Visiting a national park should be about fresh air, open trails, and breathtaking scenery—not fighting for a parking spot. While major parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are packed with tourists, there are hidden gems across the country that remain blissfully uncrowded.
These 15 national parks see only a fraction of the visitors but offer just as much adventure. From remote Alaskan wilderness to tropical islands, here are the least-visited national parks in the U.S.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, Alaska
This is as wild as it gets. With no roads, trails, or designated campsites, Gates of the Arctic is for the true adventurer. Covering 8.4 million acres, it offers stunning views and total solitude. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient, as help is not easily available.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Despite its jaw-dropping beauty, this park is one of the least visited in the lower 48. It boasts more than 300 glaciers, dense forests, and over 400 miles of trails. If you want alpine lakes and towering peaks without the crowds, North Cascades is a perfect choice.
Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Known for its massive sand dunes and migrating caribou, this remote Alaskan park has no roads or campgrounds. Visitors arrive by bush plane and can experience an 8,000-year-old tradition of caribou hunting that continues to this day.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Covering over 4 million acres, Lake Clark is home to stunning blue lakes, volcanoes, and three designated Wild Rivers. It also preserves the ancestral homeland of the Dena’ina people, offering both history and breathtaking landscapes.
National Park of American Samoa
This remote national park in the South Pacific spans three islands and includes both lush jungle and vibrant coral reefs. Most visitors need a passport to get here, but those who do will experience some of the most untouched beauty in the U.S. park system.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
An isolated archipelago in Lake Superior, Isle Royale is only accessible by boat or seaplane. It features 165 miles of trails, backcountry camping, and a unique ecosystem where moose and wolves roam freely.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Home to thousands of brown bears, Katmai is famous for its bear-viewing opportunities at Brooks Falls. Visitors can also explore its rugged volcanic landscape, shaped by a massive 1912 eruption.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
The largest national park in the U.S., Wrangell-St. Elias spans 13.2 million acres—bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined. Despite its massive size, it remains one of the least visited parks.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is mostly open water, with seven small islands. Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress, sits on Garden Key, and the park is known for its coral reefs and abundant birdlife.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
A hidden treasure in Nevada, Great Basin features the towering Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, and a stunning cave system. With its high elevation and remote location, it’s also one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
A water lover’s paradise, Voyageurs National Park is best explored by boat. It has over 500 islands and four major lakes, plus incredible opportunities for spotting the northern lights.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Home to Texas’s four highest peaks and an ancient Permian fossil reef, Guadalupe Mountains is a dream for hikers. The park has over 80 miles of trails, including a climb to the top of Guadalupe Peak for sweeping desert views.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
This park protects the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. Visitors can explore by kayak, canoe, or on foot along its boardwalk trails, experiencing a unique floodplain ecosystem.
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Channel Islands National Park, California
Encompassing five islands off the California coast, Channel Islands National Park offers world-class snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Its tide pools are teeming with marine life, and it’s home to one of the most well-preserved coastal ecosystems in the country.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
The Black Canyon is one of the steepest and most dramatic canyons in North America. With sheer cliffs and narrow passageways, it offers stunning views and challenging hikes. For those who seek adventure, the inner canyon requires a special permit to explore.
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