What are The Best US National Parks to Visit in 2025?
By Bhupati Barman
May 19, 2025
Update on : June 19, 2025
If you are planning an adventure in 2025, visiting the best US national parks is a great idea. National parks in the USA protect nature, wildlife, and beautiful places. You can hike, camp, take photos, and enjoy peaceful time with your family.
There are many national parks in the United States of America. You will find pleasure and learn many things by visiting those national parks. Here are the best national parks in the United States to explore in 2025.
1. Yellowstone National Park – First & Most Iconic Park
Key points:
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Best For: Geysers, wildlife, waterfalls, geothermal features
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Why Visit?
The world’s oldest park – Yellowstone National Park – is as big as Corsica. Yellowstone, also the oldest part of the United States, is located in Wyoming and opened in March 1, 1872. It is named after the yellow colour of the cliffs of its Grand Canyon. Its wildlife composed of wolves, pumas or bison will surprise you. Yosemite is a glacial vale presenting a suggestive landscape. It has mountains and redwood forests comprising more than 1,300 types of plants. It is bigger than Rhode Island. You will find critters all over Yellowstone. Geysers spray frequently. Sulfurous lakes fizz and boil—huge waterfalls sparkle in the sun. Buffalo wandering right down the center divider of the two-lane road will surprise you. The wonders of Yellowstone are overpoweringly bountiful.
Its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs are truly unforgettable.
Top Things to Do:
- Watch Old Faithful erupt on schedule
- Marvel at the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring
- Drive through Lamar Valley at sunrise to see bison and wolves
- Hike the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and see its twin waterfalls
- Explore the otherworldly Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Canyon Lodge, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Cabins
- Nearby: Gardiner, MT or West Yellowstone, MT (lodges & RV parks)
Don’t miss: Driving through Lamar Valley at sunrise — buffalo often block the road!
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2. Grand Teton National Park – For Epic Peaks and Lakes
Key Points:
Location: Wyoming
Best For: Towering mountain views, alpine lakes, hiking, wildlife photography
Best Time to Visit: June to mid-September
Why Visit?
Grand Teton National Park is one of the best national parks among campers in the US. It is located in northwestern Wyoming. It is just 10 miles from Yellowstone National Park. This national park is a magnificent landscape subjugated by the peaks of the Teton Range. It rises suddenly from the Jackson Hole Valley floor. You can get prepared for loads of hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife photography at this much-loved among the best US national parks. You can enjoy full hookups with mountain views. You can also spend time with pickleball, basketball, trails, and free Wi-Fi. There are also lakes, wildlife, and tons of hiking nearby for your recreation. Many people visit here for camping and taking photos.
Don’t Miss: Stay overnight at Jackson Lake Lodge in the park, where your room offers views of the Tetons.
Top Things to Do:
- Take a scenic float trip on the Snake River
- Hike Cascade Canyon or Taggart Lake Trail
- Rent a canoe or kayak on Jenny Lake
- Photograph wildlife like moose, bears, and bald eagles
- Drive Teton Park Road for panoramic mountain views
Where to Stay:
Nearby: Jackson, WY (offers resorts, RV parks, and mountain inns)
Inside the park: Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Cabins, Signal Mountain Lodge
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3. Rocky Mountain National Park – High Altitude Adventures
Key Points:
Location: Colorado
Best For: High-altitude hiking, alpine lakes, wildlife, scenic drives
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Why Visit?
The Colorado Rockies are calling directly from Rocky Mountain National Park. The park spans the Continental Divide. It hosts towering mountains, alpine tundra, and forests. You can get pleasure in the rugged peaks, gorgeous lakes, and over 350 miles of hiking trails. Bighorn sheep, Elk, moose, and other wildlife are available here. The perfect campsite is ready for you. Fishing and water sports are also available nearby for you. Don’t forget the on-site animal farm either!
Top Things to Do:
- Drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road (one of the highest paved roads in the US)
- Hike to Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, or Sky Pond
- Spot elk during the fall rut in Moraine Park
- Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter
- Visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest in the national park system
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Moraine Park Campground, Glacier Basin Campground
- Nearby towns: Estes Park (east entrance), Grand Lake (west entrance) offer cozy cabins, B&Bs, and hotels
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4. Zion National Park – Slot Canyons and Sandstone Ridges
Key Points:
Location: Utah
Best For: Slot canyon hikes, towering sandstone cliffs, desert scenery
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Why Visit?
The first national park of Utah is Zion National Park. It is an iconic desert oasis. The park presents stunning views through thin slot canyons, over slickrock ridges, and along green riverbanks. Zion is always one of the best national parks in the country. Here you can enjoy the sunrises, sunsets, and stars. You can also find comfortable modern amenities such as private bath suites, meditative areas, kids’ zip-line, and more.
Top Things to Do:
- Hike the iconic Angel’s Landing (permit required)
- Wade through The Narrows — a unique river slot canyon hike
- Watch the sunset from Canyon Overlook Trail
- Cycle or take the shuttle through Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Stargaze from Kolob Terrace Road
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Zion Lodge (the only in-park lodging), South Campground, Watchman Campground
- Nearby: Springdale, UT (just outside the entrance, with hotels, campgrounds, and eateries)
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5. Big Bend National Park – Desert Views & Stargazing
Key Points:
Location: Texas
Best For: Desert landscapes, Rio Grande views, stargazing, solitude
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Why Visit?
Another best national park in Texas, USA is Big Bend National Park. It is named for the far-reaching bend of the Rio Grande that forms its southern frontier. The visitors can post up here for outstanding views of Bee Mountain, as well as superb stargazing in the evenings. With over 800,000 acres of desert, mountains, and river, it offers solitude, silence, and jaw-dropping night skies.
Its status as an International Dark Sky Park makes it one of the best places in the country to see the Milky Way.
Top Things to Do:
- Hike Santa Elena Canyon Trail along the Rio Grande
- Soak in the Hot Springs Historic Trail
- Stargaze under some of the darkest skies in North America
- Drive the scenic Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Spot roadrunners, javelinas, and desert foxes
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Chisos Mountains Lodge (the only in-park lodging), Rio Grande Village Campground, Cottonwood Campground
- Nearby: Terlingua and Lajitas (rustic lodges, RV parks, and desert cabins)
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6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Cliffs and Waterfalls
Key Points:
Location: Michigan (Upper Peninsula)
Best For: Colorful cliffs, waterfalls, kayaking, Lake Superior views
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Why Visit?
This ecological splendour is the just right destination to try ice climbing. This city-owned camp is right on the shores of Lake Superior. It means the venture does not stop once you get back to camp. RV. Woodland Park Campground is also located on Lake Superior. It is a relaxing basecamp for your Pictured Rocks adventure. In winter, people come here for ice climbing. It’s a fun place to explore year-round.
Top Things to Do:
- Kayak along the multi-colored sandstone cliffs
- Take a boat tour to see formations like Lover’s Leap and Chapel Rock
- Hike to Munising Falls and Miners Castle Overlook
- Camp right by Lake Superior at Woodland Park
- Try ice climbing in winter — a local favorite!
Where to Stay:
Campgrounds: Twelvemile Beach Campground, Hurricane River Campground, and Woodland Park Campground (on Lake Superior)
Nearby towns: Munising and Grand Marais (motels, cabins, and campgrounds)
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7. Redwood National and State Parks – Home of the Tallest Trees
Key Points:
Location: California (Northern Coast)
Best For: World’s tallest trees, forest hiking, coastal drives
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Why Visit?
Redwood National and State Parks is home to antique, lofty redwood trees and green coastal forests. It boasts some of the tallest trees on Earth. The iconic Hyperion is one of them which stands over 379 feet tall. The park permits tourists to walk among giants on the hiking trails, along picturesque rivers, and through perfect coastal habitats. You have access to False Klamath Cove, blackberry-picking, or the Redwood Hotel & Casino. Each destination on this listing of best national parks tenders once-in-a-lifetime knowledge. Whether you’re looking for overwhelming outdoor ventures, landscapes, or just an opportunity to reconnect with the natural environment, there’s a national park close by to motivate and pleasure you. Therefore, bundle your bags and hit the trails—the exploration awaits!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also rich in biodiversity, home to Roosevelt elk, banana slugs, and salmon-filled streams.
Top Things to Do:
- Hike the famous Tall Trees Grove Trail
- Drive the scenic Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
- Stroll through the Fern Canyon, featured in Jurassic Park 2
- Watch elk grazing in Prairie Creek
- Visit False Klamath Cove for coastal views and tide pools
Where to Stay:
- Campgrounds: Elk Prairie, Gold Bluffs Beach, Jedediah Smith
- Nearby towns: Crescent City and Klamath (motels, rustic inns, cabins)
- Lodging inside park boundaries: Limited — most visitors stay in nearby areas
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8. Arches National Park
Key Points:
Location: Utah
Best For: Natural stone arches, desert hikes, sunrise/sunset views
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Why Visit?
Arches National Park boasts the major attention of natural arches in the world. It has over 2,000 natural stone arches. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are very famous. You can lounge in the hot tub or you can take your furry friend to the dog park. You can play mini-golf. You’ll also be soaking in the Arches’ majestic sights. All the national park’s magic will enchant you. This family campground has cabin rentals, RV sites, and tent camping that you need for a comfortable stay.
Top Things to Do:
- Hike to the iconic Delicate Arch for sunrise or sunset
- Visit Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches on Earth
- Drive the Scenic Park Road and stop at viewpoints
- Explore Double Arch and the Windows Section
- Stargaze under dark skies — Arches is an International Dark Sky Park
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Devils Garden Campground (book early!)
- Nearby: Moab, UT – offers hotels, cabins, RV parks, and campgrounds with amenities like pools, hot tubs, and dog parks
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9. Glacier National Park
Key Points:
Location: Montana
Best For: Alpine lakes, mountain scenery, wildlife, scenic drives
Best Time to Visit: Late June to early September (when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open)
Why Visit?
Montana’s Glacier National Park spans over one million acres. The park is filled with wildlife. Glacier National Park offers sights of two mountain ranges, glacial-carved valleys, and remaining glaciers themselves. They have over 700 lakes. Set up a store at this leading camp just nine miles from the west entry to Glacier National Park. Then you can enjoy 33 acres of forest park, laundry room and showers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a stocked trout pond. You can drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road, which has great views. You might see mountain goats, bears, and deer. It is one of the most beautiful parks in the U.S.
Top Things to Do:
- Drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook, Grinnell Glacier, or Avalanche Lake
- Take a scenic boat tour on Lake McDonald or Many Glacier
- Spot wildlife like mountain goats, bears, and bighorn sheep
- Camp under the stars at Two Medicine or Many Glacier
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Fish Creek Campground
- Nearby: West Glacier, St. Mary, and Whitefish (cabins, inns, motels, and full-service RV parks)
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10. Hot Springs National Park
Key Points:
Location: Arkansas
Best For: Thermal baths, historic bathhouses, mountain hikes
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Why Visit?
Hot Springs National Park is in Arkansas. It has fascinated tourists for centuries with its thermal springs. Campers can discover the historic Bathhouse Row. It is a gathering of stylish bathhouses built in the early 20th century. It indulges in conventional spa treatments and hot bathtubs. Further than the springs, the park’s forests and trails present lots of outdoor discovery. Unite your soothing soak with an adrenaline-pumping wheeling adventure at this campground. It offers a collection of accommodation options with RV sites, tent pads, and cabins. It features a 1,250-acre trail system. This park provides memberships, trail guides, day-use trail passes, and side-by-side rentals for memorable off-roading know-how. It’s the smallest national park in the system, but one of the most relaxing — combining wellness, architecture, and nature in one destination.
Top Things to Do:
- Tour the historic Bathhouse Row, including Fordyce Bathhouse Museum
- Soak in modern spas like Quapaw Baths and Buckstaff Bathhouse
- Hike the Hot Springs Mountain Trail for panoramic views
- Drive up to Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Explore Gulpha Gorge Campground and nearby trails
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Gulpha Gorge Campground (tent & RV sites)
- Nearby: Downtown Hot Springs – boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and historic inns within walking distance of the park
11. Joshua Tree National Park
Key Points:
Location: California
Best For: Joshua trees, rock climbing, desert landscapes, stargazing
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Why Visit?
It is named after the distinctive Joshua trees. The trees dot the landscape. Joshua Tree is frequently on the list of best national parks in the US. It has world-famous granite formations, and stargazing scopes under the clear Californian desert skies. Coachella Lakes RV Resort may be your choice if you’re looking for luxury amenities or lodging rentals in the heart of the desert. This spectacular property has many enjoyable things.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise or sunset
- Hike to Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, and Arch Rock
- Stargaze at Cap Rock or Keys View
- Go rock climbing at Jumbo Rocks or Barker Dam
- Drive through Geology Tour Road (4WD recommended for the full loop)
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, White Tank, and Black Rock Campgrounds (no water or hookups, bring your own supplies)
- Nearby towns: Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms (offer motels, glamping, cabins, and Airbnb-style desert stays)
12. Mammoth Cave National Park
Key Points:
Location: Kentucky
Best For: Cave tours, underground rivers, forest hikes
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Why Visit?
Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system on Earth, with more than 400 miles explored. Mammoth Cave presents visitors with an expedition through complex labyrinthine corridors. However, above-ground, forests, rivers, and charming mountaineering trails will also remain you exploring. It is the ideal place for a tent, RV, lodge, or camper camping.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve is one of Kentucky’s most treasured natural destinations.
It’s a place where families can combine natural science, outdoor adventure, and peaceful camping all in one trip.
Top Things to Do:
- Take a ranger-led Historic or Domes & Dripstones Cave Tour
- Paddle or kayak along the Green River
- Hike the Heritage Trail or Echo River Spring Trail
- Visit the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center and Museum
- Explore above-ground activities like horseback riding and biking
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Mammoth Cave Campground, Maple Springs Group Campground, The Lodge at Mammoth Cave
- Nearby towns: Cave City and Park City, KY (motels, cabins, and RV parks)
13. Grand Canyon National Park
Key Points:
Location: Arizona
Best For: Vast canyon views, hiking, photography, river rafting
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Why Visit?
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous parks in the world. Imprinted by the strong Colorado River, the world-famous Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles, up to 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep. It reveals layers of rock that date back billions of years. Visitors can guess to be blown away by the absolute magnitude and scale of the canyon’s towering cliffs, unfathomable gorges, and lively colours. The wonder won’t stop whether you’re hiking along the rim, or rafting the Colorado River. You can also take in the panoramic vistas from viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. You can choose from big pull-through sites, pavilion camping, or bed-and-breakfast hotel rooms for an eventual comfortable stay. You can enjoy general stores, sandwich shops, playgrounds, bathhouses, restaurants, and shopping. It’s a place full of natural wonder and beauty.
Top Things to Do:
- Watch sunrise or sunset at Mather Point or Yavapai Observation Station
- Hike the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail
- Ride a mule down into the canyon (reservation required)
- Take a scenic drive to Desert View Watchtower
- Raft the Colorado River for an unforgettable adventure
Where to Stay:
- Inside the South Rim: El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, Mather Campground
- Nearby: Tusayan (just outside South Rim entrance), offers additional hotels and RV sites
- North Rim (seasonal): Grand Canyon Lodge, North Rim Campground (open mid-May to mid-October)
14. Shenandoah National Park
Key Points:
Location: Virginia
Best For: Fall foliage, Skyline Drive, forest hikes, wildlife
Best Time to Visit: September to November (fall colors) and May to June (wildflowers)
Why Visit?
This mostly forested park includes peaks, waterfalls, and wetlands. It has abundant hiking trails that wind through woodlands and beside the park’s famed Skyline Drive. It is full of deer, birds, and black bears and wildflowers. It is a 73-acre campground resort. It is immediately a short drive from Shenandoah National Park. After a day of exploring, you can calm down with a swim at the on-site water zone. It is ideal for your swing at the golf course. You can hit up the arcade, ride the pedal boats, and more. There is no possibility for even a second of monotony at this family-friendly campground. Whether you like to park your RV, cosy up in the cabins and cottages, or reside in a fashionable Airstream, this leading resort by the Shenandoah River offers up-to-date amenities. You can enjoy thrilling activities for a continuously amusing stay. Pickleball courts, RC car track, Know-how the waterslides, and BMX track when you’re not out on the trails at Shenandoah.
Top Things to Do:
- Drive the famous Skyline Drive (105 miles through the park)
- Hike to Dark Hollow Falls, Stony Man Summit, or Old Rag Mountain
- Attend a ranger program or go birdwatching
- Catch sunrise at Thornton Gap or sunset at Crescent Rock Overlook
- Visit in fall for unbeatable leaf-peeping
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland Resort, Lewis Mountain Cabins, Mathews Arm & Loft Mountain Campgrounds
- Nearby towns: Luray, Front Royal, and Waynesboro offer inns, B&Bs, and family lodges
15. Sequoia National Park
Key Points:
Location: California (Sierra Nevada Mountains)
Best For: Giant sequoia trees, mountain hikes, peaceful forests
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Why Visit?
It is situated in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This national park is a wonderful sanctuary of towering sequoias. It has some of the largest and oldest trees on Earth, which stands over 275 feet tall and are more than 2,000 years old. The famous General Sherman Tree is one of them. Sequoia National Park captivates tourists with its waterfalls, forests, and crystal-clear streams for an impressive outside exploration. Campers will find Camp Ikigai at Ikigai Animal Sanctuary. You can take part in campground activities like rock collecting, bike tours, mushroom hunting, and bird watching. Of course, you can explore their animal haven.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest
- Drive or hike through the Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia with a cutout path
- Climb Moro Rock for panoramic Sierra views
- Walk the Big Trees Trail or Congress Trail
- Explore nearby Crystal Cave (seasonal guided tours)
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Wuksachi Lodge, Lodgepole Campground, Dorst Creek Campground
- Nearby: Three Rivers, CA (cabins, motels, and B&Bs at the park’s southern entrance)
16. Bryce Canyon National Park
Key Points:
Location: Utah
Best For: Hoodoo rock formations, sunrise views, starry skies
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Why Visit?
Bryce Canyon National Park is unlike any other place on Earth. It is a natural sculpture of rocky needles. It takes on a thousand colors. It is from pink to white, passing through gray, orange or blue. You can trail the Rim Trail to take in the sights. It crosses the most impressive sites of the park. The park is an open-air amphitheatre.
It’s smaller and easier to navigate than many other parks, making it ideal for a 1- to 2-day visit — but its beauty lingers long after.
Top Things to Do:
- Hike the Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail through the heart of the hoodoos
- Catch sunrise at Bryce Point or Sunrise Point
- Stargaze at one of the darkest skies in the U.S.
- Drive the 18-mile scenic road with multiple overlooks
- Attend a ranger-led astronomy or geology talk
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, North and Sunset Campgrounds
- Nearby: Bryce Canyon City and Tropic, UT – offer motels, cabins, RV parks, and glamping options
17. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Key Points:
Location: Colorado
Best For: Tall sand dunes, family fun, sunrise/sunset photography
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Why Visit?
Great Sand Dunes National Park presents a unique landscape. It is in Colorado. Few other national parks have enchanting landscapes like this. You can visualize yourself driving through a isolated landscape. You will find that all of a sudden, golden dunes come into view in contrast with the emerald mountains in the background. You can take pleasure in observance of the sunrise or the sunset by climbing on one of these dunes.
The park is also a designated Dark Sky Park, offering crystal-clear night views of the Milky Way.
Top Things to Do:
- Climb High Dune for a panoramic view of the dunefield
- Sandboard or sled down the soft slopes (rentals available nearby)
- Splash in Medano Creek during late spring
- Hike the Montville Nature Trail or Mosca Pass Trail
- Stargaze under the night sky or attend a ranger-led astronomy program
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Piñon Flats Campground (tent and RV sites)
- Nearby: Alamosa and Mosca, CO – offer cabins, motels, and dune-view campgrounds like Great Sand Dunes Oasis
18. Mesa Verde National Park
Key Points:
Location: Colorado
Best For: Ancient cliff dwellings, archaeology, Native American history
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Why Visit?
This park protects homes built in cliffs by Native Americans over 700 years ago. The Mesa Verde National Park guarded the relics of the Anasazi Indians. Some of these cave dwellings are still noticeable. It is a site of archaeological interest. It also has cultural interest. Mesa Verde National Park is one of the extraordinary examples still evident of the Amerindian culture.
It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where you can tour ancient homes built into cliffs — like the famous Cliff Palace and Balcony House — guided by park rangers with deep insight into the region’s indigenous heritage.
Top Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour of Cliff Palace, Long House, or Balcony House
- Visit the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
- Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road to explore multiple ancient sites
- Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail or Spruce Canyon Trail
- Catch the sunset from Park Point Overlook — the highest in the park
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Far View Lodge, Morefield Campground (with showers, store, and full RV hookups)
- Nearby: Cortez and Mancos, CO – provide hotels, inns, and rental cabins within 20–30 minutes of the park entrance
19. Denali National Park
Key Points:
Location: Alaska
Best For: Mount Denali, wildlife, wilderness, remote adventures
Best Time to Visit: June to early September
Why Visit?
Denali National Park is located South of the Arctic Circle, in Alaska. It covers 24,500 km2. Forests and lakes cover the park. Here, you will find North America’s highest mountain – Denali or Mount McKinley. Tremendous temperatures exist here, making it difficult for climbers. Only the most skilled climbers can endeavour to reach its summit.
Spanning over 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of America’s last true frontiers — a place of untamed wilderness, towering mountains, and thriving wildlife. At its heart stands Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet.
If you’re looking for wild beauty, solitude, and an authentic Alaskan adventure, Denali delivers.
Top Things to Do:
- Take a wildlife bus tour along Denali Park Road (look for grizzlies and moose!)
- Hike the Savage River Loop Trail or Horseshoe Lake Trail
- View Mount Denali from Stony Hill Overlook on a clear day
- Visit the Denali Visitor Center and learn about local ecosystems
- Enjoy flightseeing tours or dog sled demonstrations
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Riley Creek Campground, Wonder Lake Campground (tent only), Teklanika River Campground (for extended stays)
- Nearby: Healy and Cantwell, AK – offer lodges, cabins, and RV parks with shuttle access to the park
20. Everglades National Park
Key Points:
Location: Florida
Best For: Swamps, airboat rides, alligators, birdwatching
Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season)
Why Visit?
Everglades National Park exists between land and swamps in Florida. The Everglades are an enchanting destination. It spans approximately 607,000 hectares (1.5 million acres). This area of water that meets the sea is a focus of life. You will find rare fauna and flora. The Florida panther or the American crocodile threaten you here, particularly. Temperate and subtropical climates meet in this national park. The park is an exceptional natural wealth.
As an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers one of the most biologically diverse and unique ecosystems in the U.S.
Top Things to Do:
- Ride an airboat through mangroves and marshes (guided tours available)
- Walk the Anhinga Trail to spot gators and wading birds
- Kayak through Nine Mile Pond or Hell’s Bay
- Watch for manatees at Flamingo Marina
- Explore the Shark Valley Loop by bike or tram
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campgrounds (tent & RV sites); eco-tents available at Flamingo
- Nearby: Homestead, Everglades City, and Florida City – offer hotels, B&Bs, and full-service campgrounds near park entrances
21. Death Valley National Park
Key Points:
Location: California & Nevada
Best For: Extreme desert landscapes, salt flats, colorful canyons
Best Time to Visit: November to March (avoid summer heat)
Why Visit?
Death Valley is the hottest place in North America. The worrisome name is well known to all. Death Valley was named for its complete aridity. It’s home to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and regularly records some of the highest temperatures on Earth. However, you will see here all the beauties of the desert. Your eyes will be surprised by watching its beauty. Indeed, the sun changes its perspectives and colours. Along the highway, a genuine American road journey presents itself to the travellers. It varies from arid canyons to dunes.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit Badwater Basin Salt Flats — bring sunglasses and water!
- Catch sunrise at Zabriskie Point
- Drive through Artist’s Palette to see rainbow-colored hills
- Explore Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells
- Stargaze from Harmony Borax Works or Furnace Creek (Dark Sky certified)
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: The Oasis at Death Valley (luxury), Stovepipe Wells Village, Furnace Creek Campground
- Nearby towns: Beatty (NV), Lone Pine (CA), and Pahrump (NV) offer motels and RV parks
22. Voyageurs National Park
Key Points:
Location: Minnesota (near the Canadian border)
Best For: Boating, lakeside camping, northern lights viewing
Best Time to Visit: June to September for water activities; winter for snowshoeing and northern lights
Why Visit?
Voyageurs National Park, one of the best US national parks, is described as a ‘hidden gem’ for its relative detachment. It is in northern Minnesota, just south of the Canadian border. Unbelievably, over a third of the park has water. It gives access to 655 miles of pristine, unspoiled shoreline. It has more than 500 islands. You can rent a canoe and stay a night under the stars. You might even have a chance to catch the aurora borealis.
Top Things to Do:
- Canoe or boat across Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake
- Camp on a remote island with water-only access sites
- Stargaze and watch for the northern lights
- Fish for walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park: Remote island campsites (reservations required; bring your own boat or use shuttle services)
- Nearby: International Falls and Orr, MN – offer lodges, cabins, and local outfitters with boat rentals
Conclusion
America’s national parks are like nature’s greatest classroom. Each one has something special—giant trees, deep canyons, glowing stars, amazing animals, and fun trails to hike. In 2025, you and your family can explore forests, deserts, mountains, and rivers all across the country.
You don’t have to go far to enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re camping in a tent, staying in a cabin, or just going for a day hike, these parks are perfect for relaxing, learning, and having fun. You’ll make great memories and feel closer to nature.
So, pick a park, pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable trip. Adventure is out there—go find it!
FAQs
1. What is the best time of year to visit US national parks?
The best time depends on the park. Generally, spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and colorful scenery. Summer is ideal for high-altitude parks, while winter is perfect for desert parks like Death Valley or Joshua Tree.
2. Which US national park is the most visited?
As of recent data, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, attracting over 12 million visitors annually due to its easy access, lush forests, and scenic mountain drives.
3. What is the least crowded national park in the US?
North Cascades National Park (Washington) and Isle Royale National Park (Michigan) are among the least visited, offering incredible wilderness experiences with fewer tourists. Voyageurs National Park is also a hidden gem with low foot traffic.
Do I need reservations to visit US national parks in 2025?
Yes, some popular parks like Yosemite, Arches, and Rocky Mountain may require timed-entry permits or reservations in peak season. Always check the official NPS website before visiting.
5. What national park is best for families with kids?
Yellowstone, Zion, and Shenandoah are family-friendly parks with educational programs, scenic drives, and easy hiking trails. Parks like Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon also offer junior ranger activities and safe viewing areas.
6. Can I see the northern lights in any US national parks?
Yes! Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota) and Denali National Park (Alaska) offer a chance to see the aurora borealis, especially from late September through March.
7. Which national park has the most wildlife?
Yellowstone National Park is one of the top parks for wildlife viewing. Visitors often see bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles. Other great parks for wildlife include Denali, Everglades, and Grand Teton.
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