100 Books About National Parks: Everything From Guides To Fiction (2023)

Looking for books about national parks?

When you can’t spend time in the national parks, the next best thing is reading about them.

I’ve rounded up a list of 100 books about national parks to help you plan your next armchair adventure.

Whether you’re looking for a guide book to help you plan an epic national park trip or you just want to combine your interests in reading and the parks, there’s a book for everyone on this list.

Use these links to navigate through different categories of national park books:

• Guide Books About National Parks
• Memoirs About National Parks
• Books About National Parks History
• Fiction Books About National Parks
• Books About National Parks for Kids
• Books About National Parks for Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies
• Books About National Parks: Uncategorized

Guide Books About National Parks

1. Guide to the National Parks of the United States by National Geographic

This popular guide to the national parks is filled with essential information needed for any trip to national parks. The knowledge is drawn from both park rangers and National Geographic staff, so you know the details are top-notch quality. This guide includes specifics on popular activities like hiking and viewing wildlife, all tied together with itineraries to make road trip planning even easier.

2. Secrets of the National Parks: The Expert’s Guide to the Best Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail by National Geographic

If you’ve already seen the popular national park highlights or you really hate crowds, this is the national parks guide book for you. This guide reveals the spectacular things to do and see in each national park aside from the most famous attractions. It also provides tips for seeing the popular highlights with fewer people around. Whether you’re visiting a national park for the first time or the hundredth time, this guide is an excellent companion to any guide book that focuses on the best features of each park.

3. National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores by Mel White

If you’re interested in all of the sites managed by the National Park Service – not just the public lands designated as national parks – then this is the guide book for you. With the same quality information found in other guides by National Geographic, this extensive guide book goes beyond the national parks to include national monuments, national recreation areas, and more. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to visit lesser-known places or who cares more about exploring America than checking off bucket list visits to the popular national parks.

4. Moon USA National Parks (Third Edition): The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks by Becky Lomax

In addition to the typical park-by-park guidance found in most national park guide books, this book from Moon Travel Guides includes extra features that make it particularly useful. The book begins with best-of lists so you can choose the ideal national park for you whether you’re looking for parks that are kid-friendly, have great hiking, offer public transit, and more. As a bonus, the guide book includes a section to track your visits with national park stamps.

5. Your Guide to the National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 National Parks by Michael Joseph Oswald

This is another comprehensive guide to the national parks that is presented in a user-friendly format. Essential logistical details are easy to digest in tables and maps. Plus, this guide book includes dozens of lists ranking the national parks that are best for certain activities and scenarios. On top of all this, the book includes a suggested itinerary that’s useful whether you’re planning one epic trip to see every national park or you’d like to explore the parks one region at a time.

6. Lonely Planet USA’s National Parks by Anita Isalska

This national parks guide book from Lonely Planet is a great choice to help you plan a personalized national parks trip. It includes suggestions that help you tailor your plans to your interests and budget. Plus, it presents critical information like contact information and trail stats as well as details on the history and science of each park for further context. It’s a thorough guide book that anyone can use to plan a trip to the national parks.

7. The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA by Fodor’s Travel Guides

This national park guide book covers all of the basic information that one needs to visit every national park. Each park’s section includes a list of the top highlights plus need-to-know details like scenic views, activities, and lodging options in each section of the park. A section on general trip planning tips ties everything together so national parks visitors have all of the information they need to plan a trip with confidence.

8. Hiking America’s National Parks by Karen Berger

There are a number of books offering guidance on hiking in national parks. Hiking America’s National Parks is an excellent choice since it includes something for every hiker. This book covers hikes in every national park and lists a range of trails from short nature walks up to backpacking trips. Plus, the book’s breathtaking photography of national park scenery will make hikers eager to plan new trips.

9. The Dayhiker’s Guide to the National Parks: Hiking Your National Parks by Michael Joseph Oswald

While national parks offer a range of trails from brief walks to lengthy trails for backpackers, this book is focused on trails that are suitable for day hiking. This guide book includes over 200 hiking trails that can be completed in a day, providing plenty of suggestions while still narrowing down the thousands of miles of trails in America’s national parks. With plenty of trail maps printed in color and details like distance and elevation gain, this book makes it incredibly easy to get started day hiking in the national parks.

10. Walks of A Lifetime in America’s National Parks: Extraordinary Hikes in Exceptional Places by Robert and Martha Manning

This hiking coffee table book is not just pretty, but practical. It contains descriptions for many of the spectacular trails found in the national parks. Each trail is considered extraordinary whether it’s due to the viewpoint or because of the ability to see wildlife or culturally significant sites. Every national park is included in the book and the trails range from easy nature trails to overnight backpacking trips.

11. The National Parks Coast to Coast: 100 Best Hikes by Ted Alvarez

This national park hiking guide is ideal for anyone who is more interested in finding the best bucket list hikes than learning about trails in every single park. Even though the list of hikes was compiled by Backpacker Magazine, the book showcases all sorts of trails from easy hikes to multiday backpacking trips. Every hike description includes a beautiful photograph, a trail map, and critical details like difficulty levels and GPS coordinates. Plus, the book is rounded out with extra features like park ranger profiles and photography tips.

12. Hiking Hidden Gems in America’s National Parks by Ted Alvarez

While many hikers seek out the best trails in national parks, Hiking Hidden Gems is for national park lovers who are eager to get off the beaten path. This book details everything hikers need to know to find and enjoy trails that are considered to be hidden gems. Whether you want to avoid crowds or seek out new trails, this hiking guide book is a great choice.

13. 100 Things to See in the National Parks: Your Guide to the Most Popular Features of the US National Parks by Stefanie Payne

If you want to make the most of your visits to national parks, this guide book will help you do just that. This book identifies the national parks’ most iconic sights. For each landmark, the book provides a description to explain why the feature is so spectacular and clear instructions on how to reach them within the park. With this guide, you’ll be able to build the best trip itineraries around the national parks’ can’t-miss features.

14. The 10 Best of Everything National Parks: 800 Top Picks from Parks Coast to Coast by National Geographic

This guide book is great for the outdoor enthusiast who loves bucket lists. The book covers the best of everything in America’s national park sites formatted in Top 10 lists. There are Top 10 lists for everything from activities like hiking and stargazing to logistics like lodging and meals. Follow these lists to explore national parks, national monuments, national scenic trails, and more.

15. Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks by Rob Bignell

This book about the top sights in national parks is ideal for day hikers. The book lists one or more trails in each national park that lead to a popular feature in the park. A number of the trails listed are short, easy walks, so you don’t necessarily need to be an experienced hiker in order to enjoy the trails in this book. If you’re eager to get out of the car and stretch your legs in the parks, this book will help you do just that.

16. The World Almanac Road Trippers’ Guide to National Parks: 5,001 Things to Do, Learn, and See for Yourself by John Rosenthal

This guide to national park sites packs a lot of need-to-know terms into one guide book. In this book, you’ll learn the names of places and sights that are found in national parks, national seashores, and more. The book focuses on a handful of national park sites within regions of the United States and Canada but also lists even more parks within each region in less detail. Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of things listed in the title: the information is shared in easily-digestible descriptions paired with side bars of facts and itineraries.

17. National Parks Bucket List Guide & Journal: The Complete Guide to all U.S. National Parks by Modertical Travel

This combination guide book and journal is perfect for anyone who plans to visit many or all of the national parks. For each national park, the book includes essential information like attractions and activities followed by pages with journal prompts to document your experience. Having this two-in-one book makes it easy to make the most of your national park adventures since you won’t miss any of the highlights and you can easily record your memories along the way.

This book has several features that make it very user-friendly. It contains a tracking log to see which national parks you’ve visited all compiled in one place. The pages include QR codes that link to each park’s official website for the most up-to-date information. And the book’s small size makes it portable and convenient to pack. All of these features make it one of the most practical national park guide books out there.

18. The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: How to Visit 47 U.S. National Parks in 2 Months on a Budget by Christina Bogantz and Melissa Rios

Have you ever dreamed of seeing all of the national parks back-to-back in one trip, but thought the idea was impossible? Although I highly recommend spending ample time in most national parks, this guide book demonstrates that it is possible to visit all of the national parks in the continental United States in a short timeframe. This book offers advice on everything from trip logistics to maintaining your relationships with your travel companions on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip.

19. Where Should We Camp Next?: The Best Campgrounds and Unique Outdoor Accommodations in and Around National Parks, Seashores, Monuments, and More by Stephanie & Jeremy Puglisi

National park enthusiasts who love camping should check out this guide book to campgrounds in and around national parks. The book provides in-depth descriptions of campgrounds in and surrounding 50 popular national park sites. There is something for every camper in this book since the recommended campgrounds range from primitive campgrounds to luxury RV resorts. The book is even suitable for first-time campers since it includes tips on everything from different styles of camping to the various reservation systems campers may have to navigate.

(Not ready to drop money on a book to find the best national park campgrounds? Check out my lists of the best campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Acadia National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.)

20. RV Camping in National Parks: A Complete Guide to the Best Road Trips in USA by Damien Taylor

If you’re specifically interested in camping in national parks in an RV, this is the guide book for you. It covers everything you need to know about RV camping in national parks, from which parks are preferable for RV camping to RV maintenance. Make your dream of a national park RV trip a reality and read this book today.

21. Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges by David L. Scott and Kay W. Scott

This guide book is wonderful for national park lovers who prefer more comfortable accommodations during their travels. Visitors can refer to this book when planning every national park trip since it contains information on each lodge in America’s national parks and monuments. Essential details such as costs and amenities are included, making the work of selecting lodging a breeze.

22. 25 Best National Parks to Fly Fish by Terry & Wendy Gunn

This national parks guide book is geared towards park visitors who are specifically interested in fly fishing in some of America’s most beautiful scenery. The book shares helpful information for fly fishing in 25 national parks including GIS maps, hot spots, and gear recommendations. Plus, it includes general trip planning information such as lodging and dining options in each park, making it the only guide book you need to plan your fly fishing trips.

23. Accessible Vacations: An Insider’s Guide to 10 National Parks by Simon J. Hayhoe

Many national park guide books barely address accessibility in their descriptions of highlights and facilities. Accessible Vacations is specifically designed to help people with physical and sensory disabilities plan trips to national parks. This book covers the accessibility of 10 popular national parks, including information on how to navigate each park, lodging options, educational programs, and more. It’s an essential guide for national park visitors with disabilities and their companions.

Related: How To Plan A National Park Trip: 7 Tips For A Perfect Visit

Memoirs About National Parks

24. Ranger Confidential: Living, Working, and Dying in the National Parks by Andrea Lannford

For 12 years, Andrea Lannford served as a park ranger in some of the country’s most famous and beautiful national parks. In this book, she sheds light on what happens behind the scenes at these parks by sharing her and other rangers’ stories. Many of the stories are grim and tragic, though they are mixed with stories of love and laughter. If you think that being a park ranger involves staring at beautiful scenery all day, think again.

25. Send a Ranger: My Life Serving the National Parks by Tom Habecker

Send a Ranger follows the 32-year career of park ranger Tom Habecker. In this memoir, he shares the extreme duties and living conditions he experiences as he lives and works in national parks. Between conducting search and rescue missions, navigating wildlife attacks, and surviving harsh winters, the life of a park ranger is certainly no ordinary life. Readers are able to vividly experience the ranger’s experiences from the inclusion of the author’s actual journal entries.

26. Hey Ranger!: True Tales of Humor & Misadventure from America’s National Parks by Jim Burnett

Hey Ranger! is a collection of short, true stories regarding incidents that ranger Jim Burnett had to handle during his career in the national parks. Unlike in other park rangers’ memoirs, the events included in this book are more lighthearted than grim. It’s a wonderful glimpse into the life of a park ranger for anyone who would rather hear the humorous side of the job than the inevitable tragedies they must address.

27. Wild Rescues: A Paramedic’s Extreme Adventures in Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton by Kevin Grange

In this memoir, Kevin Grange details many of the rescues he’s participated in as a paramedic for the National Park Service. He shares a variety of riveting emergencies that occurred in Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Teton National Parks. Grange manages to convey the reality of this demanding job while simultaneously evoking an appreciation for the national parks.

This book is not for the faint of heart and should come with a trigger warning for suicide.

28. Dirt Work: An Education in the Woods by Christine Byl

After graduating from college, Christine Byl took on what was supposed to be a summer job maintaining trails in Glacier National Park. She ended up spending years in the field, changing her plans to return to school and pursue a white collar career path. The transition challenges her assumptions about class, gender roles, and physical versus mental labor.

29. Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America’s National Parks by Mark Woods

In his midlife, Mark Woods decides to reconnect with the outdoors. He plans to travel to national parks for a year and write about the future of the parks. But then his mother is diagnosed with cancer, giving his travels a new meaning. Part travelog and part reflection on family and loss, there’s something for every reader to appreciate and relate to in this memoir.

30. Open Road: A Midlife Memoir of Travel Through the National Parks by TW Neal

Toby Neal appears to have it all: a wonderful family, multiple degrees, and a great career. But in her midlife, she feels she has lost the person she used to be. After seeing a calendar picturing Bryce Canyon National Park in a doctor’s office, she gets the idea to go on a road trip through national parks. The journey allows her to rediscover herself, navigate her relationship with her husband, and advance her career as a writer.

This book contains vivid descriptions of the parks visited by Neal and her family. Combined with her husband’s photography, Neal transports readers to the national parks in between her reflections and commentary on midlife.

31. America the Beautiful?: One Woman in a Borrowed Prius on the Road Most Traveled by Blythe Roberson

In this memoir, comedian Blythe Roberson embarks on an epic road trip through national parks in order to explore America’s fascination with freedom and travel. Her travels inspire both hysterical and honest reflections on topics ranging from ecotourism to freedom to inequality from the perspective of a millennial white woman. The combination of attention to the national parks, personal revelations, and humor make this exactly the sort of national parks memoir that most readers are looking for.

32. Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park by Conor Knighton

After a failed engagement leaves him in heartbreak, Conor Knighton decides to visit every national park in a year. In his book, he recounts stories of the people he meets and tidbits about national parks he visits all while reentering the dating world. He also shares details of his internal journey as his trip changes his viewpoints on a range of topics. Anyone who has experienced heartbreak can appreciate his vulnerability and emotional processing on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Conor Knighton is a CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and he filmed several segments for the show during his trip. All of the segments from On The Trail: CBS Sunday Morning are available on YouTube.

33. Before They’re Gone: A Family’s Year-Long Quest to Explore America’s Most Endangered National Parks by Michael Lanza

As a lover of the outdoors, author Michael Lanza is determined to let his children experience some of the country’s most spectacular locations before they’re irreversibly altered by climate change. Lanza ends up taking his children to 10 national parks in the span of a year. The adventures they embark on are shared throughout the author’s explanation of how each park is being impacted by climate change. Readers will have their appreciation for national parks reinforced, inspiring them to address the climate crisis with a new sense of urgency.

34. Levi’s Dream: A 1930 Trip to the National Parks in a Model a Ford … with Seven Children by Linda Cottington Killinger, Marilee Cottington McAlpine, and Kerry Killinger

This book recounts one family’s 15-month road trip across America with seven kids in tow. The trip took place in 1930, at a time when the National Park Service was still a relatively young organization. Learn how the trip – and other historical events – affected the family for decades to come and give insights into the time period.

35. The Hour of Land: a Personal Topography of America’s National Parks by Terry Tempest Williams

This book by writer and conservationist Terry Tempest Williams takes readers to 12 national parks and monuments. Part memoir and part social commentary, Williams discusses both her personal experiences in these parks and the issues that each one faces. You will be moved by both the poetic writing and the author’s calls for activism.

36. Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks by Emily Pennington

Emily Pennington did what most people only dream about: she quit her job to spend a year visiting every national park in America. But her big adventure isn’t the gleeful escape she expected as she faces one obstacle after the next, including the coronavirus pandemic, a breakup, and wildfires. Anyone going through a major life transition or has had mishaps hamper an adventure can relate to pieces of her journey.

Books About National Parks History

37. National Parks: The American Experience by Alfred Runte

Written by one of the country’s leading experts on national parks history, this book shows how America’s idea of the national parks has changed over time. It shares the evolution in principles and purposes for establishing national parks as well as shifts in perspectives on how parks should be used. This is a great book to start with if you’re interested in the history of America’s national parks.

38. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns

This book is based off of the PBS series documenting the history of America’s national parks. It pairs historic photos and texts with modern images to convey both national parks history and the awe-inspiring beauty of these public lands. It’s a classic resource for national parks visitors to learn more about the history of the parks.

39. Dispossessing the Wilderness: Indian Removal and the Making of the National Parks by Mark David Spence

Many national parks lovers are familiar with the narrative that conservationists like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt advocated for establishing national parks for the sake of preserving America’s wilderness. What’s missing from this version of history is the ulterior motivation for setting aside these lands for public use: forcing Native Americans from the land. This book looks at the Indian removal policies that were developed when Yellowstone, Glacier, and Yosemite national parks were established. It’s a critical topic to learn in order to understand the complete history of the national parks.

40. The Power of Scenery: Frederick Law Olmstead and the Origin of National Parks

This book adds to the history of how national parks came to be. Particularly, it shares the role that landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead played in creating foundational principles for managing these parks. This history sheds light on how America – and later, countries around the world – came to adopt this method of preserving public lands.

41. The National Parks: An Illustrated History by Kim Heacox

This book guides readers through moments in national park history using photos from National Geographic. These rich photographs add tremendously to the historical events detailed in the text. Written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, this beautiful volume is a special book for anyone who cares about America’s national parks.

42. National Parks and the Woman’s Voice: A History by Polly Welts Kaufman

Women’s contributions to establishing and managing national parks are not as well-known as the work of men like Theodore Roosevelt. This book covers the spectrum of women’s involvement in national parks from preserving parks to the challenges modern women face in national park careers. It’s a great book for anyone seeking a different perspective on national parks history or young national park lovers who can appreciate the inspiration of women that came before them. 

Fiction Books About National Parks

43. National Parks by Laikyn Meng

Grab some tissues before digging into this adult romance because it’s heavy! Phoebe and Enzo fall in love while traveling the world to destinations including but not limited to national parks. Eventually, familial pressure leads to heartbreak, but over time the two get a second chance at love. It’s a multicultural love story that blends self-discovery, trauma and mental health, heartache, and second chances.

Note that this book is explicit and has a trigger warning for PTSD of a national attack and suicide. The book is intended for mature readers.

44. On Location by Sarah Echavarre Smith

Alia Dunn finally gets her dream opportunity at work: to produce a television series about the spectacular national parks in Utah. The only downside: her new crewmember is the guy who ghosted her after a recent date. The tension builds between Alia and her annoying yet undeniably attractive coworker until the show is at risk of falling apart. She’ll have to trust her enemy to pull this off, and she just might land her dream guy at the same time.

45. Take Me with You by Catherine Ryan Hyde

August Shroeder travels every summer. After his son dies, he drives an RV to Yellowstone National Park on a trip that he’d planned to take with his son. What begins as a solo trip takes a twist when August encounters two children with nowhere else to go. The story follows their bond and emotional healing as the three of them camp in national parks throughout the summer.

46. Vanishing Edge by Claire Kells

Readers who love mysteries will get a thrill out of this series set in national parks. In this book, a former FBI agent must uncover what happened to a party of campers that disappeared in Sequoia National Park. She and her partner – a Navy SEAL-turned-park ranger – test their limits as they face the wilderness, personal tragedy, and the truth behind the missing campers.

Vanishing Edge is the first in a series of mysteries that take place in national parks. As of this writing, the third book in the series is in the works but has not yet been released.

47. Canyon Sacrifice by Scott Graham

Canyon Sacrifice is the first in a series of mystery novels which follow archaeologist Chuck Bender and his wife Janelle as they travel to different national parks. First up: Chuck’s new stepdaughter goes missing during a visit to Grand Canyon National Park. Chuck must confront both the kidnappers and his secret past in this riveting tale.

As of this writing there are 8 books in Graham’s National Park Mystery series, so there are plenty of national park books to return to if you enjoy the first installment in the series.

48. Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr

Barr’s Anna Pigeon series is one of the longer mystery series that takes place at national park sites. Track of the Cat is the first of the 19 books in the series.

Anna Pigeon takes a job as a park ranger in Guadalupe Mountains National Park when a fellow park ranger is killed. While others presume the ranger was killed by a mountain lion, Anna suspects otherwise. It’s up to her to defend the protected species and uncover what actually happened.

Track of the Cat is by no means a cozy mystery. Note that there are graphic descriptions in this book.

49. The Wild Inside by Christine Carbo

The Wild Inside is the first of four crime novels that take place in Glacier National Park. Special Agent Ted must investigate a grizzly bear attack, twenty years after his own father was killed by a grizzly. But this isn’t just any bear attack: the victim was tied to a tree before being mauled. The suspense builds as Ted struggles to find answers about the killer.

50. Death Canyon by David Riley Bertsch

Death Canyon is the first of two thrillers featuring main character Jake Trent. Jake leaves his job as a prosecutor to become a fishing guide in Jackson, Wyoming. It sounds like a relaxing time – until three deaths suddenly occur in a single day. When Jake becomes a suspect, he takes on his own search which leads him to explorations in Yellowstone National Park.

51. The Road to Paradise: A Vintage National Parks Novel by Karen Barnett

Christians who visit national parks as a way to connect with their God’s creation will enjoy this historical romance set in Mount Rainier National Park. The year is 1927 and Margie – a self-taught naturalist and senator’s daughter – lands a position at the national park to the dismay of the park’s chief ranger. The two of them must put aside their differences and work together to prevent the park from becoming overdeveloped for tourists.

The Road to Paradise is one of three novels in Barnett’s Vintage National Parks series. The books in the series are set in different national parks with different characters so you can read them in any order.

52. When Stone Wings Fly: A Smoky Mountains Novel by Karen Barnett

When Stone Wings Fly is another work of historical fiction by Karen Barnett outside of the Vintage National Parks series. This novel traces multiple generations of a family over two alternating timelines. Back in 1931, great-grandmother Rosie was given the opportunity to stay in her home when Great Smoky Mountains National Park was formed. But she ends up dying mysteriously, and the family has no answers until Rosie’s great-granddaughter begins searching with a park historian three generations later.

Books About National Parks for Kids

53. All Aboard! National Parks by Kevin and Haily Myers

In the All Aboard! series, babies travel to locations all over the world via train. In this book, little ones are introduced to several national parks. They’ll be exposed to one kind of animal that lives in each park through the book’s beautiful illustrations.

If you love this book, there is also a sequel with 9 additional national parks.

54. Little Park Ranger Board Book Set by Mudpuppy

This set of four books will introduce infants to the wildlife and natural features found in national parks. Each book includes adorable illustrations of geologic features, plants, water features, and animals that can be found in the parks, along with the name of the park they’re associated with. Between the four books, children will be exposed to 16 national parks. They’ll start dreaming of becoming a park ranger before you know it.

55. Windows to the National Parks of North America: A Lift-The-Flap Board Book of the National Parks by Hannah Sheldon-Dean and Jenny Wren

This interactive book will reveal the beauty of North America’s national parks to little ones at story time. Children can lift the flap on each page to see the variety of landscapes and wildlife found across the national parks. It’s essentially an epic game of peek-a-boo with some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

56. B Is for Bison: A National Parks Primer by Greg Paprocki

This book is part of a line of alphabet books that introduce kids about history, science, holidays, and more. B is for Bison exposes toddlers to both the alphabet and to the national parks. Each letter of the alphabet introduces a national park or a feature in them.

57. National Parks A to Z: Adventure from Acadia to Zion! by Gus D’Angelo

This is a more advanced alphabet book, making it an appropriate national parks book for children of a wider range of ages. Each letter of the alphabet has an alliterative sentence featuring a national park and an animal found in that park. The alliteration is followed by additional information about the national park, and sidebars provide further perspective. Kids will learn not just the alphabet but also lessons on critical topics like Leave No Trace, safety, and diversity.

58. K-So Visits the National Parks by Laura Taylor

In this book, kids will follow K-So the hound dog as he travels to 10 of the country’s national parks. Toddlers will enjoy the narrative as it is written in sing-songy rhymes. This short children’s book is great for any pre-K kids who love stories about puppies!

59. You Are Home: an Ode to the National Parks by Evan Turk

This poetic children’s book makes for a wonderful bedtime story. The book introduces the wildlife and visitors that are welcomed in the national parks. The parks themselves are mentioned more subtly, with the name of the park that each illustration represents written in the page corners.

60. If I Were a Park Ranger by Catherine Stier

Little kids will learn all about national parks through the eyes of a park ranger in this book. They’ll get a glimpse of what a park ranger’s job is like, be introduced to national park sites and the people who made them a reality, and learn valuable lessons like Leave No Trace. This book is ideal for children ages 4-8 years old.

61. My First Day as a Junior Park Ranger by Jennifer B. Benito-Kowalski

Follow Kyler the prairie dog on his first day as a Junior Park Ranger. You’ll meet Kyler’s new friends and learn all about the roles rangers fill as they work in national parks. Whether they are biologists, archaeologists, or beyond, they have lots of responsibilities! This book is intended for children in elementary school.

62. Our National Parks Need You by Stacy Torino and Shannon Andrus

This book teaches children essential lessons they need to learn in order to recreate responsibly in national parks and beyond for the rest of their lives. It provides specific actions that kids should take when they’re enjoying the outdoors, like respecting wildlife and not littering. It’s a wonderful way to teach children who are 5-8 years old these valuable lessons whether you’re reading at home or out on the road.

63. The Camping Trip That Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Our National Parks by Barb Rosenstock

This illustrated story introduces children to the history of the National Park Service and the biographies of the men who led to its founding. It shares how Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir met up on a trip to Yosemite National Park, where they camped and came up with ideas for conserving America’s beautiful lands for all to enjoy. The book is targeted at children 6-9 years old.

64. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber

This book offers an engaging way for kids in elementary school to learn about national parks. Kids will be introduced to the animals that call the parks home. They’ll also be exposed to the recreation opportunities available in the parks. At the end of the book, children are called on to find animals throughout the pages to test their knowledge of wildlife and the alphabet.

65. Ranger Rick’s Travels: National Parks by Stacy Torino and Ken Keffer

Ranger Rick, The National Wildlife Federation’s loveable racoon character, is ready to explore national parks with kids ages 7-12. Part guide book and part fact book, this publication lists things to do, popular wildlife, and fun facts for every national park. Full-color photographs add tremendously to the educational value of this book.

66. The National Parks: Discover All 62 Parks of the United States by Stefanie Payne

This national park guide book for kids provides an easily digestible overview of every park. It includes information on recreation activities, history and statistics, plants and animals, and habitat types found in each of America’s national parks. The book’s photos and illustrations will  delight kids with a sense of adventure as they are exposed to the variety of beautiful landscapes across the country. Eager learners will be fascinated by this book whether they are gearing up for national park trips or are merely using the book for armchair travels.

67. National Parks: A Kid’s Guide to America’s Parks, Monuments, and Landmarks by Erin McHugh

This book is full of facts on 75 national park sites for budding learners. Each park gets a dedicated page with a short write up and sidebars with fascinating facts, all paired with illustrations. Note that this is more of a fact-based book than a handy guide for children who plan to visit the parks.

68. Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park: A Mystery Adventure in the National Parks by Aaron Johnson

Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is the first in a series of chapter books that take place in national parks. In this first mystery, Jake inherits a set of clues that lead him on a scavenger hunt in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. But time is of the essence since Jake and his friends aren’t the only ones on the scavenger hunt.

The adventure and mystery of this book are the perfect combination to get kids hooked on reading. Fortunately, there are three books in the series as of this writing so kids who can’t get their fill of the book have more to read.

69. Designing National Parks by Dona Herweck Rice

It’s easy to get the idea that national parks are areas of untouched wilderness for us to explore, but in reality a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to give tourists a wonderful experience at these treasured destinations. This book introduces children to the design process that goes into engineering the parks, all while building readers’ creativity, interest in science, and reading skills. The text contains real-world examples of national park design challenges and career advice from people who work in the field.

70. National Parks: Where the Wild Things Are! by Joe Yogerst

This book provides a brief introduction to many national park sites across the country using a unique format. Each park is personified and gets its own page with a short write up and some bullet point facts. There are separate chapters for each region of the country.

71. America’s National Parks by Alexa Ward

Give the young explorer in your life the travel bug with this kid-friendly guide to the national parks. This guide from Lonely Planet includes lists of things to do and see in each park plus some educational facts. The book is enhanced with photographs of the parks’ landscapes and wildlife. It’s an ideal book for children ages 9-12 who want to start learning about national parks ahead of family trips.

72. The National Parks: Preserving America’s Wild Places by Falynn Koch

Part of the History Comics line of comics, this book teaches children about the history of national parks in the format of a graphic novel. Kids will learn about America’s first national park and the people who came up with the idea of establishing national parks. This comic book is suitable for kids in late elementary school or middle school.

73. Eyewitness National Parks by DK

In this installment of the Eyewitness educational series, children can learn about all national parks. The facts about the history and wildlife of each national park are complemented by high-quality images. This informational book about the national parks is great for children 9 and up who want to learn about America’s public lands.

74. Exploring the National Parks by Samantha Bell

This book introduces children to what it’s like to visit national parks. It reveals the activities, services, and people that are found in national parks. It also delves into the history of national parks.

Books About National Parks for Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies

75. The National Parks Cookbook: The Best Recipes from (and Inspired by) America’s National Parks by Linda Ly

Are you a foodie that loves national parks? This cookbook contains over 70 recipes that are inspired by the national parks, including famous dishes that are served at the most popular parks. The recipes include meals, appetizers, desserts, and cocktails, so you can create a multi-course meal honoring the national parks. Whether you just love cooking or you want to recreate memories of your trips to national parks, this cookbook deserves a place in your kitchen.

76. America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: Stitch 30 of America’s Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments by becker&mayer! books

Crafty lovers of America’s parks and landmarks will delight in this book of cross stitch patterns. This book contains 30 cross stitch patterns depicting scenes from national parks and monuments. Have fun completing these cross stitches whether you want to DIY national park gifts or create mementos of your travels.

77. Knitting the National Parks: 63 Easy-to-follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by the US National Parks by Nancy Bates

Create beautiful, warm hats that are inspired by the outdoors with this book of knitting patterns. The book includes a knitting pattern for every national park in the country. The patterns range in difficulty so there’s something for knitters of every skill level.

78. Ansel Adams: The National Park Service Photographs by Ansel Adams (with Notes by Alice Gray)

In the early 1940s, the Department of the Interior commissioned Ansel Adams to photograph national parks. This book is a compilation of Adams’ black-and-white photographs from a fraction of the national parks in the western United States that resulted from that assignment. This collection offers a glimpse into the renowned photographer’s work that influenced both photography and environmentalism in his lifetime.

79. Picturing America’s National Parks by Jamie M. Allen

Enjoy this collection of national park photographs from both modern photographers and famed artists of the past. Plus, learn about the historical role that photography has played in America’s conservation efforts. It’s a beautiful book that both artists and outdoor enthusiasts can appreciate. 

80. The National Parks An American Legacy: Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Service by Ian Shive

This photography collection showcases the breathtaking beauty of national parks as captured by Ian Shive. The incredibly vivid photographs are complemented by a few short essays from conservation organizations. Lots of photographs are included from iconic landscapes to lesser-known viewpoints.

Books About National Parks: Uncategorized

81. Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors by Amber Share

Are you one of those people who doesn’t understand how anyone could not be obsessed with national parks? Do you love national parks humor? Check out this hysterical compilation of terrible reviews people have left online about their visits to national parks. The book doesn’t only include these tourists’ negativity, though; each park in the book is celebrated with anecdotes from rangers, insights, and the author’s personal appreciation for the parks.

82. Strange Tales from National Parks: Werewolves, Bigfoots, Cannibals, UFOs and More by Martin K. Ettington

We all know national parks are special places to preserve Earth’s natural history – but what about the supernatural? This book is a collection of strange events that have occurred in national parks. Read accounts of aliens, Bigfoot sightings, and more that park rangers claim have transpired within America’s national parks.

83. Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks by Tyler Nordgren

This book uniquely uses the national parks as a way to make astronomy relevant to its readers. Each chapter focuses on a different astronomy topic such as the moon, the Milky Way, and black holes. Every topic is associated with one or more national parks where the astronomical phenomenon can be connected to, culminating in an explanation of how to observe the night sky in these national parks.

(Just interested in basic tips for stargazing in specific national parks? Check out my articles on stargazing in Acadia National Park and Joshua Tree National Park!)

84. National Parks Maps: Illustrated Maps of America’s 62 National Parks by Abby Leighton

National Parks Maps is a compilation of illustrated maps depicting the highlights of the national parks. Every national park is included in the collection. The basic maps paired with interesting facts make this book appropriate for armchair travelers of all ages.

85. US National Parks Picture Book by Jacqueline Melgren

This short book of national park photographs is designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other losses in cognitive function. Looking through the beautiful images encourages conversation for a relaxing form of entertainment. Peruse the 30 stunning images to reminisce on trips to national parks or just as a form of armchair travel.

86. A Thinking Person’s Guide to America’s National Parks edited by Robert Manning, Rolf Diamant, Nora Mitchell, and David Harmon

National parks are more than just beautiful vacation destinations. This compilation of essays delves into the science, history, philosophy, and innovation preserved in the national park system. Each chapter addresses a topic, the challenges the national parks currently face in that area, and suggested national parks where readers can experience the topic first-hand. Readers who are eager to learn and feel a deeper connection to the national parks will enjoy this work.

87. Scenic Science of the National Parks: An Explorer’s Guide to Wildlife, Geology, and Botany by Emily Hoff and Maygen Keller

This science book provides a brief introduction to some of the flora, fauna, and geologic features you’ll find in each national park. All of the plants, animals, and geologic formations can readily be found by anyone visiting the parks – no expeditions required. The science is written in an easily digestible format, making this book perfect for the young or casual scientist who wants a preview of what they’ll find in the national parks.

88. Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks by Dave and Ilyssa Kyu

This collection of entertaining texts showcases passages about six popular national parks. The stories will be special to any national parks lover since they were pulled from sources like museums and the national park archives. Enjoy these tales from historical figures whether you’re sitting around the campfire or dreaming of your next adventure.

89. This is a Book for People Who Love the National Parks by Matt Garczynski

If you are an experienced national parks visitor, don’t buy this book based on the title alone. The book is perhaps a better fit for people who will learn to love the national parks, whether that is a child in your life or that friend you think may get the travel bug.

This book provides a short, illustrated profile of every national park. The quick facts and descriptions provide an overview of each park. These brief write-ups are perfect for a quick reference or to introduce the parks to readers who are not yet familiar with these well-known lands. 

90. Lodge: An Indoorsy Tour of America’s National Parks

Whether you prefer to camp or stay in lodges during your visits to national parks, it’s undeniable that the national park lodges are beautiful buildings. This book of photos showcases the interior design of 10 national park lodges. Anyone who is interested in architecture, design, or national parks can appreciate the aesthetic that each lodge brings.

91. Great Lodges of the National Parks by Christine Barnes

This book is a companion to a series that aired on PBS in 2002. The photo-rich book presents the beauty and history of national park lodges and their surrounding environments. Armchair travelers and reminiscing visitors alike can appreciate the spectacular photography. If you enjoy this book, a second volume with additional lodges is also available.

92. The Parklands: Trails and Secrets from the National Parks of the United States by Parks Project

The Parklands combines phenomenal photography with introductory advice for visitors as well as descriptions of each park’s history. This combination of content makes it a wonderful coffee table book that any national parks enthusiast can display proudly. All of your guests will enjoy flipping through the pages – and may just be inspired to visit the national parks, too. 

93. The Complete Guide to the National Parks (Updated Edition): All 63 Treasures from Coast to Coast by Erika Hueneke

This book makes for another wonderful coffee table book about national parks. With breathtaking photographs and magazine-style write ups for each national park, both new and experienced national park visitors can appreciate this book.

94. Mapping America’s National Parks: Preserving Our Natural and Cultural Treasures by U.S. National Park Service

The National Park Service uses maps for a lot more than just providing visitors with directions. Mapping software enables the department to preserve natural resources, plan visitor infrastructure, and plenty more critical tasks. Explore hundreds of actual, detailed maps to learn how these tools support the National Park Service. Anyone interested in science, cartography, or park management can learn something new from this book.

95. National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks by Jonathan Waterman

This collection of rich visuals tells the story of what makes each national park unique. The maps, graphics, and photos within illustrate the characteristics that set each park apart, from nature to culture and recreation. It’s an informative yet beautiful volume all in one.

96. Great American Road Trips: National Parks by Reader’s Digest

This book about national parks offers a little bit of everything in one compact book. Forty national parks are showcased through personal stories, quick facts, and photo galleries. Each park also has brief notes on highlights and potential side trips for the reader who needs that extra nudge to start planning a national parks trip.

97. Requiem for America’s Best Idea: National Parks in the Era of Climate Change by Michael J. Yochim

In 2013, former park ranger Michael Yochim was diagnosed with ALS. He spent his final days drafting this urgent message, explaining how climate is already impacting – and will continue to impact – the national parks. Yochim parallels the decline in his health with the deterioration of the national parks to make a compelling case for saving the parks before it’s too late.

98. America’s Largest Classroom: What We Learn from Our National Parks edited by Jessica L. Thompson

This first-of-its-kind book presents a collection of case studies regarding education in the national parks. Through these examples, the book makes the case for revamping elementary through college education to include more place-based learning. The advice in this book is relevant to anyone working at the intersection of education and national parks, such as environmental educators and policy makers.

99. USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder by DK Eyewitness

This book about the national parks is excellent for the reader with wanderlust. It offers the perfect blend of trip recommendations, photography, and facts to inspire you to visit each of America’s national parks. As soon as you’re ready to take the plunge, check out the more in-depth national park guide books at the beginning of this list.

100. Engineering Eden: A Violent Death, a Federal Trial, and the Struggle to Restore Nature in Our National Parks by Jordan Fisher Smith

Former park ranger Jordan Fisher Smith details the true story of a federal trial and how it relates to a larger debate about wilderness management. When a 25-year-old was killed by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park, the ensuing trial became one of many moments in a century-long discussion about what it means to manage nature. Can humans truly preserve the idyllic “wilderness” that we imagine national parks to be – or are these efforts to control nature doomed to fail the moment that humans intervene? This book guides readers through the ongoing conversation about how America’s natural spaces should be preserved. 

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