Into the Wild: Camping and Hiking in the 46 Most Visited National Parks
The great outdoors is a place of wonder and adventure, and one of the best ways to experience it is by camping and hiking in national parks. With over 400 national parks in the United States, each offering unique landscapes and experiences, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. However, there are 46 national parks that stand out as the most visited, and these are the ones we will focus on in this blog post.
As avid campers and hikers, we have traversed through some of the most renowned national parks in the country, and we can attest that these 46 are truly some of the best. From the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite to the diverse wildlife in Yellowstone, each of these parks has something special to offer. So let’s grab our backpacks, lace up our hiking boots, and get ready to explore the wild and beautiful landscapes of the 46 most visited national parks in the US.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
With over 12 million visitors annually, Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes the top spot as the most visited national park in the country. And it’s no surprise why – the park boasts stunning mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and diverse plant and animal life. Visitors can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails, camp in one of the park’s 10 campgrounds, and even take a scenic drive along the Newfound Gap Road.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
One of the most iconic and well-known national parks, Grand Canyon National Park offers visitors breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With over 5 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry permits for those seeking a more rugged experience. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy to challenging, including the popular Bright Angel Trail.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Located just a few hours from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite among visitors for its stunning alpine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and over 350 miles of hiking trails. The park is also a popular spot for camping, with five developed campgrounds and backcountry camping options. Visitors can also drive along the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the country, for stunning views of the park.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Known for its towering red cliffs and narrow canyons, Zion National Park is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. With over 3 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the famous Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. Camping options include three developed campgrounds and backcountry permits for those looking for a more secluded experience.
5. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a true gem of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering visitors stunning views of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park is also a popular spot for camping and hiking, with over 800 miles of trails to explore and 13 campgrounds to choose from. Visitors can also drive along the famous Tioga Road for breathtaking views of the park.
6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
The first national park in the US, Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. With over 4 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous, such as the challenging hike to the top of Mount Washburn.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers visitors stunning views of ocean cliffs, rocky beaches, and dense forests. With over 3 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including three campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 120 miles of trails to explore, including the challenging Precipice Trail.
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park offers visitors breathtaking views of the Teton Range and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and bison. With over 3 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including developed campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous, such as the challenging hike to the summit of Grand Teton.
Into the Wild: Camping and Hiking in the 46 Most Visited National Parks
9. Olympic National Park, Washington
Located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, Olympic National Park offers visitors diverse landscapes, including rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and snow-capped mountains. With over 3 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including 16 campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 600 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Hoh River Trail and the challenging Mount Storm King Trail.
10. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known for its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, Glacier National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. With over 3 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including developed campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 700 miles of trails to explore, including the famous Highline Trail and the challenging Grinnell Glacier Trail.
11. Denali National Park, Alaska
Spanning over 6 million acres, Denali National Park is a vast and breathtaking wilderness, home to North America’s highest peak, Denali. With over 600,000 visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including developed campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous, including the challenging hike to the summit of Denali.
12. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Known for its unique rock formations and Joshua trees, Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors stunning desert landscapes and diverse plant and animal life. With over 2 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including nine campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 300 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Barker Dam Loop and the challenging Ryan Mountain Trail.
13. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Located just a few hours from Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers visitors stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an abundance of wildlife. With over 1 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including four campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 500 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Old Rag Mountain and the challenging Hawksbill Summit.
14. Sequoia National Park, California
Home to the world’s largest trees, Sequoia National Park offers visitors stunning views of these giant sequoias, as well as diverse wildlife and beautiful mountain landscapes. With over 1 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including 14 campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 800 miles of trails to explore, including the popular High Sierra Trail and the challenging Mount Whitney Trail.
15. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Known for its unique rock formations called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park offers visitors stunning views of these colorful spires, as well as diverse plant and animal life. With over 2 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including two campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 50 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Navajo Loop and the challenging Fairyland Loop.
16. Arches National Park, Utah
Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park offers visitors a truly unique and breathtaking experience. With over 1 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including one campground and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 50 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Delicate Arch Trail and the challenging Devil’s Garden Trail.
17. Everglades National Park, Florida
Located in the southernmost part of Florida, Everglades National Park offers visitors a chance to explore one of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the country. With over 1 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including two campgrounds and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 40 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Anhinga Trail and the challenging Shark Valley Loop.
18. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, Capitol Reef National Park offers visitors stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. With over 1 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including one campground and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 20 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Hickman Bridge Trail and the challenging Rim Overlook Trail.
19. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Located in the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park offers visitors a unique experience of combining nature and urban life. With over 1 million visitors annually, the park offers a variety of camping options, including one campground and backcountry permits. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 25 miles of trails to explore, including the popular Hot Springs Mountain Trail and the challenging Goat Rock Trail.
20. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Home to over 5,000 archeological sites, Mesa Verde National