Tips to Recreate Responsibly in National Parks
Whether seeking wide-open spaces or exploring a historic urban neighborhood, remember to #RecreateResponsibly! We encourage you to follow Leave No Trace principles when you visit.
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Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/findapark for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.
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Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System.
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Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC’s social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.
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Know your limits. Consider postponing challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.
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Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas.
- Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
- Park only in designated areas.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Most importantly, please stay home if you feel sick.
Ideas to #RecreateResponsibly in the MNRR
- Biking - Missouri National Recreational River works in partnership with a variety of agencies and organizations at the federal, state and local levels that offer a multitude biking possibilities.
- Birding - The Missouri River ecosystem is a significant pathway for migratory birds.
- Boating - The Missouri National Recreational River offers scenic views and a variety of river opportunities for all boaters. The Missouri River Outdoor Recreation Access Guide shows public access sites for fishing, hunting, boating, and river access on the Nebraska side.
- Camping - Missouri National Recreational River offers primitive, Leave-No-Trace camping available at Bow Creek, Green Island, and Goat Island Recreation Areas. Remember to leave no trace.
- Canoeing - Explore the river by canoe and paddle the water trail.
- Fishing - Catfish, walleye, sauger, paddlefish, and many more game species await your angling skills along the two reaches of the Missouri River, 20 miles of the lower Niobrara River, and 8 miles of the lower Verdigre Creek.
- Hiking - Lace up your hiking shoes and find a new trail. Make sure to keep your distance from others on the trail.
- Kayaking - Explore the river by kayak and paddle the water trail.
- Nature Walk - The MNRR and partner sites have many natural areas that offer a leisurely stroll around the river and backwaters. Be sure to take your time and read the signs about the flora and fauna of the area.
- Picnicing - Dining in and around the park offers many options, or you can opt to eat surrounded by nature at the park's picnic areas. If you go to the park, make sure you take everything back with you. PS don’t share your food with wildlife!
- Running - Jogging, running, or fast walking is accessible to a lot of people; all you really need is some good shoes and you’re off to the races.
- Scenic Drive - Keep yourself safe in your vehicle while you take in the scenic vistas.
- View Wildlife - Watching animals in their native habitat can be both thrilling and calming. Check out these pro tips for Watching Wildlife.
Tips for Recreating Responsibly
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 Make your fun adventure a safe one too! No one plans on getting hurt while out exploring in a National Park. However, nature is unpredictable, structures are historical, and your equipment can unexpectedly fail. Planning ahead can be the key to a fun and safe adventure. Remember, safety starts with you! Learn more about how you can be prepared for your adventure! Whether you’re floating down a lazy river, fishing, or cooling off from a long day's hike, it is important to understand water safety in and around these tempting waters.  Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. The principles can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities.  No matter what activity you choose, it is important to plan ahead. Make a fun adventure a safe adventure! Having the Ten Essentials with you can help you be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays.  Hiking is a great way to explore national parks! The best thing you can do to have a fun and safe hiking adventure is plan ahead of time. Check out these tips on planning your hike, the essential gear you should pack, and how to Hike Smart.  Discover tips and tricks for watching wildlife in national parks.  Come and capture your adventure in the park. Check out these quick tips on how to avoid photography-related hazards when visiting our national parks.  Having an open fire is often a key and enjoyable part of camping. The smell of woodsmoke and the pop and hiss of burning wood in a campfire brightens any night out in the woods, mountains, or beach.
However, you want to make sure you control your fire, and not the other way around! Follow these simple guidelines to ensure you have a great time.  Camping - be it in the front or backcountry - often leaves you feeling grimy after a few days. Here are some tips to improve your camping hygiene, for everybody's sake.
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