National parks serve an important purpose: they preserve wildlife and pristine wilderness for recreation and education, and they foster an appreciation of the natural world for future generations. Tourists visit these parks to see the world in its natural splendor, before the Earth was corrupted by human civilization. Many parks promote a “leave no trace” principle to ensure the protection and conservation of these green spaces. Most park rules are self-explanatory, but lesser-known dictums can go under the radar. Here are 15 odd official and unofficial park rules you should know.
No Giving Birth in the Thermal Springs
This rule seems ridiculous, but you’d be surprised how many people do ridiculous things. While some parks may not have a hard-and-fast rule for this item, it is in the best interest of you, your baby, and other park visitors that you do not give birth in the hot springs. While it could be the next wellness trend, giving birth in the hot springs is unsanitary. Mothers increase their risk of infection. Plus, the water can sometimes be scalding hot. Don’t risk burning your skin or your baby’s skin.
No Balloons
Some national parks have specific restrictions on the release of balloons. If you are unsure, let me tell you: don’t. There is no need to bring a balloon or a squadron of balloons to a national park. They will eventually pop when they float up into the air, and then the plastic will rain down. Now you are littering. If you want to celebrate a birthday or perform a gender reveal ceremony, find a different venue. You are here to enjoy nature.
No Wolf Impressions
Although some national parks may not have a specific rule for this item, it is good advice to follow when you’re on the trail. As tempting as it may be to howl like a wolf out in the vast wilderness, resist the urge. Not only could you frighten other park visitors, but you could also cause stress to the animals, making them think a predator is nearby. Park visitors want to see nature and wildlife unaffected by human interference. Worse, your call could summon an actual wolf.
No Burying Poop Less Than 3 Inches Deep
This rule might sound silly, but it’s important. When nature calls, make sure to bury your poop more than three inches underground. While making it to a designated bathroom is ideal, you want to cover your excrement so that other park guests don’t step in your mess. Make sure that you bury it deep enough. When you visit a national park, you want to practice the “leave no trace” principle. Burying your poop deep enough—4 to 5 inches—will help you adhere to that mindset.
Don’t Tease Wildlife
Most national parks encourage their guests to keep their distance from the wildlife. Animals can be unpredictable and inflict significant damage when they feel threatened. When you tease an animal, it could bite or scratch you with its claws or antlers. These parks want to respect their wildlife and ensure conservation. Don’t be that person who gets attacked by an elk because you were making funny faces at it. Let’s be smart.
No Fireworks
Fireworks are strictly prohibited at most national parks. They pose a fire hazard, especially in dry, forested areas. A single spark can create catastrophic damage to wildlife. The noise can also stress animals and cause them to abandon their nests. Smoke from fireworks can lead to pollution, and their debris can contaminate sensitive ecosystems. People visit the parks to soak in Earth’s beauty, not to shoot off fireworks. Leave them at home.
Stay on Designated Trails
This rule might seem like a no-brainer: stay on designated trails. The paths that take you through the park are designed to keep both wildlife and tourists safe. When you venture off them, you may be violating park rules. Some parks might allow you to veer off course, but double-check to make sure it is allowed. The last thing you want is to be hit with a hefty fine.
Don’t Feed Wildlife
This is another obvious rule: don’t feed the animals. National parks aim to preserve the natural world and its sensitive ecosystems. You could disrupt the food chain by feeding a buffalo Cheetos. Worse, the animal could become unpredictable and act aggressively. Your safest bet is to avoid feeding the animals. It’s not a bright idea.
Practice the Leave No Trace Principle
While this isn’t a rule per se, it is essential for any national park you visit. Practice the “leave no trace” principle, which means don’t touch anything, litter, or leave a footprint. When you leave, it should be as if you were never there. National parks aim to preserve nature and honor the natural wilderness. You can do your part to respect the land and help maintain its splendors for others and future generations.
Don’t Disturb Natural Features
Many national parks urge their guests not to disrupt their natural features. This includes waterfalls, geysers, rock formations, trees, and animals—don’t do anything that would destroy or alter the park’s natural phenomena. When you think about it, do you really want to be the person who ruins the fun by doing something careless? Don’t try to plug a geyser with your finger. You’re going to get hurt.
No Collecting
According to the National Park Service, “Collecting, rockhounding, and gold panning of rocks, minerals, and paleontological specimens, for either recreational or educational purposes, is generally prohibited in all units of the National Park System.” However, some parks allow guests to collect souvenirs. Gold panning and rock collecting can be acceptable, but only under strict guidelines. Before you put something in your pocket, read your visiting park’s rules and regulations if you’re unsure.
No Vandalism
Vandalism includes carving into rocks, defacing trees, destroying monuments, or demolishing wildlife habitats. Any sort of vandalism in national parks is illegal and strictly prohibited. Not only will you get fined, but you could also damage ecosystems and geological structures that have existed for hundreds of years. Even if you see other people carving their names into rocks or spray painting trees, it does not mean it is okay. Just don’t.
No Drones
Most national parks prohibit the use of drones. Drones can disturb wildlife by creating stress and causing animals to leave their habitat. They also pose a risk to other visitors’ safety, especially if they malfunction and crash. Privacy is also a concern. Guests visit national parks to be immersed in nature, not to be reminded of modern technology. Though getting some great aerial photographs and video footage may be tempting, leave your drone at home. Stick to your local parks (if that is even allowed).
No Pets on Trails
Some national parks prohibit guests from bringing their pets. Although it may seem harmless to bring your dog along as you hike the trails, park officials want to ensure the conservation and preservation of the land. Your dog could destroy natural structures or scare wildlife. Even worse, your pet could get injured. It’s worth noting that some national parks may allow leashed dogs on their trails. Check the park’s rules and regulations before you bring Sparky.
No Rolling Rock Down Hills
National parks with high elevations want to ensure the safety of their guests and the preservation of the land. Don’t throw rocks off a cliff or push boulders down any hills. You could potentially injure other park visitors, and you might damage the natural landscape. You don’t want to be the person who causes an avalanche and ruins the fun for everyone. Be respectful of the environment and don’t do anything that will disrupt the sanctity of pristine wilderness.
