Understand that driving in our national parks provides some unique challenges. First, the parks are congested with wildlife that can cause both traffic jams and accidents. Imagine tourists seeing their first bison. They stop abruptly to get a good look and an accident is sure to happen. Also, visitors to the parks cross the roads without looking both ways, and the large animals often collide with cars at night, doing damage to the car and to the passengers inside.
Drive on the roadways and always park your car in designated areas. It is dangerous to both you and the car if you venture off road, not to mention the unmarked cliffs and heavy foliage that can be problematic to drive through.
If you plan to do a national park on foot, stay on the trails. Otherwise, you can injure yourself by stepping into the hole of a burrowing animal; or worse yet, stepping through a hole to boiling hot spring water, found in parks like Yellowstone. Also, if you stay on the trail, you will be less likely to touch poisonous plants like poisonweed or poison ivy.
Bring plenty of bottled water because the parks' water is most likely contaminated with a parasite that causes serious diarrhea. Apply plenty of sunscreen to your skin, regardless of whether the sun is shining, because the sun's rays are deceiving. Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the top of your head.
Tell someone where you will be at all times. There is a registration station at most national parks where you can both check in and check out your party.
Look like a true camper by wearing the proper footwear. Tennis shoes may be okay for simple trails, but heavy hiking boots with support for your ankles are indicated for climbing over rugged terrain or mountainsides. Prevent blisters by breaking in your boots prior to arriving at the national park.
Avoid insect bites because they are both annoying and they carry diseases. Don't wear cologne or perfume that will attract insects, keep your distance from heavy vegetation and wear light-colored clothes.
Stay a safe distance from the animals. Park rangers can help you decide how far to stay from each animal.
