What to Expect When Visiting Parks in Summer 2026
The Staffing Crisis Continues
The staffing crisis set in motion by the administration’s attacks on the federal workforce that started in January 2025 continues at a reckless speed, with a third call for deferred resignations and early retirements for Interior Department workers announced in April.
What you can do:
- Be patient and kind to all park staff you meet.
- Urge Congress to do everything in their power to stop any further staffing cuts and restore the thousands of positions lost over the last year.
- Share your messages of appreciation to rangers and park staff.
Be prepared for traffic, crowds and unpredictability
What you can do –
- Prepare for crowds: come with a plan — and several backup plans.
- Certain parks reservations systems have been eliminated by the administration – check before you go.
- Be part of the solution: Plan to ride the shuttle or a bicycle before adding another vehicle to the line.
- Arrive early or late or mid-week: you can try to avoid congestion by arriving early, staying after dark or visiting mid-week.
- Avoid being the reason for the rescue: manage your risk according to your ability level, heed posted safety warnings and look out for everyone in your group.
- Don’t forget street safety: drivers and pedestrians need to be aware of one another, just as in an urban environment.
- Keep your cool: When crowds descend, temperatures rise. Conflicts over scant available parking are common when parks get busy, try to stay calm.
- Speak up! Urge the Park Service and Interior Department to reinstate managed access systems and bring back staff and duties that serve the full Park Service mission.
Read complete article here:
https://www.npca.org/articles/11375-what-to-expect-when-visiting-parks-in-summer-2026
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