" is an essential principle of being outdoors responsibly, and that means getting rid of all your trash — all of it. Pack a trash bag in the car, and toss your waste in only approved containers. Don't toss out food scraps, either. They may be a detriment to the animals who live in the park. 

Even though they're cute or really majestic, never touch an animal at a national park, no matter how small or docile it seems. Wild animals are wild, and contact with humans can endanger their lives — and the lives of the human. This year alone, there have been multiple incidents at national parks in the U.S. involving humans being injured by animals. 

National parks are protected sites, and the rules exist for a reason. Stay only on marked trails, don't take rocks or other souvenirs from the ground, and never carve into any trees or rock formations. 

If you're planning to visit multiple national parks this year, consider investing in an annual park pass. Costing around $80 per year, these passes provide access to all parks managed by the National Park Service, along with parks managed by other agencies, and are a real bargain considering that many can cost upwards of $20 per visit. 

Veterans, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and some students are eligible for discounted national park passes, some of which are good for a lifetime. Check out the National Park Service's website for details on these discounts. 

As with snacks, gas stations aren't always abundant near national parks, and you're probably going to do a ton of driving. Fill up the tank before you head out, and make sure to keep an eye on the gas gauge throughout your trip. 

The beautiful scenery of many national parks can also mean some pretty rugged, unforgiving terrain. If you're not an experienced hiker, make sure to stick to shorter, safer treks, and don't forget to bring plenty of water. 

In national parks, the rules are there to both preserve the gorgeous landscapes, and also keep you alive. In addition to avoiding fines and other penalties, closely following all posted safety guidelines will also prevent you from ending up in a seriously dangerous situation. 

Thanks to the remote nature of most national parks, cell phone service can be sketchy, especially at high altitudes or in really rural areas. Make sure to download offline maps from your favorite navigation app, or make use of the paper maps provided at most ranger stations. 

Park rangers are truly experts of the parks that they work in, and even a quick chat with a ranger can be seriously enlightening. If you've got time, consider a ranger-led hike or nature talk. 

Before (or after) checking out the scenery, be sure to stop into the visitor's center at the national park you're visiting. Often, you'll find interesting exhibits and artifacts that will help you learn more about the land you're visiting. 

If you really want to immerse yourself in a national park, consider staying on property. Many parks offer hotels and other lodging, and of course, camping is always an option.