America’s National Park System is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural, cultural, and historical treasures. With 428 units, including 63 designated as National Parks, these parks are the gems of the National Park Service and attract numerous visitors. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll find a wide array of experiences waiting for you. Here, we count down the top 25 most visited national parks, offering insights into must-see attractions, visitor numbers, and accommodation options.
Let’s dive in!
25. Death Valley National Park
Visitors: 1,128,862
Death Valley, the largest national park in the contiguous United States, is famed for its extreme desert conditions. It also holds the title for the lowest and hottest point in North America at Badwater Basin.
What to Do:
Explore Badwater Basin, the mesmerizing Devil’s Golf Course, Zabriskie Point, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Don’t miss the Borax Works, Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Ubehebe Crater, and the mysterious Racetrack Playa with its moving rocks.
Where to Stay:
Stargazing is a highlight here. You can stay at The Ranch, The Inn at Death Valley, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs within the park. Nearby Pahrump, Nevada also offers accommodations like the Best Western and Holiday Inn.
24. Sequoia National Park
Visitors: 1,153,198
Sequoia National Park, part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is renowned for its giant sequoia trees and also includes the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney.
What to Do:
Visit the sequoia groves, especially Grant Grove, home to the tallest tree, General Sherman. Wander through the Giant Forest, and explore Moro Rock, Tokopah Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, and more.
Where to Stay:
Stay at Cedar Grove Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, John Muir Lodge, or Wuksachi Lodge. Nearby options include the Gateway Lodge and Comfort Inn Three Rivers.
23. Everglades National Park
Visitors: 1,155,193
This vast park in Florida is a paradise of rivers, wetlands, and wildlife.
What to Do:
Boardwalk hikes like Anhinga Trail and Mahogany Hammock Trail offer easy exploration. Visit Shark Valley for gator sightings, Flamingo for boat tours and manatee spotting, and the historic Nike Missile Site for a slice of Cold War history.
Where to Stay:
Apart from campgrounds, accommodation is mainly found in nearby Homestead, such as Home2 Suites and Fairfield Inn, or in Miami.
22. Capitol Reef National Park
Visitors: 1,227,608
A hidden gem in Utah, Capitol Reef showcases the stunning Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geological formation.
What to Do:
Start in the Fruita District for orchards and history, then hike Sunset Point, Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash, and Cassidy Arch. Don’t miss road tours through the park’s scenic drives and the Cathedral Valley area.
Where to Stay:
Camping is the primary option within the park. For hotels, head to Torrey, Utah, with recommendations like Red Sand Hotel and Days Inn.
21. Shenandoah National Park
Visitors: 1,449,300
A favorite due to its accessibility, Shenandoah spans the Blue Ridge Mountains with the scenic Skyline Drive as a highlight.
What to Do:
Drive the Skyline Drive, hike Old Rag, Mary’s Rock, and more. Enjoy horseback riding and wildlife viewing, especially in the spectacular fall foliage season.
Where to Stay:
Options within the park include Skyland, Big Meadows, and Lewis Mountain Cabins. For lodging near the park, try Grey Pine Lodge in Waynesboro or Hampton Inn in Front Royal.
20. Arches National Park
Visitors: 1,460,652
Renowned for its 2,000+ natural stone arches, Arches National Park in Utah offers compact yet stunning scenery.
What to Do:
Hike to Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, the Windows, Balanced Rock, and more. For those with more time, explore Fiery Furnace or Tower Arch.
Where to Stay:
Camping is available within the park, while nearby Moab offers lodging options like Springhill Suites, Hoodoo Moab, and Best Western Plus.
19. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visitors: 1,580,961
Hawaii’s Big Island hosts this park featuring two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
What to Do:
Hike Crater Rim Trail, Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, and Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Drive the Chain of Craters road and Crater Rim Drive for diverse landscapes.
Where to Stay:
Stay at Volcano House or campgrounds within the park. Nearby options include Kilauea Lodge and Volcano Forest Inn.
18. New River Gorge National Park
Visitors: 1,593,523
America’s newest national park, designated in 2020, centers around the scenic New River.
What to Do:
Enjoy whitewater rafting, especially on the lower river. Visit the New River Gorge Bridge and hike Endless Wall, Grandview Rim, and more. Climbing is also popular.
Where to Stay:
Camping is the main accommodation option. Nearby lodges include The Resort at Glade Springs and Quality Inn New River.
17. Gateway Arch National Park
Visitors: 1,618,774
This iconic St. Louis landmark is the centerpiece of the smallest national park.
What to Do:
Visit the arch and its museum, take the tram to the top, and explore the park’s trails. Don’t miss the Basilica of St. Louis and the historic courthouse.
Where to Stay:
There are no lodges within the park, but downtown St. Louis offers plenty of accommodations like the Marriott St. Louis Grand and Hyatt Regency.
16. Mount Rainier National Park
Visitors: 1,622,395
Mount Rainier, Washington’s tallest volcano, offers diverse landscapes from lowland forests to alpine meadows.
What to Do:
Hike the Burroughs, Skyline Loop, and Tolmie Peak trails. Paradise and Sunrise areas offer breathtaking views. Stargazing is also popular here.
Where to Stay:
Campgrounds and lodges like Paradise Lodge and National Park Inn offer in-park options. Nearby Ashford, Washington has additional lodgings such as Paradise Village Hotel.
15. Bryce Canyon National Park
Visitors: 2,354,660
Known for its hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah offers striking landscapes formed by wind erosion.
What to Do:
Explore the hoodoos from different angles along the rim. Hike the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop, or the longer Fairyland Loop for more seclusion.
Where to Stay:
Camp within the park or stay at Bryce Canyon Lodge. Nearby accommodations include Best Western in Bryce Canyon City and Pioneer Village in Tropic.
14. Olympic National Park
This Washington park is celebrated for its diversity, from snow-capped peaks to old-growth rainforests.
What to Do:
Visit Hurricane Ridge, explore Marymere Falls, or hike Cape Alava. The Hoh and Quinault Rainforests are must-sees for their ethereal beauty.
Where to Stay:
Lodges within the park include Kalaloch Lodge and Lake Crescent Lodge. Outside the park, Port Angeles offers great accommodations like Port Angeles Inn.
13. Hot Springs National Park
Visitors: 2,646,133
Located in Arkansas, this urban park is famous for its historic bathhouses and hot springs.
What to Do:
Stroll Bathhouse Row, visit the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, and explore the nearby hiking trails. Learn about the park’s mobster history at the Gangster Museum.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Hale within the park is a unique option, while Hot Springs offers many other accommodations like The Waters Hot Springs and Best Western.
12. Grand Teton National Park
Visitors: 2,806,223
The majestic Tetons provide some of the most iconic views in America.
What to Do:
Hike the trails around Jenny Lake, venture to Hidden Falls, and catch sunrise at Mormon Row. For easier access, visit Snake River and Schwabacher Landing.
Where to Stay:
Jackson Lake Lodge and Jenny Lake Lodge are great in-park options. Nearby Jackson offers additional choices like Springhill Suites.
11. Indiana Dunes National Park
Visitors: 2,834,180
Located along Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes features sweeping sand dunes and diverse ecosystems.
What to Do:
Hike trails like Mt. Baldy, Calumet Dune Trail, and Dune Ridge Trail. Enjoy beach activities and explore the marshes and bog areas.
Where to Stay:
Nearby Portage, Indiana offers options like Holiday Inn and Best Western. Staying in Chicago is also convenient.
10. Glacier National Park
Visitors: 2,908,458
Known for its stunning mountain scenery and over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park straddles the U.S.-Canada border.
What to Do:
Hike the Highline Trail, Ptarmigan Tunnel, and Grinnell Glacier. Keep an eye out for wildlife like grizzly bears and mountain goats.
Where to Stay:
Lodges within the park include Apgar Lodge and Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Nearby, Whitefish has charming accommodations like Chalet Motel.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Visitors: 2,913,312
Situated between Cleveland and Akron, this Ohio park offers scenic trails, waterfalls, and even a scenic railroad.
What to Do:
Hike ledge trails, visit Brandywine and Blue Hen Falls, and enjoy kayaking on the river. Check out the local farm stands and shops.
Where to Stay:
Stanford House and Inn at Brandywine Falls are within the park, with Cleveland offering more options like The Intercontinental.
8. Joshua Tree National Park
Visitors:: 3,058,294
Spanning the Colorado and Mojave deserts, this park is famous for its Joshua trees and rugged rock formations.
What to Do:
Explore Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, and Cholla Cactus Garden. The park is also a climbers’ paradise and offers spectacular stargazing.
Where to Stay:
Camping is popular inside the park. Nearby towns like Twentynine Palms provide lodgings such as Fairfield Inn.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Visitors: 3,290,242
As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone boasts geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.
What to Do:
Visit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Explore Hayden and Lamar Valleys for stunning wildlife sightings.
Where to Stay:
Nine lodges, including Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful Inn, offer in-park accommodations. Nearby Gardiner and West Yellowstone also have lodging options.
6. Yosemite National Park
Visitors: 3,667,550
Known for its granite peaks and waterfalls, Yosemite is a jewel in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
What to Do:
Explore El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Hiking, climbing, and even relaxed strolls through the park offer breathtaking views.
Where to Stay:
The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge are popular in-park options. El Portal offers lodging just outside the park.
5. Acadia National Park
Visitors: 3,970,260
This park in Maine showcases rugged coasts, stately forests, and dramatic sea cliffs.
What to Do:
Catch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, hike the Precipice and Beehive Trails, and visit the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Don’t miss Jordan Pond House for a bite to eat.
Where to Stay:
Campgrounds are available within the park, while Bar Harbor offers several lodging options like the Inn at Mount Desert.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitors: 4,300,424
This park preserves the Colorado Rockies, boasting high peaks, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife.
What to Do:
Drive Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Hike Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Chasm Lake. Timed entry is required during peak season.
Where to Stay:
Estes Park offers accommodation like the YMCA of the Rockies. For the west side, opt for Grand Lake Lodge.
3. Zion National Park
Visitors: 4,692,417
Utah’s Zion is known for its sandstone cliffs and adventurous hikes.
What to Do:
Hike Angel’s Landing (permit required) and The Narrows. Explore Kolob Canyon for fewer crowds and incredible landscapes.
Where to Stay:
Zion Lodge is the only in-park accommodation. Nearby Springdale offers options like Springhill Suites.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Visitors: 4,732,101
One of the most iconic natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is a must-see.
What to Do:
Explore the South Rim, hike down into the canyon, or visit the less crowded North Rim. Inner canyon permits are required for multi-day hikes.
Where to Stay:
Lodging options within the park include Phantom Ranch at the canyon floor. Nearby towns like Tusayan offer additional accommodations.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Visitors: 12,937,633
As the most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains spans Tennessee and North Carolina, offering stunning vistas and diverse wildlife.
What to Do:
Hike Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, and Laurel Falls. Drive through Cades Cove for wildlife sightings. Visit the Clingmans Dome observation tower.
Where to Stay:
Campgrounds and LeConte Lodge are popular in-park options. Gatlinburg’s Park Vista or Lake Junaluska’s The Terrace offer nearby accommodations.
Least Visited National Parks
While some parks see millions of visitors, others welcome only a few thousand. Here are the ten least visited national parks:
1. American Samoa: 1,887 visitors
2. Gates of the Arctic, Alaska: 9,457 visitors
3. Kobuk Valley, Alaska: 16,925 visitors
4. Lake Clark, Alaska: 18,187 visitors
5. Isle Royale, Michigan: 25,454 visitors
6. North Cascades, Washington: 30,154 visitors
7. Katmai, Alaska: 33,908 visitors
8. Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska: 65,236 visitors
9. Dry Tortugas, Florida: 78,488 visitors
10. Great Basin, Nevada: 142,115 visitors