AI Overview

While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact percentage of the population that visits national parks, AAA’s survey shows that 85% of Americans have visited at least one national park, and most consider them a “must-see” vacation destination. 

Here’s a more detailed look at national park visitation:

• High Visitation Numbers:In 2023, the National Park System received over 325 million recreation visits. 
• Popular Parks:Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the most visited in 2023 with over 12.1 million visitors. 
• Growth in Visitation:Park visitation has grown significantly, with a 64% increase between 1979 and 2015. 
• National Park System:The National Park System comprises 63 national parks. 
• National Parks as a Conservation Tool:National parks protect around 15% of the world’s land surface and around 7% of the world’s marine areas, providing habitat for around 400,000 plant and animal species.