America’s national parks are more popular than ever. From Yellowstone to Zion, record visitation has put new pressure on park budgets, infrastructure, and staff—challenges that can’t be solved by appropriations alone. To ensure our parks remain both accessible and exceptional, the National Park Service should embrace creative, market-based tools that make every dollar go further and every visit more enjoyable.
One smart step is to implement an international visitor surcharge, as directed by President Trump’s recent executive order. Each year, millions of overseas travelers visit U.S. parks but pay the same entry fees as Americans, even though they’re often willing to pay more. A modest surcharge—already common practice in other countries—would generate substantial new revenue that stays in the parks where it’s collected. That means better facilities, safer infrastructure, and a higher-quality experience for everyone.
Beyond new revenue, better management flexibility is key. Local park superintendents know their sites best, yet too often they’re handcuffed by one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington. Giving managers the discretion to direct resources where they’re needed—while holding them accountable for results—would empower smarter stewardship and help prevent maintenance problems before they start.
Finally, harnessing partnerships with the private sector can stretch limited resources further. Outsourcing routine maintenance or facility operations where appropriate frees park rangers to focus on what they do best: protecting natural resources and enhancing visitor experiences. By combining innovative funding, local autonomy, and public-private collaboration, we can make “America’s best idea” even better—keeping our national parks beautiful, resilient, and ready to inspire the next generation of visitors.
As part of this effort, PERC has submitted a public comment to the National Park Service outlining several practical steps—such as implementing an international visitor surcharge, expanding partnerships, and granting more flexibility to park superintendents—to help improve visitor services and strengthen the long-term stewardship of America’s national parks.
