Picture this: a car full of snacks, the open road stretching ahead, and the excitement of new landscapes waiting around every bend. That’s the beauty of a road trip across the United States, especially when you’re hitting up some of the most incredible national parks.
From towering cliffs to lush forests and breathtaking waterfalls, each park brings something new to explore. So grab your road map, and let’s dive into 15 amazing parks to add to your ultimate road trip itinerary.
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yellowstone is like a natural science experiment come to life! It’s America’s first national park, established in 1872, and it’s famous for its geothermal features. Old Faithful is the most famous geyser here, but there are other fantastic features, like the Grand Prismatic Spring, which has vivid colors that look like a rainbow. Yellowstone’s ecosystems range from hot springs and canyons to lush forests, making it a wildlife haven. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, and even the occasional grizzly bear.
- Camping: Yellowstone has twelve campgrounds, offering everything from rustic spots to sites for larger RVs.
- Nearby Accommodations: West Yellowstone has cozy lodges, and inside the park, you’ll find historic accommodations like the Old Faithful Inn.
2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon is massive—it stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep! The South Rim is open year-round and offers stunning viewpoints like Mather Point, while the North Rim is a bit more remote and only open from mid-May to mid-October. You can hike, ride a mule, or even raft down the Colorado River at the bottom.
- Camping: There are campgrounds on both rims, including Mather Campground and North Rim Campground.
- Nearby Accommodations: Stay at lodges on either rim or in nearby Tusayan, where you’ll find hotels and restaurants.
3. Yosemite National Park (California)
If you love waterfalls and huge granite cliffs, Yosemite will blow you away. Yosemite Valley is the star of the show, with towering rock formations like Half Dome and El Capitan. In spring, waterfalls like Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls cascade down from the cliffs. For a unique view, visit Glacier Point, where you can see Half Dome from above.
- Camping: Yosemite has 13 campgrounds, though many are seasonal. Reservations are a must in peak season.
- Nearby Accommodations: Inside the park, the Ahwahnee Hotel offers a luxurious stay, or head to Mariposa for more budget-friendly options.
4. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion’s red cliffs and narrow canyons make it feel otherworldly. One of the most popular hikes here is The Narrows, where you actually walk in the Virgin River through a narrow slot canyon. Another highlight is Angels Landing, a challenging hike with thrilling views.
- Camping: Zion has three campgrounds with both RV and tent sites. Book early if you’re visiting in spring or fall.
- Nearby Accommodations: Stay in Springdale, a charming town with everything from inns to gourmet dining right at the park entrance.
5. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier is a land of icy-blue lakes, wildflower meadows, and towering mountains. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must, offering views of Logan Pass and St. Mary Lake. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails, so lace up your boots and get ready to explore!
- Camping: Thirteen campgrounds are scattered throughout the park, perfect for both tents and RVs.
- Nearby Accommodations: There are lodges within the park, but nearby Whitefish also has plenty of places to stay.
6. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Acadia combines coastal beauty with rugged mountains. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest peak on the East Coast, and you can be the first in the country to see the sunrise if you visit early! The park has great ocean views and is full of tide pools, perfect for curious young explorers and family camping.
- Camping: Acadia has two main campgrounds, including Blackwoods, which is close to the ocean.
- Nearby Accommodations: Bar Harbor, with its cute shops and seafood spots, has inns, motels, and charming bed-and-breakfasts.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
The Rockies are all about breathtaking mountain views, and Trail Ridge Road takes you high above the treeline for spectacular scenery. For a quieter experience, hike up to Bear Lake or even Longs Peak if you’re up for a challenge. Moose, elk, and marmots are common wildlife sightings here.
- Camping: Rocky Mountain National Park has five campgrounds with options for tents and RVs.
- Nearby Accommodations: Estes Park, right at the park’s edge, has a variety of lodges and cozy cabins.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
This park is all about misty, tree-covered mountains that seem to go on forever. Cades Cove is a valley surrounded by mountains and is perfect for spotting deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears. The park also has old log cabins, mills, and trails leading to beautiful waterfalls.
- Camping: With ten campgrounds, including Smokemont and Elkmont, there are plenty of places to pitch your tent.
- Nearby Accommodations: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer tons of hotels, cabins, and entertainment for families.
9. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, or tall, skinny rock formations, are amazing to see. Hike down into the canyon on the Navajo Loop for an up-close view of these strange, pointy rocks. If you can, catch the sunrise or sunset—these formations seem to glow orange and red!
- Camping: The park has two campgrounds for tents and RVs.
- Nearby Accommodations: Bryce Canyon City has inns and hotels close to the park.
10. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Olympic is unique because it has rainforests, beaches, and mountains all in one place. The Hoh Rainforest is filled with moss-draped trees, and Rialto Beach has sea stacks and tide pools. You can even drive up to Hurricane Ridge for views of snow-covered peaks.
- Camping: There are several campgrounds in different parts of the park, including beachside options.
- Nearby Accommodations: Port Angeles has everything from inns to motels and cozy cabins.
11. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
The surreal landscape of Joshua Tree is filled with boulders, twisted trees, and cactus gardens. It’s also one of the best places in the country for stargazing! Visit Skull Rock or hike the Hidden Valley Trail for iconic desert views.
- Camping: Nine campgrounds are spread across the park, with sites for tents and RVs.
- Nearby Accommodations: Nearby towns like Twentynine Palms have hotels, or you can try a unique glamping experience in a nearby desert retreat.
12. Arches National Park (Utah)
Arches National Park is like a sculpture gallery of natural stone formations. Delicate Arch is the park’s most famous rock arch, but there are thousands more to see, including Double Arch and Landscape Arch. You’ll be amazed at how the red rocks stand out against the blue sky.
- Camping: The only campground, Devils Garden, fills up quickly, so reserve early.
- Nearby Accommodations: Moab has plenty of hotels, motels, and cozy lodges just a few minutes from the park.
13. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Shenandoah is known for its quiet forests and winding mountain roads. Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles through the park, offering great views and picnic spots. If you’re up for a hike, Old Rag and Whiteoak Canyon offer beautiful waterfalls and rock scrambles.
- Camping: Five campgrounds, including Big Meadows, offer options for tents and RVs.
- Nearby Accommodations: Stay at the Skyland or Big Meadows Lodge, or head to nearby Luray for more hotels and inns.
14. Everglades National Park (Florida)
Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., and it’s filled with fascinating plants and animals. Glide through the “River of Grass” on an airboat and spot alligators, manatees, and wading birds. You can also kayak through mangrove tunnels for an up-close look at this wetland ecosystem.
- Camping: Two main campgrounds, Flamingo and Long Pine Key, offer RV and tent sites.
- Nearby Accommodations: The nearby town of Homestead has hotels and motels, and the Flamingo area offers unique “eco-tents.”
15. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
If seeing a volcano has always been on your bucket list, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park won’t disappoint. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and you can hike around their craters and even walk through lava tubes formed by past eruptions. At night, the glow of the lava against the dark sky is an unforgettable sight.
- Camping: Two campgrounds, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki, provide tent and car camping options.
- Nearby Accommodations: Volcano Village, a small town nearby, has inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals.
Road Trip Tips for National Parks
- Make Reservations Early: Campsites and lodges often book up months in advance, especially in summer and fall.
- Pack the Essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and maps are crucial. Some parks don’t have cell service, so a physical map is handy.
- Get an America the Beautiful Pass: This annual pass lets you into all national parks for one fee, saving you money if you’re visiting multiple parks.
- Respect Wildlife: Always keep a safe distance from animals, and never feed them. Respecting wildlife helps protect both you and them. Always live by the 7 key principles of Leave No Trace.
- Be Flexible: Weather can change quickly, especially in mountainous or coastal parks. Check the weather before you go and have backup plans.
With each of these parks offering something unique, your road trip will be packed with incredible views, exciting adventures, and stories you’ll remember for a lifetime. So grab your friends, family, or just your favorite playlist, and hit the road—America’s best national parks are waiting for you! Safe travels!
Don’t miss even more breathtaking visuals from our video:
- 15 Best National Parks to Visit in the United States
- Foraging Basics: Identifying Edible Plants on Your Camping Trip
- 10 Epic Hiking Trails Around the World
- 5 Best Winter Camping Destinations to Escape the Cold
- Affordable DIY RV Makeovers: Creative Ideas to Transform Your Home on Wheels
Write A Guest Post For Us!
Are you passionate about camping and the great outdoors?
We’re excited to announce that we’re accepting guest posts
in the camping and outdoor niche!
