The National Park Service (NPS) manages over 420 sites across the United States, including 63 national parks. These sites offer a variety of natural and cultural attractions, from towering mountains to pristine beaches to historic landmarks.
In recent years, many of the NPS’s most popular parks have seen an increase in visitation. This has led to crowded trails, booked campsites, and other challenges. For those looking for a less crowded experience, there are many great alternatives to national parks.
Table of Contents
- 1 Here are six suggestions for less crowded NPS sites, with more information about each location and places for families nearby:
- 2 Chiricahua National Monument:
- 3 Dinosaur National Monument:
- 4 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
- 5 Point Reyes National Seashore:
- 6 Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- 7 In addition to the suggestions above, here are some other tips for finding less crowded NPS sites:
Here are six suggestions for less crowded NPS sites, with more information about each location and places for families nearby:
Chiricahua National Monument:
Visit the Arizona monument that showcases tall hoodoos and thin rock formations. These unique formations were created as a result of erosion over time. If you love hiking, check out the Cave Creek Canyon Trail. The monument is situated near the town of Willcox, which offers many dining, shopping, and lodging options. Willcox is an ideal destination for families, with plenty of attractions such as the Willcox Historical Museum, the Chiricahua Desert Museum, and the Willcox Rodeo.
Dinosaur National Monument:
The Utah-Colorado monument is famous for its well-preserved dinosaur fossils, among the best in the world. Additionally, the park features various hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a visitor center showcasing the natural and cultural history of the area. It is situated near Vernal, Utah, which provides a range of accommodation options, eateries, and shopping venues. Families can enjoy several kid-friendly attractions in Vernal, such as the Dinosaur Museum of Utah, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, and the Ashley National Forest.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
Discover the stunning Michigan lakeshore with its vibrant sandstone cliffs towering 200 feet above the water. This park offers a range of hiking trails, kayaking, camping, and fishing to keep everyone entertained. It is conveniently located near Munising, Michigan, where you can find a variety of dining, shopping, and accommodations. Families can enjoy the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitor Center, Munising Bay Cliffs Trail, and Munising Lighthouse, making it a perfect destination for all ages.
Point Reyes National Seashore:
The California seashore is an ideal habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, such as seals, sea lions, and whales. Visitors can enjoy several activities at the park, including hiking, beach walks, and exploring tide pools. The park is conveniently located near Point Reyes Station, which offers various dining, shopping, and accommodation options. Families can also explore exciting attractions, including the Point Reyes Lighthouse, the Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center, and Tomales Bay State Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
This park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is home to a variety of mountains, forests, and waterfalls. The park also has many hiking trails and opportunities for camping, fishing, and whitewater rafting. The park is near many towns, including Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. For families, Gatlinburg and Cherokee have a variety of family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks, museums, and water parks.
In addition to the suggestions above, here are some other tips for finding less crowded NPS sites:
- Visit during the off-season.
- Choose a less well-known park.
- Look for gardens that are located in less-populated areas.
- Be flexible with your travel dates.
- Consider visiting a park that is near a more extensive park. This can help to spread out the crowds.
With some planning, you can easily find a less crowded NPS site to enjoy the great outdoors.
