There are many good books about national parks, covering everything from adventure narratives, guidebooks, novels, humor and history. Listed below are just a few recommendations from a retired veteran of 30 years as a national park ranger and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm also the author of two of the following books :-)
Some Useful Links about national park books
- Hey Ranger!
In addition to information about the Hey Ranger! series of books, this website has links to many other sites of interest about national parks, outdoor safety and conservation organizations.
Hey Ranger! and Hey Ranger 2 have both been among the small number of books chosen by Barnes and Noble for their annual Father's Day Gift Guide. That's a pretty good recommendation from America's largest bookseller! Either book would be a great gift for any occasion for anyone who enjoys a good story - and a smile.
For more information about either book, just click on the above link.
- Book stores in national parks
This link to the official website for the National Park Service (NPS) allows you to search for official NPS publications and for non-profit bookstores located in many national parks. Profits from sales in these shops help provide funds for many worthwhile park projects which are cannot be supported by limited park budgets.
- Assn. of Partners for Public Lands
This is the national umbrella organization for non-profit "cooperating associations." These groups operate bookstores in national parks and other recreation areas around the country. Profits from purchases made from these groups help fund activities that benefit visitors to the parks and protect park resources.
- National Park Service history
Official National Park Service site with links to many publications about the history of the NPS and individual parks. On-line versions of the complete text of some classic books, most of which are out-of-print, are available here.
Some recommended national park books from Amazon.com
Hey Ranger!: True Tales of Humor & Misadventure from America's National Parks
A fun and informative book about what can happen when vacations by everyday Americans just don't turn out quite as planned.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 01/01/2010) 
Hey Ranger 2: More True Tales of Humor and Misadventure from the Great Outdoors (No. 2)
The sequel to the first "Hey Ranger," was released in May, 2007 and was a selection for the 2007 Barnes and Noble Father's Day Gift Guide. It was the First Place Winner in the Outdoor Book Category for the Texas Outdoor Writers Association 2008 Excellent in Craft Awards.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 01/01/2010)
The Last Season
Amazon Price: $21.33 (as of 01/01/2010)
Frommer's National Parks with Kids (Park Guides)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/01/2010)
National Park Ranger: An American Icon
Amazon Price: $16.20 (as of 01/01/2010)
Like to see some more?
Here are some other suggested books from Amazon.com
National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, 5th Ed.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
Death, Daring, & Disaster - Search and Rescue in the National Parks (Revised Edition)
Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 01/02/2010)
America's National Parks for Dummies, Second Edition
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
Desert Solitaire
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
Have a favorite national park book you'd like to recommend?
- I'd enjoy hearing your recommendations for your favorite books about national parks. Just click on the "contact the lensmaster" link on the right-hand side of this lens and send me an e-mail telling me why you'd recommend that book. (You'll find that link under the "About the Lensmaster" section.")
National parks are great spots to take photos. Here are several pictures of national parks from my personal collection.
Just click on any of the thumbnail images below to see a larger version.
You may also be interested in the following lenses.
The National Parks and Monuments lens was selected as the "Lens of the Day" on January 31, 2007, and was voted the "#1 best content lens in the "People's Choice By Invitation Only contest" for February 2007. Thanks, Squidoo!
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Park Ranger Books
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Almost everyone who enjoys the out-of-doors has probably wished at one time or another that he or she could be a park ranger. It is a great career, but I can verify from personal experience that like any other, it does have its moments! Read abo...
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National Parks and Monuments
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This lens provides links to detailed information about national park service sites to help you plan a trip, learn more about these special areas, and keep you informed about what you can do to help ensure that they will continue to be protected for f...
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Hey Ranger! True Tales of Humor and Misadventure from America's National Parks
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If you have comments or suggestions about this lens, or about books related to the subject of national parks, let us know.
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Reply
- Comfortdoc Comfortdoc Jan 27, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
- I've included your lens on the Who is John Muir lens
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- Margaret_Schaut Margaret_Schaut Jan 24, 2007 @ 9:15 am
- Great stuff! I can see,and I hope for, a long series of lenses about our National Parks from you!
by JimB
Jim Burnett spent 30 years as a national park service ranger at 8 parks all across the U.S. before retiring and beginning a second "dream career" as a...
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