Across the United States, national parks offer scenic outdoor grilling options for family and small group gatherings. From the colorful spires of Bryce Canyon to the urban oasis of Anacostia Park, the giant trees of Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and the beautiful sands of Indiana Dunes and White Sands National Park, there are various locations to enjoy a culinary experience in nature. Consider the beauty of national parks for your next outing.
▏Bryce Canyon – Bryce, UT
Part of the beauty of Bryce Canyon is its colorful calcium-rich spires and whimsical arranged rocks found along the park’s landscape. At the south end of the canyon is the North Campground picnic area where you will find grills and picnic tables. Of note, food products and garbage must be stored inside a vehicle or a secure lockable hard sided container.
▏Anacostia Park – Washington, DC
For an urban oasis in the heart of the nation’s capital, visit Anacostia Park which follows along the Anacostia River. Go kayaking or relax by the water. Grills are also provided in designated picnic areas.
▏Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – Three Rivers, CA
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon you can see the world’s largest trees, as well as deep canyons, and other scenic views. What’s more, there are three areas with barbecue grills. Pinewood and Wolverton which is north of Giant Forest Museum, have grills and water spigots. Halstead Meadow, located near the Lodgepole Visitor Center, also has a picnic area with grills but no on-site water. Of note, when fire restrictions are in place, barbecue grills may not be available.
▏Indiana Dunes National Park – Porter, IN
Along the Indiana coast of Lake Michigan, you can explore the Indiana Dunes. The national park covers 15,000 acres of land with over 50 miles of trails. Cooking fires are allowed in the provided grills and there are picnic areas that can be reserved in advance.
▏Shenandoah National Park – Loray, VA
Enjoy cascading waterfalls, vistas, and other scenic views at Shenandoah National Park. There are seven picnic grounds with charcoal grills to choose from: Dickey Ridge, Elkwallow, Pinnacles, Big Meadows, South River, and Dundo.
▏White Sands National Park – Alamogordo, NM
Explore White Sands National Park where miles of desert are engulfed by wave-like dunes of gypsum sand. Elevated grills are provided at the following picnic areas: Primrose, Roadrunner, and Yucca. If using a personal grill, the charcoal must be removed from the park. When using one of the park’s grills leave the charcoal in the grill and douse with water.
Enjoy Nature Responsibly
National parks can be a great option for outdoor grilling with plenty of scenic views. But while enjoying nature, there are precautions to consider to help protect the parks. The National Park Service provides Leave No Trace principles to follow. Details around grilling outdoors include the following:
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you will visit.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces such as maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow.
- Properly dispose waste. Inspect food preparation areas, campsite, and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and liter.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Leave what you find. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Use designated or approved grills. At campsites, use a lightweight stove for cooking and only down or dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Across the United States, you can spend quality time with family and friends. Explore nature’s beauty and grill your own food with a scenic view… All in the great outdoors.
To learn more about national parks including finding a park within a specific state, visit the National Park Service website.
