Ditch the Crowds: Unearthing 12 Underappreciated U.S. National Parks for Your Next Adventure

Tired of battling elbow-to-elbow crowds at the Grand Canyon or waiting in endless lines just to glimpse Yellowstone’s geysers? We get it. While those iconic parks are popular for good reason, the truth is, the U.S. National Park System offers seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventure across its 63 headliners and hundreds of other sites. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice stunning vistas or thrilling experiences to escape the overtourism that’s become a major concern for many travelers.

In 2024, the National Park Service’s more than 400 sites welcomed a whopping 331.9 million recreation visits. Yet, more than 50 percent of all recreational visits to a national park were to the 10 most visited ones. This means there are incredible, vast, and spectacular wildernesses out there seeing a mere fraction of those numbers. Many are underrated and undervisited, whether because they’re lesser-known, more far-flung, or simply overshadowed by more famous nearby parks.

So, if you’re ready to trade in the bustling boardwalks for serene trails and the long car lines for wide-open spaces, you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into 12 U.S. national parks that are underappreciated, less crowded, and absolutely begging for you to explore them. These are the spots where genuine adventure, breathtaking beauty, and a true sense of solitude are still very much alive. Let’s gear up and discover some hidden gems!

1. **Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska**Imagine a wilderness so vast it makes Yellowstone, Yosemite, and even an entire country like Switzerland feel small. That’s Wrangell–St. Elias for you, America’s largest national park, encompassing an incredible 13.2 million acres. Tucked away in Alaska, it accounted for less than 2 percent of all U.S. national park visits in 2024, making it an absolute frontier for those seeking true solitude and unparalleled arctic exploration.

This isn’t just big; it’s majestically diverse. Highlights here include several of the highest peaks in the nation, like the imposing 18,008-foot-tall Mount St. Elias, expansive ice fields, and massive glaciers such as the 53-mile-long Nabesna Glacier. Plus, you’ll find Mount Wrangell, an active volcano that, while not erupting, has definitely made its presence known with smoke emissions over the past few decades. The sheer size and varied terrain—from hiking and climbing to rafting and fishing—mean there are ample ways to carve out your own adventure.

Getting to this magnificent expanse requires a bit of effort, but that’s precisely why it remains so untouched. Most intrepid visitors choose to drive the 60-mile-long, unpaved McCarthy Road from Chitina. For those who prefer air travel, Wrangell Mountain Air offers three daily flights during the summer, dropping you right into the heart of the park. Once you’re there, the journey truly begins.

If you’re looking to splurge for an unforgettable experience, consider staying a few nights at the Ultima Thule Lodge. Guests there gain exclusive access to daily fly-out adventures on small prop planes. This allows you to explore otherwise incredibly hard-to-access corners of the park, taking you deep into the wilderness where few others tread. It’s an insider tip for experiencing the park’s true wild heart.

2. **Congaree National Park, South Carolina**Just a short drive from Charleston or Columbia, South Carolina, lies Congaree National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its staggering biodiversity and natural resources. This park is an entirely different kind of wonder—a cathedral of colossal, old-growth bottomland hardwood trees, many draped in mystical Spanish moss. The sunlight filters through a dense green canopy, and the air is alive with the hum of cicadas, creating a truly unique and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Congaree is defined by the presence of both flood and flame, with floodwaters from the Congaree and Wateree rivers regularly covering its ancient forests, while upland pine forests rely on wildfires for rejuvenation. The park floods seasonally, transforming it into a dreamy, swampy world that is best explored by water. Taking a guided tour down the Cedar Creek canoe trail is an absolute must, allowing you to paddle silently through the submerged forest.

This hidden gem is one of the best places in the Southeast to spot elusive barred owls and playful river otters. If you time your visit right, specifically between mid-May and mid-June, you might witness the surreal synchronous fireflies, which light up the woods in a magical, coordinated display. However, a word to the wise: since it sits on a floodplain, warmer months can bring an abundance of mosquitoes, so plan your visit for the spring and fall to avoid the buggy conditions.

For those looking to spend the night, the park offers two front-country campgrounds, Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, where reservations are recommended. Being so accessible from major South Carolina cities, Congaree makes for a perfect day or weekend trip. It’s a fantastic example of an underrated park that delivers a truly unique, immersive natural experience, far from the usual hustle and bustle.

3. **Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida**Seventy miles offshore from Key West, nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find Dry Tortugas National Park. This incredible park is often overlooked in favor of Florida’s more famous and easily reachable Everglades National Park, but to skip it would be a huge mistake. Dry Tortugas offers a completely different, mesmerizing experience, consisting mostly of open water, vibrant coral reefs, and seven small islands, placing marine life squarely at the center of its allure.

To visit this remote paradise is to enter a world of crystal-clear waters, where snorkeling, diving, and kayaking unveil a spectacular underwater ecosystem. Beyond the aquatic wonders, Garden Key is home to one of the nation’s largest 19th-century forts, Fort Jefferson. Exploring the history of this massive, unfinished coastal fortress adds a fascinating cultural layer to the natural beauty, allowing you to step back in time while surrounded by pristine ocean.

For the adventurous few who choose to spend the night and camp, the remoteness of these islands truly pays off. Once the day-trippers return to shore, you’re left with incredible stargazing opportunities, far from any light pollution. Imagine afternoons of crowd-free swims in turquoise waters, followed by nights under a blanket of a million stars—it’s an experience that few other parks can offer.

Accessing the park is part of the adventure, with the Yankee Freedom ferry departing Key West daily at 8 a.m. Day trips start at $235 per adult, while a round-trip ferry ride combined with a camping pass is $240. Camping is the only way to stay overnight, and reservations are absolutely essential, often needing to be booked several weeks or even months in advance. This park is a testament to the rewards of seeking out the less-traveled path.

4. **Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota**Nestled along the Canadian border in Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is a true wonderland of water, islands, and horizons. Despite its stunning beauty and unique character, it only saw 199,030 visitors in 2024, consistently ranking among the less-crowded national parks. Nearly 40 percent of its 218,055 acres is water, a series of interconnected waterways and lakes including Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point, making it a paradise for aquatic enthusiasts.

For over 10,000 years, humans have centered their lives around these waterways, using them for fishing, foraging, and as vital transportation corridors. Today, these ancient traditions continue to draw travelers, offering an immersive experience that is best enjoyed by boat. With more than 500 islands and four large lakes, plus dozens of smaller ones, navigating these waters by canoe, kayak, or houseboat reveals a sense of discovery that’s increasingly rare.

Voyageurs is also a certified International Dark Sky Park, offering visitors in the lower 48 a rare opportunity to glimpse the ethereal aurora borealis. Imagine paddling across a quiet lake, then looking up to see the northern lights dancing across the sky – it’s a moment that will stay with you forever. Even without the aurora, the clear nights here promise a spectacular display of stars, far from urban light pollution.

To truly appreciate Voyageurs, spending the night is highly recommended. The park offers numerous campgrounds, including drive-in, backcountry, and many only accessible by canoe. For a unique experience, consider renting a houseboat (permit required) from Ebel’s in the gateway community of Ash River. This allows you to navigate and explore the park’s intricate waterways and islands at your own pace, creating a personal connection with this aquatic wilderness.

5. **Big Bend National Park, Texas**Big Bend National Park, tucked away in the remote southwest corner of Texas, is often described as underrated primarily due to its location, making it one of the harder parks to reach. However, as Norman Aynbinder, president and CEO of Excursionist, wisely points out, this park is a genuine gem absolutely worth the journey, no matter the season. Unlike many parks with limited accessibility, Big Bend welcomes visitors year-round, offering diverse experiences regardless of when you go.

This incredible park boasts some of the highest biodiversity in the United States. It’s a living tapestry home to over 450 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and 22 species of lizards. What truly sets Big Bend apart are its three distinct landscapes: the dramatic Chisos Mountains, the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert, and the life-giving Rio Grande. This trifecta creates a vast, rugged, and wonderfully varied terrain just begging to be explored.

Adventure abounds here, offering something for every type of explorer. You can embark on a hike to the park’s historic hot springs for a relaxing soak, or take on a multiday canoe trip down the legendary Rio Grande, paddling through stunning canyons. Bird-watching along the picturesque 5.5-mile Window Trail is another popular activity, where the diverse ecosystems attract a fascinating array of avian life. The sheer scale of the park ensures that you can find your own secluded adventure.

Because Big Bend is about 90 minutes from the small, artistic town of Marfa, these two locations make for a great combination, especially as part of a West Texas road trip. For an unforgettable night under the stars, consider a luxury safari tent or yurt at the bright and bohemian El Cosmico in Marfa. Within the park itself, there are several options for both drive-in and backcountry camping, with reservations highly recommended for the former. Big Bend promises an authentic Texan wilderness experience far from the madding crowds.

6. **Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado**For a truly unique and breathtaking landscape, look no further than Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. As tour company founder and parks expert Marty Behr of Abercrombie & Kent enthusiastically stated, it’s one of his favorite national parks. True to its name, this park is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in North America, formed by millennia of sand from southwestern deserts being blown up against the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Imagine towering sand dunes juxtaposed against dramatic 14,000-foot peaks, and then add in marshlands and wetlands teeming with a huge variety of birds. It’s an extraordinary and diverse landscape—like three ecosystems rolled into one, creating an unparalleled visual spectacle. While motorized vehicles are not allowed on the dunes, the real thrill comes from hiking 750 feet up these sandy giants and then, for an unforgettable rush, sliding down on a disk.

Exploring this park offers an experience that is both physically engaging and visually stunning. The constantly shifting sands and the stark contrast with the alpine environment make for incredible photography and unforgettable memories. It’s a place where you can truly feel small against the backdrop of nature’s grandeur, and the quiet vastness of the dunes offers a peaceful escape from the everyday.

The closest cities to the park—Colorado Springs, Durango, and Santa Fe—are all about three hours away. Accommodation options directly near Great Sand Dunes are limited, but you can camp at Piñon Flats Campground within the park (reservations required) or at several hike-in, backpacking campgrounds for a more immersive experience. For those seeking a less rugged stay, Behr suggests considering Santa Fe or Vermejo Ranch, a Ted Turner Reserve in New Mexico, offering luxurious comfort after a day of dune exploration. It’s an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Let’s dive back in and uncover even more incredible, crowd-free destinations that are waiting for your next epic adventure. Seriously, these spots are just begging to be added to your travel bucket list, offering unparalleled beauty without the elbow-to-elbow crowds.

7. **Canyonlands National Park, Utah**When you think of Utah, your mind probably jumps to the “Mighty 5” and those iconic, often-packed parks. But guess what? While Canyonlands is technically one of those “Big 5,” it’s surprisingly the least visited among them. And that’s *wild*, especially when you consider it’s practically neighbors with the wildly popular Arches National Park and super easy to reach from Moab.

This isn’t just some small patch of desert; we’re talking about a massive 338,000 acres, dwarfing Arches and offering an entirely different playground for adventurers. According to Norman Aynbinder, president and CEO of Excursionist, Canyonlands boasts “some of the best rafting, hiking, Jeep tours, and canyoneering.” Plus, you’ll find those iconic slot canyons that Utah is famous for, just waiting to be explored.

The Colorado River carves its way through Canyonlands, making it an epic alternative for rafting trips if you’re tired of battling for spots on Grand Canyon tours. Aynbinder points out that Grand Canyon rafting tours are often “hard because they’re crowded, booked up for years,” but in Canyonlands, “you can get just as stunning views… with fewer people.” Talk about a win-win!

How to visit? You can absolutely explore and camp on your own, but for next-level access, consider a tour like those from Excursionist. They can whisk you away to those super hard-to-reach parts of the park with a 4×4 Land Cruiser. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a touch of luxury amidst the rugged beauty, Ulum’s glamping property in Moab is perfectly situated between Arches and Canyonlands, even offering complimentary yoga and watercolor painting sessions!

8. **New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia**Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! West Virginia’s New River Gorge isn’t just *a* national park; it’s the *newest* national park in the United States, officially upgraded from a national river in early 2021. And while it might be the 17th most visited park with 1.8 million visitors in 2024, it’s still fresh on many outdoor enthusiasts’ radars, meaning you can get in on the action before everyone else does.

This place is an absolute powerhouse of adventure, encompassing more than 70,000 acres of rugged Appalachian canyon. Seriously, it’s got something for everyone. Imagine scaling sandstone cliffs on incredible rock-climbing routes, or tackling heart-pumping Class IV and V rapids along 53 miles of whitewater rafting. If two wheels are more your style, there are hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails just begging to be conquered.

Getting there is easy – it’s just an hour’s drive from Charleston, West Virginia. For overnight stays, the park itself offers several campgrounds. But if you want to branch out a bit, check out privately owned spots like the cyclist-friendly Arrowhead Bike Farm.

Or, for a true “cabin-in-the-woods” vibe, book a rental at Adventures on the Gorge. It’s an expansive, family-friendly adventure resort right outside the park, blending comfort with thrilling outdoor pursuits. It’s time to discover this Appalachian gem before the secret gets out!

9. **North Cascades National Park, Washington**Ready for the “American Alps” without flying across the Atlantic? Look no further than North Cascades National Park in Washington State, right up there on the Canadian border. This park is a postcard-perfect scene of waterfalls, towering peaks, and dramatic, snow-tipped mountains that will absolutely take your breath away. Plus, with over 500 lakes and ponds, many of which you can boat in, it’s a water-lover’s paradise.

Despite its mind-blowing beauty, North Cascades is a true hidden gem, seeing only 16,485 visitors in 2024. That makes it the second least-visited U.S. national park (only Gates of the Arctic sees fewer!), partly because the main access, State Highway 20, usually closes by October 1st. But when it’s open, oh boy, does it deliver!

Marty Behr of Abercrombie & Kent perfectly sums it up: “When it’s open, people really go for spectacular hiking, but there is also whitewater rafting and horseback riding.” Seriously, the opportunities for adventure are endless here, from scaling those majestic peaks to exploring serene alpine lakes. The views of Diablo Lake alone, with its unforgettable turquoise waters, are worth the trip.

For campers, North Cascades offers a range of options: drive-in (reservations are a smart move!), boat-in, and backcountry (permits required for those deep dives into the wilderness). If you’re craving something a little less rugged, Behr suggests the Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. It’s a “beautiful property up on a hillside with gorgeous views, a rustic feel, and a good restaurant,” offering the perfect blend of comfort and access to this incredible landscape.

10. **Pinnacles National Park, California**California, the land of nine national parks, has a treasure trove of outdoor wonders. But nestled roughly 2.5 hours south of San Francisco is one you might not have heard of: Pinnacles National Park. This place saw a mere 0.38 percent of all national park visits in 2024, making it a truly under-the-radar escape from the crowds you’d find at Joshua Tree or Death Valley.

What makes Pinnacles so special? It’s a striking, utterly unique landscape of rock spires and mysterious caves, all formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. It feels like stepping onto another planet! Not surprisingly, these incredible rock formations make Pinnacles a magnet for climbers, especially when the weather cools down.

But even if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, Pinnacles has miles of trails that weave through these formations, lead you into fascinating lava tunnels, and guide you to mountain peaks with absolutely epic scenic vistas. If you’ve only got one day, make a beeline for the Condor Gulch to High Peaks Loop trail. It’s a challenging five- to six-mile loop that takes you right through the heart of those iconic Pinnacles rock formations. You might even spot an endangered California Condor soaring overhead!

Planning your visit? Your best bet for spending the night is to book a site at the Pinnacles Campground on the park’s east side. Hotels and Airbnbs are a bit sparse right next to the park, but it’s a super easy day trip from Monterey, Carmel Valley, or San Jose. Just a crucial heads-up: the east and west entrances are connected by trails, *not* roads, so plan your access point carefully – you can’t drive straight through!

11. **Great Basin National Park, Nevada**Forget everything you thought you knew about Nevada being just desert and neon lights. Tucked away in the eastern part of the state, Great Basin National Park is an absolute stunner, a land where mountain peaks meet hot desert valleys. Did you know there’s even a glacier in Nevada? Yep, the Wheeler Peak Glacier is hiding beneath the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak right here!

But the wonders don’t stop there. Imagine walking among some of the oldest living organisms on Earth – the ancient bristlecone pines – or stargazing under one of the darkest skies in the entire country. We’re talking about a celestial show that will absolutely blow your mind, far away from any light pollution.

One of the most exciting experiences here is going underground. Great Basin boasts an extensive limestone caving system known as Lehman Caves, a subterranean wonderland where stalactites and stalagmites twist and shimmer. To explore these incredible formations, you’ll need to join a ranger-led tour, which runs for a fascinating 90 minutes multiple times a day. It’s a journey into a hidden world that few ever get to see!

Getting to Great Basin is a road trip delight, roughly a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City or five hours from Las Vegas. Just a pro-tip from the National Park Service: download a park map to your phone because cell service here is pretty much non-existent. Beyond the park’s designated campgrounds, you’ll find some cozy Airbnbs in Baker, Nevada, or charming motels like Stargazer Inn and Hidden Canyon Retreat. It’s an adventure that proves Nevada has so much more to offer.

12. **Isle Royale National Park, Michigan**For our grand finale, let’s journey to an entirely different kind of wilderness: Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. Picture this: a group of roughly 400 islands huddled in the northwestern corner of Lake Superior, practically touching the Canadian border. This isn’t a drive-through park; it’s an immersive escape where exploration is done solely by boat or on foot – no cars allowed!

This makes for an incredibly unique and tranquil experience. You can bring your own watercraft or easily rent a canoe from Rock Harbor or Windigo. One of the most popular paddles, the Chain of Lakes trail, involves a bit of portaging but rewards you with jaw-dropping views of secluded lakes and ancient old-growth forests. It’s pure, untouched beauty, calling to the adventurer in you.

And for something truly unexpected, Isle Royale is a solid spot for freshwater scuba diving! Thanks to the numerous shipwrecks hidden beneath the depths of Lake Superior’s cold, clear waters, it offers a fascinating historical and ecological dive experience that you won’t find just anywhere. Wolves and moose, two of the notable animal residents, also roam these islands, adding to the wild appeal.

Reaching Isle Royale is part of the adventure itself, requiring a seaplane, ferry, or private boat. Remember, the park is only open from mid-April to the end of October. If camping isn’t your jam, Rock Harbor Lodge on the northeastern edge offers 60 comfortable rooms, from private lodge rooms to charming cabins. The staff there can even help arrange water taxis, sightseeing tours, and fishing charters, ensuring your stay is as smooth and unforgettable as the glassy waters surrounding this island paradise.

So, there you have it, fellow explorers! Twelve incredible U.S. National Parks that are proving you don’t need to fight the crowds to find breathtaking beauty, thrilling adventures, and that elusive sense of solitude. From the vast arctic wilderness of Alaska to the hidden caves of Nevada, and the watery wonders of Michigan, these underappreciated gems are ready and waiting to offer you an authentic, unforgettable experience. Go forth, discover, and leave the lines behind!