10 Least Visited National Parks You Won’t Find on Most Tourist Maps

While everyone’s heard of the famous national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, there are many more lesser-known gems that are off most people’s radar.

After two years of living the vanlife and road-tripping to 29 national parks, even I’ve skipped many of these places as they’re just so remote; it really requires some time and effort on the planning front.

Our rankings are based on official recreation records from the National Park Service (NPS), which tracks visitor numbers across all parks. These parks made the list because they had the fewest visitors in 2023, each with under 150,000 people. Compare that to the Great Smoky Mountains, which had over 13 million visitors.

So if you’re looking for a little solitude in nature, here are the 10 least visited national parks where the only footprints you’ll see might just be your own.

10. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

• Number of visitors (2023): 143,265

Great Basin National Park is Nevada’s only national park, tucked far away from the jingles and neon lights of Las Vegas. It’s home to ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of the oldest living organisms on earth. The park is also famous for having some of the darkest skies in the US.

The Lehman Caves are another big draw, underground marble caves with crazy stalactites and stalagmites. If you’re up for a challenge, hike to the top of Wheeler Peak which takes you up beautiful Nevada’s second-highest peak.

9. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

• Number of visitors (2023): 84,285

Florida might be a popular vacation destination, but Dry Tortugas National Park sees such few visitors because it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane. If you make the effort to go, snorkel and dive in the crystal clear waters surrounding Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress. You can also camp on the island after a golden sunset over the Gulf of Mexico and camping under the stars at one of the park’s rare beachside campsites.

8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska

• Number of visitors (2023): 78,305

The enormous Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest in the US, spanning over 13 million acres. It holds nine of the 16 highest peaks in the country, including Mount St. Elias. The Root Glacier Trail and many others take you up close to massive glaciers and ice falls.

7. North Cascades National Park, Washington

• Number of visitors (2023): 40,351

North Cascades National Park in Washington is often called the “American Alps” due to its jagged mountain peaks and turquoise lakes. For how beautiful this park is, I truly think it’s one of the most underrated in the whole country.

Ross Lake and Diablo Lake are perfect lakes for kayaking, and you can jump in as long as you don’t mind the cold. As only the North Cascades Highway bisects this park, you’ll have to get a backcountry permit if you want to get to the more remote areas. Places like Stehekin Valley and Lake Chelan are accessible only by boat, plane, or foot.

6. Katmai National Park, Alaska

• Number of visitors (2023): 33,763

Katmai National Park is famous for its brown bears, especially at Brooks Falls, where you can watch them fish for salmon. There’s even a whole week dedicated to celebrating them. This iconic scene draws wildlife photographers from all over the world.

In addition to bears, you can also explore the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic wonderland filled with ash-filled valleys and lava flows.

5. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

• Number of visitors (2023): 28,965

Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior is another one of those island parks that are accessible only by ferry, seaplane, or private boat. Rock Harbor and Windigo are the park’s two main entry points.

The Greenstone Ridge Trail is a favorite among backpackers. You can also canoe around the rocky shoreline to hidden coves and bays, and scuba divers can discover shipwrecks beneath the clear, cold waters.

4. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

• Number of visitors (2023): 17,616

You’d never think to find an unexpected desert-like landscape in the Arctic, but Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska is just the place. Hike the hills of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

In the fall, half a million caribou migrate through this remote backcountry. Camping here means total solitude and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

3. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

• Number of visitors (2023): 16,728

Lake Clark National Park has landscapes ranging from volcanoes to glaciers. People come to boat and kayak Lake Clark itself while keeping an eye out for bears, moose, and bald eagles throughout the park. As much of the park is inaccessible, flightseeing tours give you birds-eye aerial views of the park’s rugged terrain.

2. National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa

• Number of visitors (2023): 12,135

Most people know that America has 50 states, but many don’t know that it also has a territory called American Samoa. This group of islands in the South Pacific is home to the National Park of American Samoa.

This tropical park covers parts of three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū. Snorkeling in the park reveals colorful coral reefs and schools of marine life. The Mount Alava Trail gets you aerial views of Pago Pago Harbor and the surrounding rainforest.

Traditional Samoan culture is alive here, and you can visit local villages to learn about their way of life.

1. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska

• Number of visitors (2023): 11,045

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska wins the award for the least-visited national park. This park is entirely above the Arctic Circle, in a region of untamed wilderness at its finest. There are no roads or trails, so only experienced backpackers and adventurers should go off on their own.

Here, you can canoe down the Kobuk River past the Arrigetch Peaks granite spires that rise dramatically from the landscape. Common wildlife sightings include caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. Last but not least, cross off that bucket list item, as the Northern Lights are often visible here.

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✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.