This work is a review paper aimed to identify the research area and methodology of analysing tourist traffic and the consumption of tourist services in Polish national parks. The study is based on desk research and interviews with persons responsible for monitoring tourist traffic and/or research work in particular parks. The paper focuses on the methods of measuring tourist traffic – a basis for conducting further qualitative research. Attention is given to the diversified methodology in this area, which results in inconsistent information in published data concerning particular national parks. The further part of the work presents a review of research studies conducted among tourists. The majority of parks lack continuous studies and coordinated methodology, which hinders analyses carried out in a broader time and space frame (for many parks). The range of research issues is diversified, and there are a number of works which identify the profile of tourists visiting particular parks, as well as their space-related behaviour and motivation. However, there are few analyses focused on visitors’ preferences and consumer behaviour in local tourism markets and changes in this area, or assessments of the economic significance of tourism in local development.