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The National Park Service reports that its 409 units are on pace to set a new annual visitation record.
The NPS's Public Use Statistics Office estimated 272.5 million recreation visits to the parks through October, the latest month that complete, though unofficial statistics are available. That compares to 262.7 million visits in the same period of 2014, an increase of 3.7 percent, which will mean 300 million visitors in 2015.
"With every visit to national parks, people write themselves a prescription for the health benefits that come when enjoying these natural and historical wonders," said NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis. "Americans have loved the national parks for a century and more. Our aim now is to help the next generation become not only visitors but park supporters and advocates too."
Things could even get more busy in 2016, when the park service celebrates its centennial year with a number of special events planned.
The Park Service is telling visitors that they need to plan ahead if they hope to visit or camp in parks in 2016. Many campgrounds or special tours will require advanced reservations.
The NPS reported that the increased visitation was not confined to one region or type of park. Parks across the U.S. have already exceeded prior records.
For example, Yellowstone smashed its previous high in 2010 with ore than four million visits, a 17 percent increase over last year. Rocky Mountain National Park, which is celebrating its own park centennial, also may pass four million visits in 2015.
Golden Spike National Historic Site near Brigham City, had 32 percent more visits through October than during the same period a year ago. And visitation increased almost every month this year. In southern Utah,. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks have also set new visitation highs this year.