As I’ve said through all my blog posts, we’ve camped and visited state parks, national parks and even national monuments and forests. I thought it might be time to offer some general explanations about the differences between these parks and where you can find specific information about them.
State parks are an economical camping destination for families just starting out. Usually, there are no fees to visit the parks. However, camping in state parks does require nominal fees, depending on amenities available.
To find information about specific state parks, try googling “state parks in [state you wish to visit].” When I did this, a list of state parks appeared with a picture of each park. I could then click on the park to find information.
Most times, it is first come, first serve for campsites at state parks and some are primitive, which means no electrical hook-ups, pit toilets, no showers or pool or playground. But there is fishing and hiking and swimming in lakes or ponds and star gazing. You can bring your canoe and rafts, but you need to check park rules to be sure you can use motorized boats in the water. The larger lakes and interconnected waterways have rules about washing water craft so as not to spread invasive shell creatures.
A National Monument is established by presidential proclamation. No vote in Congress is necessary, although Congress can create a national monument by legislation.
Wikipedia has a wonderful list of National Monuments in the United States. It also has a good definition and history of the classification of a park being called a National Monument. Mostly, they are places of historic, prehistoric, and/or scientific interests.
National Forests encompass national grasslands and national recreation areas and wilderness areas.
Wilderness areas have no buildings or amenities and are left raw and rugged. Some of these forests and recreation areas lie inside or adjoin national parks and monuments. Some forests cross into state parks as well. I just learned that New Jersey is among the ten states that do not have a national forest. Our forests are state parks.
A National Park is set aside by an act of Congress. After approval from Congress, the president’s signature is required to make the land a national park. You can find a National Park in a particular state here.
All national parks have fees. You pay at toll plazas. Purchasing a National Park Pass is good for a year and depending on how often you visit national parks throughout the year could bring a wealth of savings. Remember, a park pass or any fees paid is for one vehicle to pass into the park. This is where we made out well, with seven people packed into our travelling van.
America the Beautiful passes, the National Park Pass, information can be found here.
An annual pass costs $80. These passes can be purchased in person at federal recreation sites; i.e., at national parks.
There are a few other specialty passes available:
Current US military and their “dependents” get in free with documentation.
Seniors, those over 62 years of age, can purchase a lifetime pass for $10, but these must be bought in person only.
An Access Pass is for disabled persons and can be purchased with documentation of disability.
Parks and recreational lands are protected by the government, be it national or state, so that future generations may enjoy them. I hope this information about the differences between state and national parks and national monuments and forests helps in deciding where to set your adventure this year.
Feel free to let me know a favorite park or place you have visited and why it’s so special to you. Thanks so much for visiting Camping with Kids. Please stop by again!
Hi Victoria – it's great you can spend time at the camps with the family … and yes you and we are lucky that our parklands are looked after as much as they are … enjoy your summer – cheers Hilary
Thank you so much for this, Hilary. We are truly lucky that our parklands will survive for future generations. It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Camping with Kids. Enjoy your weekend!
Just Googled 'National Parks In USA' and see that you have 59 according to Wikipedia. We have only 15 in the UK and the best, for me at least, is the Lake District National Park. http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/
My late wife and I spent many weeks climbing the mountains there, so it does have special memories for me.
Bill
http://walksintameside.co.uk
First, please allow me to offer my condolences, Bill. It sounds like you and your wife were quite the adventurers. The Lake District is beautiful. If I ever get to the UK, I would LOVE to visit this place. I can see why, only from the photos and notes on the web, you and your wife loved to visit the place. It's like our mighty Sequoia and Redwood trees and the Rocky Mountains. You'd never get tired of visiting them.
All the best to you, sir. Always wonderful seeing you here at Camping with Kids. Enjoy your summer!
That's very interesting. I didn't know that. Thanks for the information!
My pleasure, Michelle. I try to offer constructive info to parents, campers, and hikers here on Camping with Kids. Thanks so much for your comment. Enjoy your day!
I have a National Parks Pass and have utilized it many times this year. I have loved all the parks we have visited so far. I can't pick my favorite because they are all my favorite for different reasons. This week I made a post on Ruby Beach at the Olympics National Park. I have posted a few about the Badlands National Park and Yellowstone. I have many more in queue to go out. It's going through all the pictures and picking the best ones that has me stumped. I loved Devils Tower.
Hello and welcome to Camping with Five Kids, Morgan! Bravo to you for having a National Parks Pass and using it well. We do, too!
You are right. How on earth could we possibly pick just one or two as our favorites? Although, I am a tree-hugger, so Sequoia and Kings Canyon and the mighty Redwoods are at the top. So is Rocky Mountain National Park. Haven't been to the Badlands yet. Been to Devil's Tower, though.
Thank you so much for your comment here at Camping with Five Kids. It's appreciated more than you realize. Enjoy your summer adventures at the national parks. I'll check out your post on Ruby Beach.