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Death Valley National Park

At Death Valley, Scotty’s Castle Projects Pass Environmental Assessment

The National Park Service has completed its final environmental reviews of proposed projects to repair flood damage at Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley National Park. Meanwhile, work has already started on projects approved earlier. The popular historic site could be partially open by late 2020, and is expected to be fully open by late 2021

Episode 6: The Dark Ranger And The Other Half Of The Park System

Kevin Poe, the original "dark ranger" of the National Park Service, discusses the dark, starry skies high over the National Park System in this week's episode of National Parks Traveler's podcast series. Contributing writer Kim O'Connell shares some insights from her research into how Venezuela's national parks are faring during these times of social and political turmoil in that country, and host Kurt Repanshek concludes the show with a look at some of the park system's "devilish" places.

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Consolidation In Managing The National Park Lodges

Who really does manage most national park lodgings? For the big operations in places such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Shenandoah, corporations. Not surprisingly, while many of the 500 management contracts administered by the National Park Service, such as providing firewood or operating a bicycle rental operation, are relatively straightforward, those for large commercial facilities such as lodging in Yosemite or Yellowstone are extremely complicated. David and Kay Scott bring some clarity to this issue in their latest article pertaining to lodging in the National Park System.

National Parks 101: Who Runs The Lodges And Dining Establishments?

Many travelers (readers of the Traveler excepted) mistakenly believe commercial facilities in the national parks – lodging, dining, and retail - are operated by the federal government. While national park officials have ultimate oversight on things such as pricing, these facilities are operated by private companies that bid for the right to rent rooms, operate dining facilities, sell T-shirts, and offer specified activities such as trail rides and guided tours. NPS rangers continue to staff visitor centers and offer interpretive activities, but nearly all commercial activities are handled by the private sector.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.