Planning allows Park Service managers to make knowledgable decisions and for the public to participate in the decision making process. Virtually all NPS planning is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires the opportunity for public participation and input.

The Park Service uses the goal driven planning process. Boundaries are set for each project comprised of the the laws, regulations, and policies that direct the Park Service and established the specific park; the purpose of the park; and the protection of the significant resources for which the park was established. In order for any idea or alternative to be considered in the scope of the project it must therefore be legal, comply with the purpose the park was established, and not harm significant resources. Goals or desired future conditions are also established. So, not only must an idea or alternative be within the scope of the project it must also achieve one or all of the goals for the park or it will not be considered. All of this is done with participation and input from the public.

The NPS planning process strives to establish a logical, trackable rationale for decision making. This is done through four levels of planning ranging from general to detailed. The four levels are general management, strategic, implementation, and annual performance planning. The first two focus on why the park was established and what resource conditions and visitor experiences should exist. The last two become increasingly more focussed on how those conditions can be achieved. This is the "why, what, and how" of NPS goal driven planning.

Commercial services planning begins at the general managment planning level where the activities, services, and facilities that are necessary and appropriate to achieve the desired resource protection and visitor experience conditions are established. A Commercial Services Plan is an implementation plan prepared for each applicable park. It describes in detail which types and levels of activities, services, and facilities will be provided and how they can be managed by the Park Service in the most effective and efficient manner.

Commercial services are defined as any activity or service that occurs in a park for which compensation is made. By law all commercial services must be authorized in writting by the park superintendent. The Park Service has several tools provided by Congress to authorize commercial activities. Some activities and services begin and end inside the park and require the utilization of park resources to be provided such as food, lodging, supplies, and some guided activities. They are generally authorized by a concessions contract. Some activities begin and end outside the park but utilize the park in the course of doing business such as guiding and instructional services. They are generally authorized by a commercial use authorization. Commercial services planning provides a logical decision making process with public involvement to determine which types of activities and services will be provided and at what levels and the best way to use the tools available to manage those activities and services.