9 Overlooked National Parks Where You Can Beat the Crowds

The U.S. is home to more than 400 national park sites. From battlefields to memorials to preserves to parks, these sites span more than 85 million acres across all 50 states. That means there are plenty of places you can visit while still practicing social distancing. 

If you’re looking places to visit where you can scratch that travel itch while still avoiding the crowds, we’ve got the list for you. In 2021, the most-visited national park site was the Blue Ridge Parkway, which had 15.9 million recreational visitors. The most visited destination on our list saw only 243,042 visitors.

Here are nine overlooked national parks where you can avoid the crowds.

 

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Near the Canadian border in northern Minnesota is Voyageurs National Park, a vast maze of interconnected waterways, islands, and forests. Once an important segment of the fur trade route, Voyageurs is now known for its amazing water-based recreation and camping experiences. With its 218,000 acres of lush forests and expansive lakes, and a night sky that offers views of the northern lights, Voyageurs National Park is as isolated as it is beautiful.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 243,042

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Just off the Utah border in Central Nevada, Great Basin National Park encompasses more than 77,000 acres of diverse landforms and living things. Although filled with incredible natural treasures like limestone caverns, the highest peak in the state, and ancient bristlecones pines (the oldest living trees on earth), there’s one thing Great Basin National Park doesn’t have much of: people.

Great Basin National Park received only 144,875 visitors in 2021. That means you can walk among trees dating back thousands of years, enjoy the cavernous Lehman Caves, and take in the panoramic views from the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak nearly all to yourself.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 144,875

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Travel 70 miles west of Key West and you’ll find the Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas is a 100-square mile park consisting mostly of water and seven small islands. Even better, it can be accessed only by boat or seaplane, so bring along the right credit card to accumulate some rewards.

Perhaps best known as being home of massive Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest historic forts, Dry Tortugas also boasts sparkling blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. In fact, more than 99% of Dry Tortugas National Park is water, which makes it perfect for snorkeling and diving, boating, and swimming. On the portion of the park that’s made up of dry ground, you can take in picturesque sunsets before spending the night camping under the stars.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 83,817

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska

America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve boasts 13.2 million acres of rugged beauty. According to the National Park Service, Wrangell-St. Elias is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined. In other words, you’ll likely have plenty of space to yourself.

Taking up a large portion of Alaska’s southeastern corner, Wrangell-St. Elias stretches from the North Pacific Ocean to heights of 18,008 feet. Within this vast expanse of land, you’ll find some of the largest volcanoes in North America, glacier after glacier, and a diverse array of wildlife. This area brings so much geological and ecological value to the world that it was even designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 50,189

National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa

Spanning 9,100 acres of land and ocean along the northern coastline of American Samoa, the National Park of American Samoa is a unique, tropical national park. From its pristine beaches and biologically rich coral reefs to its rugged cliffs, volcanoes, and tropical rainforests, this national park is sure to provide an awe-inspiring experience.

Take in over 3,000 years of rich Samoan culture, secluded villages, and rare plants and animals as you explore one of the most remote national parks. Sitting 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, you shouldn’t have much of an issue escaping the crowds.

Be aware that American Samoa enacted strict rules regarding travel because of COVID-19 and as of May 1, 2020, remained free of the disease. So it may take longer for this park to open up completely and/or there may be screenings required when you arrive on the islands.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 8,495

Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico

Chaco Culture National Historic Park is a system of archaeological sites in northwestern New Mexico that showcases the remarkable organizational and architectural abilities of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Between 850 and 1250 A.D., Chaco Canyon was a major center of the thriving Ancestral Pueblo culture. Known for the monumental scale of its architecture, Chaco developed into a ceremonial, political, and economic center.

Today, Chaco Culture is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for anyone looking for a remote and isolated travel destination. Be aware that it’s not an easy place to get to, but that might be just what you’re looking for this summer.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 31,922

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Nestled in the vast wilderness of northern Washington state is North Cascades National Park. Characterized by its rugged beauty, the North Cascades National Park Service Complex offers up 684,000 acres of majestic mountain scenery, from jagged peaks and glaciers to cascading waterfalls, rivers, and trails.

Although the North Cascades National Park Services Complex sees an abundance of snow, visitors will still find plenty of activities year-round, including camping, boating, kayaking, fishing, and hundreds of hiking trails.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 17,855

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Isle Royale National Park is a collection of remote islands in the northwestern portion of Lake Superior. Of the total 850 square miles that the park encompasses, 132,018 acres (roughly 206 square miles) is wilderness. Far from the distractions of civilization, travelers to this rugged, isolated island will find plenty of opportunity for adventure — whether it’s kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, or camping.

Isle Royale is roadless, so it’s only accessible by boat or float plane. What else would you expect from one of the least-visited national parks?

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 25,844

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

A national park accessible only by plane or by hiking, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the second-largest national park in the U.S. (and the northernmost).

There are no roads or trails into the 8.47 million acres of vast wilderness that make up Gates of the Arctic, and with weather that can change on a dime, even the most intrepid hikers will face their share of challenges. But with some of the most breathtaking views, it’s also a must see for any lover of our national parks.

Spend your days fishing at alpine lakes, hiking the trail-less wilderness, or picnicking alongside scenic rivers as you watch as caribou traverse the glaciated valleys. Just don’t expect to see another human.

Annual park recreation visitation 2021: 7,362

Bottom line

These national parks are a great way to get your travel fix without subjecting yourself to enormous crowds of people. Check with the National Park Service for specific details about the park you plan to visit before you take off so you’re most prepared.

You can save the most on your travels by using travel rewards credit cards. Whether you use one of the best credit cards for gas on your road trip or one that rewards you in points and miles for future global flights, discounted or free travel is a possibility when you use the best travel credit cards.