Few things can ruin a bucket list national park getaway like pesky mosquitoes.
While an unavoidable challenge of outdoor adventure this time of year, mosquitoes are more abundant and active in some protected lands compared to others.
OFF! mosquito and insect repellent brand has partnered with the National Park Foundation to reveal the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast, incorporating over 15 billion climate data points and real-world mosquito data from 5,000 locations to uncover the best and worst national parks for mosquito activity this summer.
Travelers will encounter mosquitoes from coast to coast, but national parks seeing the highest activity include Virginia's Shenandoah National Park and Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
Swampy places like the Everglades are also producing some unwanted hiking partners.
National Parks With High Mosquito Activity
- Shenandoah National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- White Sands National Park
Travelers hoping to avoid pesky mosquitoes and itchy bites in the final weeks of summer should head west.
Joshua Tree National Park. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is among the best for low to medium mosquito activity, according to the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast, followed by Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks in Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands.
Washington's often overlooked Mount Rainier National Park also fares well, with California's Yosemite National Park and Acadia National Park in Maine rounding out the list.
National Parks With Low-Medium Mosquito Activity
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Utah “Mighty Five” National Parks (Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands)
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Acadia National Park
When it comes to protecting themselves from mosquitoes, national park visitors should dress in light-colored long-sleeved clothing and pants, apply EPA-registered mosquito repellent and avoid activities at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
As part of its partnership with the National Park Foundation, OFF! has launched the OFF! to Adventure Sweepstakes.
Now through August 31, five winners will receive a national park essentials prize pack including an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for access to all U.S. national parks; a $1,000 gift card to cover adventure expenses; 63 cans of OFF! Deep Woods (one for each of the 63 capital national parks) and a national park passport book and stamp pack to track visits.
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