These Are the Top 10 Jam-Packed National Parks You May Want to Avoid This Summer

If you’re looking to escape to the great outdoors, the last thing you probably want is to be elbow-to-elbow with a crowd of tourists. Even though now might be your only chance to pack up the tent and hit the trails, know you’re not the only one with big nature vacation plans this season.

I’ve spent two years living the vanlife dream, road-tripped across nearly 40 states, and have gone to every park on this list. I’ve seen my fair share of crowded trails and packed parking lots. So, if you’ve ever been stuck in traffic in the middle of a supposedly serene National Park, you’re not alone.

These top 10 national parks are absolutely gorgeous, but according to the National Park Service records, over 3 million people visit each of them every year. So if you’re looking for a more secluded experience, you may want to steer clear of these most visited national parks in the USA during peak season.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Visitors: 13,297,647
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October)

Tucked between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains is renowned for its fog rolling over the canopy of its ancient mountains and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

From dense forests teeming with flora and fauna to misty peaks with captivating views, the Great Smoky Mountains is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited park on this list by far.

Must-Visit Highlights: Start your adventure with a sunrise hike up Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest peak. The scenic Cades Cove is a valley area that peers into the lives of early settlers with historic log cabins and churches. For those who love waterfalls, Laurel Falls is a relatively easy hike leading to a gorgeous 80-foot cascade.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

• Visitors: 4,733,705
• Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November)

Often considered one of the “seven natural wonders of the world”, Grand Canyon National Park is the apple of America’s eye. It’s a bucket list destination for many and a site that draws millions of visitors each year. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon stretches an astonishing 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep.

Must-Visit Highlights: The Grand Canyon is divided into three portions: the South Rim, the West Rim, and the North Rim. The South Rim has the most popular viewpoints, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Watchtower. Many adventurers choose to hike the extremely different Rim to Rim hike that connects the South Rim to the North. The West Rim is famous for its Skywalk.

3. Zion National Park

• Visitors: 4,623,238
• Best Time to Visit Zion: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November)

In the southwestern corner of Utah, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise of dramatic red cliffs with the calm Virgin River slicing through the landscape. The park’s main attraction, Zion Canyon, is up to 2,600 feet deep and comprises colorful red sandstone cliffs that soar into the sky.

Must-Visit Highlights: Angel’s Landing is one of the hardest hikes in the USA, as those who are afraid of heights have to conquer narrow paths with steep drop-offs. The Narrows is another popular hike where you wade or swim through a slot canyon with towering rock walls on either side. Take a scenic drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

4. Yellowstone National Park

• Visitors: 4,501,382
• Best Time to Visit Yellowstone: Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October)

Known as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone features everything from erupting geysers to boiling hot springs and bubbling mud pots.

Volcanic activity shapes the unique landscape of mountains, canyons, forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The area also offers incredible wildlife-watching opportunities.

Must-Visit Highlights: There are so many must-see spots in Yellowstone, but definitely go to the Grand Prismatic Spring. The Upper Geyser Basin is also a must-visit to see Old Faithful erupting around every 90 minutes.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

• Visitors: 4,115,837
• Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain: Summer (June-August) and early fall (September)

Located in Colorado’s Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, this park is a hit with hikers, with over 300 miles of trails and 150+ lakes. From Montane meadows to rugged alpine tundra, you’ll find some of Colorado’s most iconic mountains here, including Longs Peak, at nearly 15,000 feet high.

The park also features the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an altitude of 12,183 feet, and the Continental Divide.

Must-Visit Highlights: Dream Lake and Emerald Lake are both accessible via short hikes. Trail Ridge Road is also a must-do, reaching elevations higher than many ski resorts. And, of course, make sure to visit the nearby haunted Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining”!

6. Yosemite National Park

• Visitors: 3,897,070
• Best Time to Visit Yosemite: Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October)

High amongst the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is known for its dramatic waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and vast wilderness.

The park’s granite cliffs attract rock climbers from around the world. The scenic drives and waterfalls also make it a popular destination for photographers, especially during the annual “Firefall” phenomenon in late February.

Must-Visit Highlights: Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park and home to famous landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Hike to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail or check out the towering sequoias at Mariposa Grove.

7. Acadia National Park

• Visitors: 3,879,890
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) and fall (September-October)

Along the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park spans over 49,000 acres of rocky beaches, granite peaks, and several smaller islands off the coast. If you’re an early riser, head to Cadillac Mountain—it’s the first place in the U.S. that sees the sunrise for part of the year!

Must-Visit Highlights: Take a drive or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Visit Sand Beach for coastal views and the Bass Harbor Head Light on Mount Desert Island. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park’s historic roads. And make sure to try some fresh Maine lobster!

8. Grand Teton National Park

• Visitors: 3,417,106
• Best Time to Visit Grand Teton: Summer (June-September) and fall (September-October)

The Grand Teton mountain range is the star of this park in Wyoming, rising over 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole’s valley floor. The Snake River runs through the park for scenic float trips and white-water rafting.

Its striking skyline and rugged terrain include glistening alpine lakes and abundant wildlife, ranging from moose and bison to adorable pikas. The landscape itself is a compelling mix of rolling meadows and the dramatic mountain range that pops against the brilliant blue sky.

Must-Visit Highlights: Take one of the best scenic drives in the country, the Teton Park Road. Jenny Lake tops the list, as you can take a boat shuttle to access the Inspiration Point Hike. Visit the Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and historic Mormon Row for iconic photo stops.

9. Joshua Tree National Park

• Visitors: 3,270,404
• Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree: Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November)

In Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is where the Colorado Desert meets the Mojave Desert. Named for the Joshua Trees, the park’s unique geography makes it a popular spot for rock climbers and nature lovers.

Must-Visit Highlights: Keys View gives you panoramic views of Coachella Valley to the south and the San Andreas Fault to the north. Hike through the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunset or drive along Pinto Basin Road. Don’t miss the park’s funky rock formations, like Skull Rock and Arch Rock.

Make sure to stay overnight at Jumbo Rocks Campground for a night of stargazing. Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places to view the Milky Way.

10. Olympic National Park

• Visitors: 2,947,503
• Best Time to Visit Olympic: Summer (July-August)

Olympic National Park in Washington State encompasses nearly one million acres of diverse ecosystems, from mountain ridges and glaciers to temperate rainforests and coastlines.

Must-Visit Highlights: Ride to the top of Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the mountain range and explore the Hoh Rainforest, one of the few temperate rainforests in the U.S., where you can wander along the Hall of Mosses Trail. Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach has dramatic sea stacks and tide pools teeming with marine life.

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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.