Summer is the most popular time to visit national parks, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with crowds of people. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, check out one of these least crowded national parks. Each of these parks offers plenty of opportunities for nature excursions and outdoor activities. So, if you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of busier parks, head to one of these underrated destinations.
North Cascades National Park
One of the hidden gems of the national park system is North Cascades National Park. Located in northern Washington state, the park is home to towering mountains, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, even during the winter, the park is a stunning place to explore. With its majestic scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, North Cascades National Park is a great destination for any time of year.
The park has several long trails, many of which are more than ten miles, that will take you deep into the forest. If you’re looking for a shorter trail, try the Skagit River Loop Trail. It’s only about 2 miles and starts behind the visitor’s center.
North Cascades is also one of the least visited national parks in the country. In 2021, it had a total of only 17,855 visitors. The park is almost 800 square miles. You’re unlikely to encounter crowds even in the summer high season. Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. If you visit in July or August, you’ll have average daily high temperatures in the mid to high 70s.
Great Basin National Park
If you are looking for an exciting summer adventure, then a trip to great basin national park is the perfect choice. Nestled high in the mountains of eastern Nevada, great basin is one of the most beautiful and undisturbed natural landscapes in all of North America. With stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, Great Basin offers something for everyone.
Whether you are interested in hiking, camping, birdwatching, or simply taking in some stunning vistas and fresh mountain air, Great Basin National Park has it all. And with its cool summer temperatures and open skies that let you gaze up at thousands of stars at night, it truly is the perfect summer escape.
Great Basin National Park is one of the lesser-visited national parks in the country. In 2021, it had a total of only about 145,000 visitors. The park is about 120 square miles, so you’re unlikely to encounter crowds even in the high season. Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. You’ll find high temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s from June through September. There is also very little precipitation in the park any time of year.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer experience, look no further than the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Located in western Colorado, this stunning canyon is sure to take your breath away. Here’s an itinerary for making the most of your visit:
Start your adventure at the South Rim Visitor Center, where you can learn about the geology and history of the canyon. Then take a hike along one of the many trails that wind their way through the canyon. Finally, for a truly unique experience, try camping overnight under the stars.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison will give you many of the same kind amazing valleys you’ll see in other parks without the crowds.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the least visited national parks in the west. In 2021, it had a total of about 309,000 visitors. Compare that with other nearby parks (Arches – 1.8 million, Rocky Mountain National Park – 4.4 million) and you’ll see that’s it’s truly a hidden gem. The park is over 30,000 acres in size, so you’re still unlikely to encounter crowds even in the high season. The cost of admission is $30 per vehicle. You’ll find high temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s from June through September. There is also very little precipitation in the summer.
Congaree National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Congaree National Park during the summer months, your itinerary should include plenty of time for exploration and discovery. This sprawling park covers more than 27,000 acres of river floodplains, coniferous forests, and hardwood swamps, making it an ideal destination for hikers, bird-watchers, and nature enthusiasts of all types.
To make the most of your visit to this scenic park, start by exploring its various trails. There are well over 30 miles of hiking trails open year-round, offering opportunities to see breathtaking views as well as glimpses of local wildlife like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. You can also take a guided canoe tour along Cedar Creek or the Congaree River to learn more about the history and ecology of the area.
In addition, be sure to plan some time for simply relaxing within this beautiful natural setting; whether you choose to set up camp in one of the designated areas or head out on an overnight backpacking excursion through one of the park’s remote corners, there’s something for everyone at Congaree National Park in the summertime.
Congaree is still unknown to many people, so it remains one of the least crowded national parks. In 2021, it had a total of only 215,00 visitors, ranking it 52nd among the 63 national parks. And although you’ll likely see other park visitors, you should never have crowds. Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. If you visit in spring or fall, you’ll have average daily high temperatures in the mid to high 70s. In July and August expect highs in the 90s with high humidity.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Located in the Gulf of Mexico, wet of Key West, is Dry Tortugas National Park. There are plenty of great activities to enjoy at Dry Tortugas National Park during the summer months. They range from hiking to kayaking to snorkeling to bird-watching.
For those who want to get on the water, kayaking is an option that offers scenic views as you explore the area’s beautiful coastline. You can choose between single or tandem kayaks depending on your preferences, and there are also guided tours available.
For an immersive underwater experience, Dry Tortugas National Park also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities with a wide variety of incredible marine life just waiting to be discovered. And if you are interested in seeing birds in their natural habitat, there are few better places than Dry Tortugas with its many nesting sites for different species of seabirds such
Because of the difficulty of getting to the park and the limited boat schedule, Dry Tortugas is one of the least visited national parks in the country. In 2021, it had a total of only about 84,000 visitors. The only crowd you’re likely to see is the one you came with. The cost of admission to the park is $15 per person, although you’ll have to pay for a ferry ride as well if you don’t have your own transportation. If you visit from spring through fall you can expect average daily highs in the 80s and 90s.
National Park of American Samoa
As the only national park south of the equator, the National Park of American Samoa is a great place to enjoy the summer months. There are plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained, from hiking and bird watching to swimming and snorkeling. The park also offers stunning views of the South Pacific Ocean, making it a perfect spot for a summer getaway.
Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystem of the national park, including its coral reefs, rainforests, and volcanic beaches. There are also opportunities to learn about the culture and history of American Samoa, with ranger-led programs and local tours available. So whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the national park of American Samoa has something for everyone.
The park is also one of the least visited national parks in the country. In fact, it was the second least visited national park in 2021, when it had a total of only about 8,500 visitors. The park is about 77 square miles, so you’re unlikely to encounter crowds even in the high season. Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. Whatever time of year you visit, you can expect high temperatures in the mid to high 80s. One advantage of the summer is that June through September are relatively dry compared to the winter months.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Remote and wild, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the least visited national park for a reason. It’s situated above the arctic circle and has none of the amenities you’d expect in a national park. No roads, trails, campgrounds or lodging of any kind. The only way to get into the park is by plane or on foot. But for those hardy souls who venture in, the memories can last a lifetime.
Located in Alaska’s Brooks Range, the untouched wilderness of the park spans over 13,000 square miles. In the short summer, there are endless opportunities for hiking, rafting, fishing, and experiencing a true wilderness. Expect to share the park with grizzly and polar bears, wolves, caribou, moose and others. And if you visit at the right time, you can see the Northern Lights in all their glory.
At the Gates of the Arctic, visitors can experience a wide range of natural wonders and outdoor activities. Some popular hotspots include Alatna River Canyon, which offers breathtaking views of meandering rapids and high waterfalls and Mount Igikpak, a large glacier-covered peak that serves as a nesting site for eagles and ravens.
In 2021, the park had a total of only about 7,400 visitors. And at over 13,00 square miles, you’re not only unlikely to encounter crowd, but you may not even see another person while you’re in the park. Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. You will need transportation into the park, however. You can go to our Tours page for more information. If you visit from June through August, you’ll have average daily high temperatures in the mid to high 60s.
Isle Royal National Park
When talking about remote national parks, we usually think of Alaska, but perhaps the most remote in the lower 48 is Isle Royale National Park. Technically located in Michigan, the island (the largest in Lake Superior), lies off the coast of Ontario and Minnesota. It’s accessible only by ferry or seaplane. Here you’ll find no roads and no cars. The 45-mile-long island is the home to a wide variety of undisturbed wildlife, including beavers, wolves, foxes, muskrats, minks, and moose. It’s a largely undeveloped wilderness perfect for camping, kayaking, or hiking.
Established in 1940, the park’s isolation makes it one of the least visited national parks. Crowds will not be a problem. Two small settlements provide some basics, and you can even stay in cabins if you reserve far enough in advance but planning for the park is essential. The weather can be harsh, and the park is open only from April 16 through October 31. But for those hardy souls who want to experience nature and isolation and visit a place seemingly untouched by time, the park provides more than enough opportunities.
Isle Royal is one of the least visited national parks in the country. In 2021, it had a total of only about 26,000 visitors, ranking it 57th out of 63. The park itself is almost 900 square miles, so you’re unlikely to encounter crowds even in the high season. Entrance to the park is only $7 per person. If you visit in July or August, you’ll have average daily high temperatures in the mid to high 70s.
Voyageurs National Park
Set in the far reaches of northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is a land of lakes, islands, forests, and vast undeveloped wilderness. Water is essential to the park and the main mode of transportation is by boats and kayaks.
Lodging in the park is limited and many people decide for the unique experience of exploring the park in houseboats. The boats can be rented, and the park’s campsites are only accessible by water. The spots have limited amenities, although there are spots to tie up the houseboats or kayaks.
In the park you’ll find moose, wolves, and beavers among others.
Whatever you decide to do, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience at Voyageurs National Park.
Voyageurs is also one of the least visited national parks in the country. In 2021, it had a total of only 243,00 visitors, ranking it 50th out of the 63 national parks. The park is almost 340 square miles, so you’re unlikely to encounter crowds at any time of year. Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. If you visit from June through August, you’ll have average daily high temperatures in the mid to high 70s.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts the highest peak in the state of Texas and miles of great hiking with amazing vistas. Remote and lacking the crowds of other more popular parks, you’ll be able to find solitude and experience the desert environment peacefully, whether hiking, backpacking, or camping.
Guadalupe mountains national park is a great summer destination for those who love hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors. The park features over 80 miles of hiking trails, as well as numerous campsites and scenic viewpoints. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching, including bighorn sheep, deer, and elk. Guadalupe mountains national park is also home to the Guadalupe peak trail, which leads to the highest point in Texas. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Guadalupe mountains national park has something to offer everyone.
And you’ll also have a chance to explore another park while you’re in the area. Many visitors choose to combine their visit to the park with a visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a short distance away. It’s a park with its own unique and interesting experiences as well. Either way, you’re sure to find an experience like no other at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
North Cascades is also one of the least visited national parks in the country. In 2021, it had a total of only about 243,000 visitors, making it the 49th of 63 in visitors. The park is almost 350 square miles, so you’re unlikely to encounter crowds even in the summer. Another great thing about the park is that the admission fee is only $10 per person. If you visit from April through October, you’ll have average daily high temperatures in the mid to high 70s and 80s.
