Start Here: Your Guide to Visiting National Parks
Welcome to The Roaming Monk. I’m Dennis — and if you’re here, there’s a good chance you’re either curious about national parks, deep into collecting passport stamps, or trying to figure out where to even begin.
I’ve been visiting National Park Service sites since my kids were young, and I’m now 120+ sites into what I hope is an all-430+journey. Along the way I’ve collected hundreds of passport stamps (including all those bonus stamps!), planned more road trips than I can count, and learned a few things about making the most of every visit.
This page is your starting point. Pick the path that sounds most like you — I’ll point you in the right direction.
Where Do You Want to Start Visiting National Parks?
Are you an obsessive collector, a diligent planner or just wanting to explore what is new and interesting, there is something for everyone at our National Parks. Here are three paths — pick the one that fits.
The Collector
You want to visit every NPS site, or at least as many as you can get to. Passport stamps are how you keep score. You plan trips around stamp locations, not the other way around.
The Planner
You’re trying to build real memories with your kids — the kind that stick. You want experiences that are educational, manageable, and worth the drive. You’re also watching the budget.
The Explorer
You don’t need to fly across the country to have a great park experience. Check out what is close by with your home state’s park system..
Most-Read Guides on The Roaming Monk
- State Park Passport Programs: The Complete Guide — A breakdown of state park passport programs across the country — what they are, how they work, and how to start collecting.
- The Ultimate National Park Passport Stamp Guide — Everything you need to know about collecting NPS cancellation stamps, from getting started to finding every stamp location.
- Civil War National Park Sites: Complete Guide — All 37 Civil War-related NPS sites in one place, with what to expect and how to visit them efficiently.
- Bonus National Park Passport Stamps — There are more stamp opportunities than most collectors realize. Here’s where to find the ones that don’t get talked about.
- Georgia State Park Passport Program — Georgia’s state park passport program is one of the best in the Southeast. Here’s how it works and how to get started.
Where I’ve Been
Here’s a look at every NPS site I’ve visited so far. Amazing places!
FAQ
How do I start collecting national park passport stamps?
Pick up an official National Parks Passport book (available at most park visitor centers or online), visit a National Park Service site, and ask for a cancellation stamp at the visitor center. That’s it — you’re a collector.
Are Stamps only at “National Parks?”
No. All 430+ NPS units have stamps — not just the 63 sites officially designated as “National Parks.” That includes monuments, historic sites, battlefields, seashores, recreation areas, and more.
What’s the best national park for a first-time visitor?
Generally, the closest one is the best! It does not have to be an iconic Yellowstone or famous battlefield to get something out of visiting. Even a small historic site can provide an amazing experience!
How many national park sites are there?
As of 2026, there are 433 officially designated National Park Service units in the United States. Most people are surprised to learn the number is that high — only 63 of them carry the “National Park” name, but all 433 count for passport stamp collecting.
When I’m not out chasing stamps, I occasionally build things for fun. I put together a small collection of free National Park-themed games . They’re not exactly AAA titles, but they’ll kill a few minutes on a long drive to your next park!
About Me
I’m a dad, lifelong traveler, and passport stamp obsessive working my way through all 430+ National Park Service sites. I don’t write about places I haven’t personally visited — everything on this site comes from firsthand experience. The Roaming Monk exists because I wanted a record of the journey, and because I kept wishing a site like this had existed when I was starting out.