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All 63 USA National Parks Ranked Best to Worst

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a map of the USA

There are a lot of national parks in the USA, so it can be hard to choose which one you might want to go to.

There are lots of factors in choosing which US national park is the best. Some of the things that go into the ranking of the parks are hiking trails, facilities, crowds, and photogenic. However, the biggest thing that goes into ranking national parks is the scenery. This list is mostly based on how breathtaking each park is. 

 

1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited national parks.

Located in California, Yosemite National Park has lots of activities, accommodations, and accessibility. Yosemite Valley is the most famous stretch of road in the park and getting out of the car provides you with gorgeous views of the park.

There are lots of rock climbing routes for all kinds of rock climbers too. Iconic park views include El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. There are miles of trails available to you to go hiking and biking and gorgeous wildflowers and wildlife to take in.

Everything about Yosemite is great, which means that it gets lots of visitors every year. Don’t let the crowds intimidate you though, there are 750,000 acres of land to be explored. 

2. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

While some think this park is largely overshadowed by Yellowstone, it’s just as beautiful and a lot less crowded. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are the only two national parks in Wyoming. The most popular attraction in Grand Teton is Jackson Hole.

If you don’t want to get out and hike, the scenic drive down Teton Park Road offers great views of the park without getting out of your car. As for hikers, long-distance trails Cascade Canyon and Teton Crest are great hikes for experienced hikers. For non-experienced hikers, Jenny Lake Loop offers 7.6 miles of trail that everyone can hike. 

3. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

Sometimes called the “Crown of the Continent,” this jaw-dropping park lives up to its name. There are one million acres of wilderness in Montana’s backcountry. There are two mountain ranges and over 130 lakes. If you want to experience Glacier from your car, there’s the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The road crosses the Continental Divide and goes on for 50 miles. Glacier is one of the best national parks in the country. Glacier National Park stops at the Canada line and shares a border with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

These parks are a part of the first International Peace Park. Both parks are two of the most popular in North America. 

4. Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Visiting this park will be like going back in time to the ice age. Harding Icefield sits in this park, which was a 700 square mile glacier that covered a majority of Alaska. You can take the 8.2-mile-long Harding Icefield Trail to view every part of the old glacier.

You can also hop in a kayak and take a guided tour of the fjords. The nearby city of Seward is a better place to find accommodations than inside the park itself. 

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Many people assume that the most visited national park is Yellowstone or Grand Canyon, when in fact, it’s the Great Smoky Mountains. This is because of how accessible the park is. It goes through Tennessee and North Carolina and has many small towns and several major cities in it.

There is also the world-famous Appalachian Trail that stretches for 70 miles. You can access the park by any means necessary. The only thing that the park doesn’t have is a peak over 10,000 feet. The fall season is the most popular time for the Great Smoky Mountains.

The hillsides turn breathtaking shades of orange, red, and yellow. Another great perk of this park is that it’s free to visit. 

6. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

This park offers snowy mountain peaks, temperate rainforest ecosystems, and rugged coastlines. Located in Washington, Olympic National Park offers all of these terrains in one place. There’s Hurricane Ridge, Puget Sound, Ruby Beach, and Quinault Forest.

There are so many things to do here. You’ll definitely need more than one day to experience everything that Olympic National Park has to offer. You can go hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and biking. You can also go stargazing and take in the beauty of the galaxy. 

7. Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

There are13.2 million acres of gorgeous landscape and four major mountain ranges to explore in this park. The park is said to be the same size as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Switzerland combined. The park also has 60% of the USA’s glaciers. Also, this park is completely isolated. The size and location are perfect for those who want to truly getaway to the wilderness. 

8. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier’s peak can be seen from over 200 miles away when it’s clear outside. Every backpacker wants to hike the Wonderland Trail, which is a 93-mile long trail that goes through valleys and forests while going around the volcanic Mount Rainier.

However, the Wonderland Trail is not meant for inexperienced hikers. There is the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center that is the trailhead for easier trails in the park. Mount Rainier is still an active volcano that is expected to have future eruptions, so it’s always a challenge to hike it. It’s very close to Seattle too, which is why it’s so popular. 

9. Denali National Park

Denali National Park

Denali is Alaska’s most visited national park. The mountain Denali, which the park is named after, is the tallest peak in North America at 20,320 feet high. There are many campgrounds and lodges for you to stay at during your visit. However, the reason that Denali isn’t visited as much as the other national parks are because it’s very hard to get to. It’s also hard to explore around the park safely. 

10. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is the first national park and is most known for its geysers. The most famous geyser is Old Faithful. Yellowstone also has its own Grand Canyon, although it’s not the Grand Canyon that people think of when they hear Grand Canyon.

Even though millions of people visit the park each year, most don’t venture beyond the popular attractions. The park has 12 campgrounds and several restaurants and stores for everyone to visit. Even though the park is very popular, wildlife doesn’t care. There are often “bear jams” in the park that take park activity to a halt. 

11. Glacier Bay National Park

This park gets lots of visitors, but most of them are just stopping by on their way to an Alaskan cruise. However, this park deserves to be explored for everything it offers. You’re free to explore this park’s backcountry if you’ve already done the designated trails. While there aren’t any restaurants in park limits, there’s a town nearby where you can restock before heading back to Glacier Bay.

12. Zion National Park

This park is home to Angels Landing and is Utah’s pride and joy. Once you get to the tallest peak in the park, you can take a break and swim in the shallow water of the Narrows, which is the skinniest section of Zion Canyon. There are three campgrounds, but they fill up very fast. There are lots of towns around the park, though, and they all have plenty of places to stay. 

13. Katmai National Park and Preserve

When you think of Katmai National Park and Preserve, you should think of one animal: the brown bear. There are approximately 2,200 brown bears in this park, and there are companies that have viewing platforms where you can watch the brown bears catch salmon without disrupting them. This park is also home to the largest volcano eruption in the 20th century. Katmai is a gem in Alaska’s vast wilderness. 

14. North Cascades National Park

If you love waterfalls, North Cascades is perfect for you. Even though Washington state has Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park, North Cascades is the best park in the state if you want to hike. The trails stretch all over the backcountry and lead to beautiful scenery. 

There are lots of camping opportunities in North Cascades, so you won’t have to leave after just one day. You’ll be able to explore most of the park if you take your time. There are restaurants and lodges as well. 

 

15. Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are world-famous.

Home to one of the most well-known mountain ranges, this park is visited by over four million people each year. You can find the best views of the park while driving on Trail Ridge Road. Be careful though, because the road doesn’t have a guardrail. There are great hikes as well. Some treks include Glacier Gorge, Hallett Peak, and Longs Peak. 

16. Lake Clark National Park

This is another park that you can only get to by boat or plane. This park is double the size of Yellowstone without all the people. Only about 22,000 people visit Lake Clark every year. The park doesn’t have any roads on it, which means no cars, so expect complete peace and serenity when visiting Lake Clark.

17. Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale is located in Michigan, and it’s only accessible by boat, plane, or ferry. Everything about this park is remote; you can find wolves and moose wandering the hiking trails and maybe even the northern lights. It sits on Lake Michigan, so you can go diving to shipwrecks at the lake’s bottom. This park isn’t open year-round, so make sure that you plan your trip accordingly. 

18. Acadia National Park

This park has the best display of colors during fall. It sits on the North Atlantic Coast in Maine and has the best hiking trails on the northeast coast. The only downside to this park is how popular it is. It has over 3.5 million visitors every year. However, you can climb Cadillac Mountain, sit on the shore at Sand Beach, and just enjoy the colors of fall. 

19. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is home to the hoodoos, which are tall, skinny formations of rocks that stick up from the bottom of basins. There are many different levels of trails inside the park that will take you all around the canyon. The park is very small in comparison to the other national parks, but its beauty makes up for its lack in size. 

20. Death Valley National Park

Don’t let the name scare you away; this park is amazing. There are 21 trails, and this park has some of the best stargazing in the country. This park is massive; it has nine campsites, four lodges, and five restaurants. Because this park is so big, you’ll have to spend lots of time inside your car. 

21. Kings Canyon National Park

This park is adjacent to Sequoia and is full of Sequoia trees. The park is named after a creek that used to run through the canyon. It used to be named after General Ulysses S. Grant, and its name changed in 1940. It’s home to mule deer, pika, and yellow-bellied marmots. 

22. Shenandoah National Park

This park is home to the famous 105-mile Skyline Drive. It sits right outside Washington D.C. You can see the Blue Mountains everywhere you are in the park. You can also hike the Appalachian Trail because it stretches that far north. Don’t worry about trying to find anywhere to eat or sleep because there are places to do everything within this park. 

23. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon can be seen from space; that’s how big it is. It’s also one of the seven wonders of the world. The park is more of a tourist attraction than anything, but you can still do other things like hiking here. There are lots of campgrounds and lodges here too. 

24. Big Bend National Park

In terms of places to stay, you won’t find yourself struggling to get a place to sleep here. You can’t do this park in one day, and you won’t have to. You can also climb the Chisos Mountains, venture into the Santa Elena Canyon, and then soak off in the hot springs. The only downside to this park is that it’s about three hours away from any major cities.

25. Sequoia National Park

Sequoia trees are massive, and this park connects to Kings Canyon National Park. The park has a signature sequoia named General Sherman. The park has open hiking, so you have lots of land to explore. This park was one of the first parks that were created specifically to protect wildlife. 

26. Redwood State & National Park

This park is home to the tallest trees on earth, and it protects them perfectly. It’s also home to the drive-thru tree, which is exactly what you would imagine. It’s a massive redwood that has a hole carved into it for you to drive through. However, this isn’t the only great thing about the park. It also has lots of campgrounds, hiking trails, and rivers. 

27. Arches National Park

This park has the most land-made arches in the world. There’s the Delicate Arch, the Tower Arch, the Landscape Arch, and the Double Arch. This park only has one campsite and it fills up fast, so don’t wait too long. You can go biking, hiking, and rock climbing here too. 

28. Crater Lake National Park 

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA. The park also sits inside a dormant volcano, Mt. Mazama. This park is enjoyable any time of year because the park gets covered by almost 50 inches of snow. You can go swimming and fishing here too. There aren’t many places to stay here, but you can buy groceries and eat. 

29. Lassen Volcanic National Park

This park has four different kinds of volcanoes: plug dome, composite, cinder cone, and shield. It has almost every ecosystem inside it. You’ll find over 150 miles of hiking trails and opportunities to swim, kayak, and fish. Don’t forget to visit the remains of Mt. Tehama, which used to rule the area.

30. Great Basin National Park

This park will shock you because it has lakes and mountain peaks amongst the flat desert that inhabits the rest of Nevada. However, the best part of this park is when the sun goes down because you can see the Milky Way, meteors, and millions of stars. This park isn’t as popular as some of the ones that surround it, but it’s truly an underrated gem. 

31. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is broken into districts: the Island of the Sky and the Needles. The park can only be accessed by a handful of roads. The Island of the Sky is where most tourists visit. The Mesa Arch is the best place to take pictures. The Needles is more for people who like to go backpacking in the country.

 

32. Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park

A national park in the Virgin Islands sounds like a win-win!

Virgin Islands National Park looks like a postcard. It covers the majority of St. John island. You can also go snorkeling, swimming, fishing, boating, and sailing in the water. To reach the island, you’ll need to drive, fly, or take a ferry. This island isn’t as crowded as other islands in the area, so you don’t have to worry about too many people. 

33. Great Sand Dunes National Park

This park has both alpine peaks and sandy dunes for everyone to explore. The dunes don’t get many visitors due to the heat index that they reach on an otherwise regular day. However, in this park, you can go fishing, hiking, sandboarding, horseback riding, and stargazing. You won’t get bored, but remember to go anytime other than summer. 

34. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This park has lots of things to do and see, like a live orchestra, an art exhibit, theater productions, and railroad tours. You can go canoeing or kayaking down the Cuyahoga River. Brandywine Falls is breathtaking, and it’s what made Cuyahoga Valley so famous. There are only a handful of campsites here, though. 

35. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

This park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which are two of the most active volcanoes in Hawai’i. If you’ve ever wanted to see lava up close, you’ll get your chance here. They offer guided lava tours and self-guided lava tours. There are lots of hiking trails and a great rainforest for you to explore. Keep in mind that these are active volcanoes, so stay vigilant and keep up with park announcements. 

36. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is home to the Joshua Tree, and you can only find this tree here. It’s the oldest tree in the world, which is why so many people come to this park to see them. However, the trees aren’t the only thing that attracts visitors. The park also has many different kinds of wildflowers that give the desert horizon a brilliant splash of color. 

37. Haleakalā National Park

This park offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences like viewing the Milky Way, hiking a dormant volcano, or swimming in a jungle. This park’s main attraction is the Haleakalā Crater, which is a 2,270-foot crater that formed as the volcano eroded. There are a few campsites and lodges, but make sure to reserve your spot. 

38. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is just another of Utah’s amazing national parks. This park is full of red rock canyons, buttes, and ridges. While this park might feel a lot like the others in its area, it’s worth it to see the beauty it has to offer. There’s an arch called the Hickman Bridge that’s over 130 feet long. 

39. Badlands National Park

While this park gets its fair share of visitors, most stay in their cars and don’t get out and explore. The park doesn’t have many designated trails, but you’re free to wander the backcountry as much as you please. Badlands has two campgrounds and one lodge; however, the lodge isn’t year-round like the campgrounds are. 

 

40. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

Crocodiles and alligators are indigenous to the Everglades.

The Everglades is home to several different endangered species, which is one of the things that attracts so many people every year. This park has a few hiking trails; however, alligators and crocodiles like to sunbathe on them, so watch where you’re walking. While there aren’t any lodges or restaurants, there are different kinds of campsites to accommodate everyone’s needs. 

41. Mesa Verde National Park

This park is home to over 5,000 archeological sites and 600 cliff dwellings from 600 A.D. It was all made by the Ancestral Pueblo culture, and you can find more information on them at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. You can trek the 116-mile Trail of Ancients to take in everything that this park’s history has to offer. 

42. Channel Islands National Park 

This park is made up of five islands, and they are mostly undeveloped and undisturbed. Santa Cruz island is one of them, and it holds one of the biggest sea caves in the world. This park has a little bit of everything: you can go hiking up a mountain or snorkeling in crystal clear water. There’s only one campground on each island, and you have to walk everywhere you go. 

43. Biscayne National Park

There aren’t many hiking trails here, but you can go down paddling trails. 95% of this park is underwater, and it’s home to the world’s third-largest coral reef. The best way to explore this park is by snorkeling, diving, boating, or paddling. This park is only accessible by boat, but it’s worth it to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

44. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

While this park offers lots in terms of things to look at, it doesn’t have much to do. There are hiking trails and you can go kayaking in the river at the bottom of the canyon; however, there aren’t as many hiking trails as other parks because of how steep the canyon is. You can stay inside your car and take the South Rim Drive and take in the park that way.

45. Pinnacles National Park

California’s least-known national park has more to do than meets the eye. This park has lots of hiking trails that take you all over the volcanic rock formations and show you gorgeous scenery. There’s only one campground in this park, and it’s on the eastern side. Because there’s only one, make sure to get there soon enough that you have a place to sleep. 

46. Voyageurs National Park

Rainy Lake, Namakan Lake, Sany Point Lake, and Kabetogama Lake are what makes up 40% of this national park. Also, these are just the large lakes; there are 26 other lakes within this park. You can explore this park on guided boat tours, which is most likely the best way to do so. There are campsites and hiking trails available to everyone. 

47. Dry Tortugas National Park

Just because this is America’s least visited national park doesn’t mean that it has nothing to do. Only 1% of this park is dry land, which means that this park is perfect for going snorkeling and diving. You could visit coral reefs or shipwrecks and observe different aquatic life in its natural habitat. This park is at the end of the Florida Reef system, so the coral reefs are hardly visited and in great condition. 

48. Mammoth Caves National Park

Kentucky is home to Mammoth Caves, which is the largest underground cave in the world. It’s over 400 miles long, and the park has loads of tours led by the National Park Service rangers. If you find yourself feeling claustrophobic, there are lots of other things to do outside of the cave. There are more trails above ground, and there are two rivers for you to cool off in. 

49. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Peak is the tallest mountain peak in Texas. This park is actually home to four of Texas’s tallest peaks. This park is great for those who like to mountain climb and hike in desert terrains. While the other national parks have better scenery, this park is hardly crowded and has great things to do. 

50. American Samoa National Park

This park technically sits on land that the USA doesn’t own. This is the only national park that lies on the south side of the equator, and it’s very underdeveloped. The island isn’t made for tourists to visit. There are only 13 hiking trails, and no camping is allowed. However, the park’s beauty and uniqueness make up for it all.

51. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Almost 1,000 feet below New Mexico is Carlsbad Caverns. It’s very close to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, so if you want to visit both, you could combine the trips. There isn’t much to do at this park when compared to the others. There are two trails, one restaurant, and primitive camping. 

 

52. Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park

The Gates of the Arctic is one of Alaska’s hidden gems.

The entirety of this park is above the arctic circle, and it has the Brooks Range, which is the tallest mountain range in America. This park is very difficult to access, though. You can either go on a sightseeing flight over the park or take a bush plane into it. Also, this park isn’t like the others at all. There are no trails, lodges, campgrounds, or roads. 

53. Wind Cave National Park

This cave is hidden beneath the grasslands of South Dakota. There are about 30 miles of hiking trails above the cave. Cave tours are available from the NPS rangers. There isn’t much to do in the park other than touring the cave, hiking the trails, and looking at the animals. There are no amenities like lodging, restaurants, or campsites. 

54. Indiana Dunes National Park

This park is only open during certain hours of the day. However, this park has a little bit of everything. There are marshes, prairies, swamps, and a forest. You can climb Mt. Tom, Mt. Jackson, or Mt. Holden to get gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. There isn’t anywhere to camp in this park, but there are many towns nearby for you to stay at. 

55. Congaree National Park

A lot of people think of Congaree as just swamplands because it used to be called Congaree Swamp National Monument. However, it’s so much more than that. While there aren’t any mountain peaks to climb, there are lots of hiking trails to explore the calming environment Congaree offers. There’s also a boardwalk that you can walk across instead of going through the dense wildlife. 

56. Petrified Forest National Park

This park used to be filled with lush green trees that were swallowed by a volcano eruption. The remains are beautifully colored rocks that are great to explore. However, this park isn’t open 24/7. It also doesn’t have any campgrounds, lodging, or restaurants. The main thing this park offers is something gorgeous to look at. 

57. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

This park is the only national park in North Dakota, and it’s the only park named after a president. It has paved paths that are easy to access and great backpacking trails. The park is home to mule deer, bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, and elk, so be extra careful. There’s also a painted canyon and a petrified forest. This park has a little bit of everything. 

58. Saguaro National Park

Located in Arizona, this park is most known for its saguaro cacti. Those cacti are the kind that everyone thinks of when they think of a cactus: two arms pointed towards the sky and attached to a base. This kind of cactus is actually only found in this region of the country. The Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District are the two parts of this park, and they have over 150 miles of hiking trails between the two of them. 

59. Hot Springs National Park

Otherwise known as the American Spa, people have been going to this park to relax for years. Not only does this park have a natural hot spring, but it also has scenic drives and hiking trails. If you don’t want to unwind in the hot springs, there are also European bathhouses for you to enjoy. The only downside to this park is its popularity because over one million people flock to it yearly to experience the spring’s healing powers. 

60. Gateway Arch National Park

This park made people question what it really takes to be a national park. Located in the middle of St. Louis, Gateway Arch is home to the famous arch that marks Thomas Jefferson’s westward expansion. Because it’s in the middle of a city, you don’t need to look very far for food and lodging. There’s very easy access to every accommodation you could ask for.

62. White Sands National Park

This park is the second most recent to be named a national park. It used to be a national monument. It’s located in New Mexico and is full of white sand dunes made of gypsum crystals, which is the biggest white sand dunes in the world. Coyotes, rabbits, and bobcats live here so be careful of finding a habitat. 

62. Kobuk Valley National Park

This park is as far away from society as you could possibly get. This isn’t the kind of place that you want to go to if you prefer glamping over roughing it. While this park is an arctic wonderland, it’s also home to three sand dune fields. The only way to access this park is by plane, boat, or snowmobile, so don’t try to just drive up there. You’ll need to plan your trip and get boat or plane tickets. 

63. New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge is the holy grail for rock climbers. It was just given national park status in 2021, but it was popular long before it was named a national park. The New River had protected status before the park had status, so you don’t have to worry about the river being full of pollution and trash. The park is located in West Virginia. 

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Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

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You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff. 

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

  • Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
  • Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
  • Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

  • WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
  • Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
  • 5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
  • Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
  • Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

  1. Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
  2. Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
  3. Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

  • Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
  • Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
  • Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
  • Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
  • Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

  • Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
  • Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
  • Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
  • Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
  • Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

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Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

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A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.  

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.  

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical 

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.  

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”  

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.  

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving 

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:  

  • Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors. 
  • RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas. 
  • Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams. 
  • Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates. 
  • Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.  

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.  

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake” 

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.  

The technical crew set up: 

  • Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks 
  • Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court 
  • A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff 
  • A satellite uplink for backup  

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.  

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility 

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:  

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”  

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events 

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like: 

  • Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations 
  • AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size 
  • Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions  

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

 

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Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

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Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

 

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

 

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

 

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

 

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

 

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

 

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

 

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

 

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

 

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

 

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

 

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

 

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

 

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

 

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.

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