How TikTok is Reviving Interest in National Parks Amid Budget Cuts
National parks, gay country music, and thirst traps might seem like an unusual trio, but on social media, they are coming together to spark vital conversations about conservation. Recently, a surge of TikTok posts has combined sexually explicit audio, comedic memes, and breathtaking views of nature. This viral trend coincides with significant funding cuts proposed by former President Donald Trump to federal parks, forests, and monuments. With hashtags like #ParkTok and #MountainTok, these accounts aim to attract followers while promoting a crucial message: the preservation of our public lands.
A Viral Movement with a Purpose
At first glance, the fan accounts for iconic places like Yellowstone and Joshua Tree appear chaotic, competing for views with playful and suggestive content. Some viewers speculate that federal park rangers or marketing strategists are behind the scenes, trying to procure external funding. However, these accounts are independently run by content creators who are passionate about nature and have no ties to government agencies. Remarkably, the National Park Service has no official presence on TikTok, as it currently lacks terms of service agreements with the platform.
Despite the unconventional approach, millions of social media users have embraced this movement. With nearly 332 million visits to national parks last year, these accounts may serve as a form of spiritual uplift during challenging times.
Nature Shows Its Seductive Side
Beyond the risqué content lies a vital mission: to showcase the beauty of nature and the need for its protection. Research indicates that national parks play a critical role in conserving biodiversity while enhancing overall well-being. Indeed, many Americans seem unified in their appreciation for these public lands.
“If you actually love this stuff, you get attached to that beauty,” said Kim Tanner, the creator of the Joshua Tree fan account. “And then you realize you don’t want that beauty damaged.”
Looming financial cuts threaten to undermine this beauty. The Trump administration’s budget plan for 2026 includes drastic reductions, slashing more than $1 billion from the National Park Service. Additionally, $33 billion could be cut from recreation management programs and conservation grants, putting 433 individual areas of public land at risk.
The National Parks Conservation Association highlighted that if these budget cuts were to pass, over 350 national park sites could be severely impacted, leading to a loss of stewardship over one of America’s greatest treasures.
TikTok: A Catalyst for Change
While TikTok has faced some controversy, it has emerged as a powerful tool for advocacy. The creators behind #ParkTok and #MountainTok, many of whom are former park employees, span the political spectrum but unite in their love for nature. They use humor and risqué content not only to entertain but also to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue about the critical state of our national parks.
Their approach is intentionally subtle. “Most of their posts work on a subconscious level, prompting viewers to think about the national parks and their own experiences with them,” observed Chedraoui, a behavioral researcher.
Although these TikTok accounts gained traction before the budget cuts, their significant growth reflects a culture eager to engage with environmental issues. Initial uploads were grounded in awe of nature’s landscapes until playful “fake beef” began to dominate the content strategy. By January, the playful rivalry between account creators led to a full-blown trend, with sexually suggestive memes harnessing the power of virality.
Navigating Criticism
Naturally, some critics have raised eyebrows at these parody accounts, arguing that their sexually charged content undermines the integrity of national parks. However, the videographers have consistently stressed that profit wasn’t their goal. Jaime Wash, who oversees the Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens accounts, asserted that any monetary rewards would go directly to parks in need.
For Wash, the goal is about fostering community and raising awareness. “We’re building a community to show that things aren’t helpless, that change can happen,” she noted. By marrying humor with advocacy, they provide an escape from the anxiety of daily life while simultaneously drawing attention to pressing issues.
The Power of Social Media Activism
Social media serves as a barometer of public sentiment, where grassroots movements gain momentum through platforms like TikTok. These accounts provide a new avenue for conservation messages, often leading to increased national park visitation. A 2024 study revealed that positive posts on social media were linked to significant surges in park visits.
“The more people we can get into these parks, the better,” Tanner emphasized. “That way, they can experience it firsthand, see it, fall in love with it, and then want to protect it.”
The National Parks Conservation Association encourages visitors to sign up for action alerts to ensure that public enthusiasm for parks translates into tangible advocacy against detrimental policies.
Ultimately, the efforts of #ParkTok and #MountainTok might just spark not only a love for national parks but also a necessary dialogue about protecting these vital public resources. As Wash poignantly stated, “It’s heartbreaking to think the places that I absolutely love may never be the same again, and I want to do anything to stop that.”
For more about the growing concern for park preservation, check out our article on challenges facing national parks, the future of public lands conservation, and learn how you can help with grassroots environmental advocacy.