Key Highlights
- Over 318 million recreational visits to U.S. National Parks in 2022
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States with approximately 12.5 million visitors in 2022
- Yellowstone National Park attracts about 4 million visitors annually
- The average length of stay in U.S. National Parks is around 2.6 days
- Approximately 63% of U.S. adults visited a national park at least once in their lifetime
- The total economic benefit of national parks in the U.S. is roughly $21 billion annually
- 77% of visitors to U.S. National Parks come from within the United States
- The National Park Service manages over 400 sites, including parks, monuments, and historical sites
- The most popular activity in national parks is sightseeing and nature viewing, accounting for 85% of visitor activities
- About 60% of visitors to national parks are aged between 25 and 54 years old
- The age group 65 and older accounts for approximately 20% of national park visitors
- National parks receive the highest number of visitors during the months of June, July, and August
- The total number of overnight stays in national parks is over 12 million annually
With over 318 million visits in 2022 alone, U.S. national parks continue to captivate millions of outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting their undeniable cultural, economic, and environmental significance.
Economic impact and revenue generation
- Yellowstone National Park attracts about 4 million visitors annually
- The total economic benefit of national parks in the U.S. is roughly $21 billion annually
- The total number of overnight stays in national parks is over 12 million annually
- The total revenue generated from entrance fees alone is over $250 million per year
- The number of visitors to national parks increased by over 4 million from 2021 to 2022, reflecting recovery post-pandemic
- The average daily spend per visitor is approximately $180, contributing significantly to local economies
- Over 70% of visitors spend money on souvenirs and park memorabilia, contributing to local small businesses
Economic impact and revenue generation Interpretation
With over 4 million visitors annually generating $21 billion in economic benefits and fueling local businesses through spending on souvenirs and overnight stays, national parks such as Yellowstone remain vital both as natural sanctuaries and economic engines, especially as post-pandemic visitation continues to rebound.
Environmental impact and sustainability
- The national parks encompass over 84 million acres of protected land across the U.S.
- The average annual visitation for the top five most visited parks totals over 34 million, representing a significant portion of total park visits
- The US National Park System has more than 120 designated wilderness areas, protecting over 105 million acres
- The utilization of eco-friendly transportation options such as bicycles and shuttles is increasing, with 35% of visitors using such options
- The annual carbon footprint of road travel to national parks is estimated at over 6 million metric tons of CO2, highlighting environmental impacts
Environmental impact and sustainability Interpretation
With over 84 million acres of protected wilderness and more than 34 million visitors annually, the U.S. National Park System invites us to marvel at natural beauty while grappling with the irony that our roads' 6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions might be the greatest obstacle to preserving it.
Park management, infrastructure, and accessibility
- The National Park Service manages over 400 sites, including parks, monuments, and historical sites
- The average length of stay during peak season is approximately 3 days, compared to 2 days during the off-season
- In 2022, the total number of national park citations for illegal activities decreased by 10% compared to 2021, indicating improved enforcement
- The number of trail miles maintained by the NPS exceeds 55,000 miles across all parks
- The number of accessible trails and facilities in national parks has increased by 30% over the past five years to accommodate visitors with disabilities
Park management, infrastructure, and accessibility Interpretation
With over 400 sites spanning 55,000 trail miles and a 30% boost in accessibility, national parks are not only inviting more visitors—who stay an average of three days during peak season—but also demonstrating a commendable commitment to enforcement and inclusivity, proving that conservation and accessibility can go hand in hand.
Visitor activities and participation patterns
- Over 318 million recreational visits to U.S. National Parks in 2022
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States with approximately 12.5 million visitors in 2022
- The average length of stay in U.S. National Parks is around 2.6 days
- The most popular activity in national parks is sightseeing and nature viewing, accounting for 85% of visitor activities
- National parks receive the highest number of visitors during the months of June, July, and August
- Approximately 45% of visitors participate in hiking while visiting national parks
- 90% of national park visitors state that their primary reason for visiting is outdoor recreation and experiencing nature
- 65% of park visitors report that wildlife observation is part of their park experience
- The use of smartphones for photography and navigation has increased among visitors, with 78% using smartphones during their visit
- The average annual increase in national park visitation is approximately 3%, indicating steady growth in popularity
- About 55% of visitors participate in camping activities during their park visit
- The most common transportation method within parks is walking, used by 60% of visitors once inside the park
- The total number of camping nights in national parks exceeds 23 million annually
- The National Park Service conducts over 200 educational programs annually reaching thousands of visitors
- The majority of park visitors (around 70%) visit national parks for leisure and relaxation, rather than adventure activities
- 25% of visitors report participating in ranger-led activities or guided tours during their visit
- In 2022, the number of commercial tours in national parks increased by 8% compared to the previous year, reflecting growing popularity of guided experiences
- Nearly 40% of national park visitors participate in educational or interpretive programs offered by the NPS
Visitor activities and participation patterns Interpretation
With over 318 million visits in 2022—primarily for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and relaxation—it's clear that America's national parks are not just refuges for nature but also the most popular and accessible outdoor classroom where nearly 80% of visitors now rely on smartphones, hiking remains a favorite activity for nearly half, and the steady 3% annual growth underscores that even in the digital age, connecting with Earth remains a timeless pursuit.
Visitor demographics and preferences
- Approximately 63% of U.S. adults visited a national park at least once in their lifetime
- 77% of visitors to U.S. National Parks come from within the United States
- About 60% of visitors to national parks are aged between 25 and 54 years old
- The age group 65 and older accounts for approximately 20% of national park visitors
- Nearly 80% of visitors arrive by personal vehicle, making it the primary transportation method to national parks
- The average age of national park visitors is approximately 42 years old
- Over 70% of national park visitors are U.S. residents, with international visitors constituting 30%
- Yosemite National Park had over 4 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the top five most visited parks
- The visitor satisfaction rate for national parks is around 85%, indicating high visitor approval
- The most visited national monument in the U.S. is the Statue of Liberty, attracting more than 4 million visitors annually
- Roughly 50% of visitors are repeat visitors, indicating strong loyalty and satisfaction
- About 60% of park visitors are female, with males constituting approximately 40%
- The average number of visitors per park varies widely, with some parks receiving over 10 million visitors annually and others fewer than 100,000
- Approximately 62% of visitors report that their primary motivation is to connect with nature
- Approximately 85% of visitors agree that national parks are important for conserving wildlife and natural landscapes
Visitor demographics and preferences Interpretation
With nearly two-thirds of Americans having stepped foot into a national park—primarily by car, mostly for a nature connection, and with an impressive 85% confirming their importance for conservation—it's clear that these natural sanctuaries are not just holiday spots but vital pillars of national identity, loyalty, and ecological stewardship.