One of summer's busiest holidays at the parks is coming up quickly! Families and friends pack the cooler, load up the car, and hit the road to get out of town and have an adventure each 4th of July. Prepare for a fun Independence Day adventure at your Arizona state parks with these helpful tips.

1. Check the weather so you can bring the proper gear or have backup plans in case of extreme heat or monsoon storms.
2. Check the park website or call the park ahead for any closures. At peak times, parking lots may temporarily fill to capacity. Have a backup plan so you don’t need to find an alternative adventure on the fly.
3. Know the park amenities offered and bring the appropriate gear to make the most of your adventure. Some parks have boat ramps, accessible fishing piers, and swimming beaches so you’ll want to pack your swimsuit!
4. Bring exact change for the entry fee to help reduce park entrance lines and speed up getting to the fun.
5. If you're planning a picnic or camping, know the fire restrictions in place where you're going. While some restrictions have eased or lifted altogether due to the recent monsoon moisture, some remain in place depending on the location.
6. Take advantage of the great programming scheduled at the park. Your trip may just overlap with a bird walk, a fishing clinic, a sunset concert, or even guided tours.
7. Look ahead to the park rules so you know important info on glass, pets, entry by vehicle only, etc.
8. Leave the sparklers at home. Fireworks of every kind are never permitted on Arizona state parks, state trust land, or federal lands.
9. Be a good neighbor and pack out your garbage, including natural trash like orange peels, apple cores, banana peels, and pistachio shells.
10. Want to avoid the crowds? There are more than 30 state parks here in Arizona! Destinations like Slide Rock State Park in Sedona are popular for a reason, but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, explore one that's new to you and find peace and solitude in nature.

For a memorable and enjoyable 4th of July adventure at Arizona state parks, be sure to plan ahead. By preparing with these simple tips, you can have a fantastic and stress-free Independence Day celebration in the great outdoors.