Think you know all the US National Parks? Time to challenge that assumption! Beyond the famous Yellowstone and Yosemite, there are hidden gems waiting to offer you tranquility and awe-inspiring views without the crowds.
Welcome to your insider’s exploration guide of 14 serenity-filled national parks that you may have never considered. Stay with me to uncover these secret havens, each promising a unique blend of beauty and peace.
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Table of Contents
1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Tucked away in east-central Nevada, Great Basin National Park is a cosmos enthusiast’s paradise. Its remote location grants it one of the darkest night skies in the U.S.—perfect for stargazing!
Spend your days exploring the serene Lehman Caves or take a trek up Wheeler Peak. Pack a telescope for nightfall, and you’re in for a magical treat of celestial wonders.
It’s a peaceful retreat from modern chaos and a reminder of the universe’s vastness.
2. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

South Carolina may not scream ‘national parks’ to you, but Congaree National Park promises a unique floodplain forest adventure. Picture yourself afloat on a canoe, surrounded by towering bald cypress trees.
This park offers some of the tallest trees on the East Coast and is home to diverse wildlife. Remember to pack your sense of adventure and a pair of binoculars!
Your chance to become one with nature is but one kayak paddle stroke away.
3. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geothermal paradise conveniently off the beaten path. Everything from serene, turquoise lakes to bubbling mud pots awaits exploration.
Looking for adventure? The Bumpass Hell Trail will simmer your excitement with its steaming sulfur springs. This park is a geothermal artist’s easel, painting colorful landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Forget the busy footsteps of tourists; here, the sound of your own awe will be louder.
4. North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is often called the ‘American Alps’, yet remains a well-kept secret among adventurers. Enveloped in rugged mountains and glaciers, your hiking boots will get the workout they deserve.
Crystalline lakes such as the turquoise Ross Lake present perfect postcard moments. If you’ve ever dreamed of Switzerland, this park is your stateside alternative.
Prepare to be captivated by the symphony of cascading waterfalls and whispering winds.
5. Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands

Trade the predictable parkland for tropical marinas at the Virgin Islands National Park. Feel the sand between your toes while surrounded by exotic wildlife and vibrant coral reefs.
Explore ancient petroglyphs left by early civilizations or snorkel in the warm blue waters to greet colorful marine life. This park is the postcard-perfect definition of getting away from it all.
Tropical seclusion awaits!
6. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Isle Royale National Park is a water-locked wilderness in Lake Superior, only accessible by boat or seaplane. This solitude offers the call of the wild sans human interruptions.
If a rugged, primitive camping experience is what you crave, lace up those hiking boots and get navigating through lush forests and around crystalline waters.
Disconnect from the digital and reconnect with nature’s whispers.
7. Pinnacles National Park, California

Home to unique spires and rock formations, Pinnacles National Park is a vertical explorer’s playground. It’s where climbers feel like kids again, dodging shadows of soaring condors above.
The park’s labyrinth of caves provides a natural refuge from the sun and sees less footfall compared to giant contemporaries.
Your chance to embrace verticality and discover peaceful nooks awaits.
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Vast desert expanses might sound daunting, but Big Bend National Park in Texas offers a blend of stunning landscapes and rich history. It’s an open-air textbook for geology buffs!
The remote Chisos Mountains entice trekkers with panoramic vistas while the scenic Rio Grande River borders offer soothing kayak excursions. Walk among the desert ghost towns and hear whispers of the past.
In Big Bend, adventure writes its own tale.
9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts Texas’ tallest peak, Guadalupe Peak. Here is where trailblazers can conquer the ‘Top of Texas’ and soak in views unmatched by crowded parks.
Beyond the peaks, expansive desert vistas and remote rugged wilderness are home to historical sites worth their weight in lore.
Beneath the striking cacti, find a whisper-quiet getaway from the frenetic pace of life.
10. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Dive into history and turquoise waters at Dry Tortugas National Park, a hidden gem 70 miles west of Key West. Remnants of ancient forts stand stoic beside brightly colored marine life.
Hop on a seaplane or ferry and leave civilization behind. Swimmers and divers will revel in the clarity of the coral reefs teeming beneath the surface.
A historic adventure awaits those seeking tranquility in the tropics.
11. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Venture through the icy realms of Kenai Fjords National Park and witness massive glaciers calving dramatically into the sea. Where sea lions frolic amidst icebergs, adventure thrives.
Explore the park by boat or kayak, navigating between fjords framed by towering cliffs. Winter months present the Northern Lights flickering across inky skies.
For Arctic explorers at heart, this park promises a chill yet invigorating experience.
12. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

While the Grand Canyon garners attention, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers steep, dramatic cliffs with far fewer visitors. Its jagged valleys boast some of the continent’s oldest rocks.
Photographers will be enchanted by the changing light playing across the canyon walls, while climbers will find untouched routes to challenge their skills.
An adventure vigorously vertical; its mystery beckons and rarely disappoints.
13. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

Beyond snow, Kobuk Valley National Park offers wilderness defined by vast sand dunes and caribou migrations. It’s remote, even for Alaskan standards, providing pure isolation.
Those daring enough to brave the wilderness will find the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes’ serenity. The rolling sandy landscapes provide a unique, silent escape.
If solitude and sublime beauty call you, Kobuk Valley answers.
14. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Honor President Roosevelt’s conservation efforts at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where untamed bands of buffalo and wild horses roam freely over the Dakota plains.
Explore the vast landscapes Roosevelt cherished as you trace the life of a young man deeply inspired by nature. Night skies here are unpolluted and beg for stargazing.
Reconnect with a past era where prairie and sky met unbroken—tranquility wrapped in historical legacy.
Do you have any other peaceful national parks that you think should be on this list? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.