Plan Your Visit to State and National Parks

Ranger Ready Repellent is Partnered with State & National Parks Across America. Here's a Guide on The Best Way to Visit Them.

1. Know When To Go

To avoid the summer rush, plan your trip to national and state parks right off the main season. The best months to visit state and national parks are those in the Spring and Fall. Kids are in school, so the crowds are smaller and the weather is still beautiful.

2. Bring The Proper Gear

Packing the proper gear in your daypack will help you explore the park all day without having to reroute for supplies.

Insect Repellent

Bring Picaridin 20% body-worn repellent in your daypack to apply daily to your skin before you head out on the trail. In parks with larger tick and mosquito populations, like Glacier National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Mammoth Cave, it’s necessary to treat your clothing and gear with permethrin repellent spray before you go. Apply the day before and let clothes and gear dry.Ranger Ready Permethrin Repellent lasts up to 40 days and repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and chiggers.

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Ranger Ready Picaridin and Permethrin Repellent Spray In Front of a Camp Fire
Camping and Hiking Gear

Other Essentials

Most importantly, you must stay hydrated! Bring as much water as you can carry in a large water bottle. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are essential to protecting yourself from the hot sun, especially in desert parks like the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.  Of course don’t forget the snacks! Protein bars and nuts will give you energy to keep you movin’. Pack more substantial picnics if you plan on spending the entire day away from your campsite or the park shops. Pre-prepped meals that don't require heating, like sandwiches and salads, are best.

3. Book & Plan Your Visit

woman fly fishing

Book Your Campsite

More popular parks get booked up quickly, so plan ahead and secure your camping spot before you go. National parks usually have tent sites, RV sites, or cabins rentals.

Plan Your Day

Since parks can be massive, you won’t be able to see it all in one day. Find a park that sparks your interest and decide on which parts of the park are a must-see vs. what you can skip. If you’re overwhelmed with the options, consider booking a guided tour. Mammoth Cave Tours are a Ranger Ready team favorite!


4. Engage With The Park

Ask a Park RAnger

They’re there to protect the parks and YOU! If you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to ask your park ranger. Ranger Ready has partnered with former director of Arkansas State Parks, Grady Spann, to help you stay protected in state and national parks across the Country.

Leave No Trace

To do your part in preserving some of America’s greatest untouched wilderness, leave the park as you found it. Souvenirs should be bought in the park’s gift shop rather than taken from the wild, and take with you what you brought in - no trash should be left behind.

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