Embarking on a nature-based adventure will always come with risk, from weather to wild animals to rough terrain. National Parks are a particularly popular vacation destination in the U.S., and while the odds of experiencing a fatal accident are only about 1 in 859,839 visitors, caution is still of utmost importance.

According to KÜHL, the leading causes of fatalities in national parks include:

  • Falls (23.59%)
  • Motor vehicle crashes (14.13%)
  • Drowning (12.13%)
  • Physical medical emergencies (11.83%)
  • Hyperthermia (4.07%)
  • Avalanche (2.81%)
  • Hypothermia ((2.07%)

While National Park fatalities are rare, it is still imperative to use caution when hiking or camping in these areas. The National Park Foundation (NPF) suggests the following tips to stay safe:
  • Prepare ahead of time by learning about any hazards at the park you'll be visiting – including any inclement weather.
  • When packing, the National Park Service suggests these essentials: Sun protection, insulation (clothing), illumination, first-aid supplies, the means to make fire, a repair kit and tools, food, hydration and emergency shelter (tent, tarp, etc.).
  • Once at the park, stay with your group on your planned route.
  • Maintain a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter in the park.

In the slideshow above, we’ll look at which U.S. National Parks saw the highest number of deaths from 2021 to 2023 according to public records and data from the National Park Service compiled by Malloy Law Offices.

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