The US National Park Service (NPS) is a bureau under the
Department of Interior and its overarching mission is preservation of natural and
cultural resources. One of the resources
NPS is charged with persevering is the National Park System, which includes all
63 National Parks and several hundred other “units.” In total, the National Park System includes
433 units ranging from Battlefields and other historic sites, Lakeshores,
Seashores, Monuments, Memorials, Recreational areas, a number of other sites
and features, and of course the Parks. There
are at least 19 naming designations, and sometimes, despite the name, they are
all referred to as Parks. While we
primarily focus on the true Parks, we do include guides for other units in the
Park System.
National Parks Map Key
Visited - Put a Pin in it
Plotting
It's on the list
Explore comprehensive trip-planning resources for America’s most iconic landscapes – the National Parks. Here you will find detailed itineraries, must-know park guides, trail information, honest trail reviews, gear recommendations, and practical checklists designed to make your visit safer, easier, and more enjoyable. Each park guide includes the best viewpoints, scenic drives, lodging and camping tips, accessibility notes, seasonal insights, and insider advice from real experience. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, a family-friendly adventure, or a bucket-list road trip through multiple parks, you’ll find clear, actionable information to help you make the most of your time. Everything is built to reduce planning overwhelm, avoid common mistakes, help you explore with confidence, and take the trip that will be most meaningful to you.