National Parks: A Guide to America’s National Wonders

Summertime is just a few weeks away and along with the longer days, warmer temps and plenty of blue skies, we find ourselves hearing the open road calling. And, one of the most popular RV destinations we have access to are our national parks. America’s national wonders can be visited in all four main regions of our nation: from sea to shining sea.  

Whether cruising from coast to coast, or just over a state line, there is likely a national park within your travel range. Throughout the nation’s borders, there are 63 national parks. 

Within this guide to America’s national wonders, discover all you need to know about enjoying one or more of our nation’s gems this summer travel season.  

The Numbers 

An article ran on Smithsonian’s website this past February, highlighting top 10 parks that were both the most, and the least, popular in terms of visitor numbers. It states that the 2023 numbers are close to pre-pandemic levels (prior to 2019).  

According to data released from the NPS, in 2023, a total number of 325.5 million recreation visits took place. This is an increase of 13 million over 2022’s count, equaling a four percent increase in recreation hours.  The study also stated that in 2023, 20 parks, many of them falling in the ‘less well known’ category, actually broke previous visitation records.  

“From Kaloko Honokōhau National Historical Park in Hawai’i to Congaree National Park in South Carolina, parks are attracting more visitors each year to learn about our shared history,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said. “Our national parks tell our shared American story. I’m glad visitors are finding hidden gems, exploring in the off-season and finding new ways to have a great time in our national parks.” 

While numbers do continue to climb, some of the more popular national parks have created new timed-entry permits that can be purchased, as well as new reservation systems.  

Prices and Discounts 

Each park has control over its entrance pass price. While most national parks don’t charge an entrance fee, there are a few that do. To find which ones do charge, learn of the entrance fee or to learn of which ones require a specific timed-entry selection, visit the NPS page. The site breaks down all the costs involved for entrance, parking, etc., for each park within the nation.  

Annual Pass 

For those of you who plan to roam from national park to national park, the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is a great option. For $80, you can gain unlimited entries to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, as well as the national parks that do charge a fee for visiting. Additionally, the pass provides half-off amenities fees at places like campsites.  

Other Discounts 

• Current members of the military and their dependents, along with Gold Star Families and United States Veterans can gain free annual or lifetime passes. These passes are good for entrance and day fees at national parks, refuges, forests and at federal recreation lands. 

• United States citizens that are at least 62 years old can buy the America the Beautiful annual pass for a discounted price of $20. Upgrade to the senior lifetime pass for just $80. These passes provide entrance to hundreds of locations managed by the National Park Service and five other federal agencies: US Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Keep in mind though that the senior pass isn’t accepted at all federal sites. For instance, it is not accepted at Yellowstone.  

Free Entry Days 

While a few of these no-cost visit days have already rolled by, here are four dates to enter at no charge: 

• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day 

• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act 

• September 28: National Public Lands Day 

• November 11: Veterans Day 

The Four Corners 

To separate all the parks a bit, the map has been quartered. This article divides the United States into four main regions: West, Midwest, South, and Northeast.  

West 

The west houses the majority of the national parks, with 39 of the 63 located within this region and consists of the following states: 

• Alaska (8) 

• Arizona (3) 

•  California (9) 

•  Colorado (4) 

• Hawaii (2) 

• Idaho (1) 

• Montana (1) 

• Nevada (1) 

• New Mexico (1) 

• Oregon (1) 

• Utah (5) 

• Washington (3) 

• Wyoming (2) 

Zion National Park in Utah offers walking paths that have existed for thousands of years. The main draw here includes the massive sandstone cliffs, slot canyon and the vast array of plant and animal life.  

Situated nicely in Wyoming primarily, the Yellowstone National Park extends into Montana as well as a small section of Idaho. Yellowstone is our first national park and is well known for its wildlife, ecosystems and Old Faithful.   

This park stretches out over 1.2 million acres, including a large section that is desert and only hospitable for animals and plants. The Colorado River flows for more than 200 miles throughout the park.  

Northeast  

There is only one national park within this region: Acadia National Park in Maine. This is a popular choice for those wanting to experience the area titled ‘the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast’. Listed as one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States, visitors can explore more than 25 miles of historic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads and over 150 miles of hiking trails.  

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South 

States located within this area include: 

• Texas (2) 

• Arkansas (1) 

• Tennessee (1) 

• Kentucky(1) 

• West Virginia (1) 

• Virginia (1) 

• North Carolina (1) 

• South Carolina (1) 

•  Florida (3) 

The Guadalupe Mountains, in Pine Springs, Texas, displays the American West spirit through the remote wilderness. Visitors are advised to bring what they need as there are no stores or supplies available within the park. An ancient fossil reef is a major attraction here, one that was formed approximately 250 million years ago.  

For an opposite view, consider Biscayne National Park in Dade County, Florida. Woodlands, a peaceful shoreline and a warm bay are all part of this park, that is less than 30 miles from the vast Everglades of Miami.  

Shenandoah National Park is a Virginia beauty spot. Waterfalls are a draw year-round, with the fall being prominent due to the changing of the foliage hues each fall. There are 196,466,19 acres, with nearly 80,000 belonging to the designated wilderness area.  

Midwest 

National parks within this region are found within the following states: 

• Indiana (1) 

• Michigan (1) 

• Minnesota (1) 

• Missouri (1) 

• North Dakota (1) 

• Ohio (1) 

• South Dakota (2) 

The Indiana Dunes National Park is a great location for some beach time, or exploration of the sand dunes, forests, wetlands and prairies within the park that is approximately 50 miles south of Chicago, Illinois.  

For a different landscape and adventure, consider the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Pinnacles, spires and eroded buttes can be seen here, as well as a variety of prairie plants and mammals.  

Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in 2023 

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (13,297,647 visits) 

2. Grand Canyon National Park (4,733,705 visits) 

3. Zion National Park in Utah (4,623,238 visits) 

4. Yellowstone National Park (4,501,382 visits) 

5. Rocky Mountain National Park (4,115,837 visits) 

6. Yosemite National Park (3,897,070 visits) 

7. Acadia National Park (3,879,890 visits) 

8. Grand Teton National Park (3,417,106 visits) 

9. Joshua Tree National Park (3,270,404 visits) 

10. Olympic National Park (2,947,503 visits) 

Tips For a Smooth Visit  

First, to find RV resorts nearby any of the national parks, visit this site. Plan your stay itinerary by locating various resorts on the way to and from the national park of your choice. Discover interesting cities and resorts to complement the main stop.  

Prior to Visiting 

• Reserving your visit at the earliest possible date is highly recommended. Easily gain secure reservations through the Recreation.gov website. This site is for all camping and lodging, permits, and tours. 

• While most are pet friendly, most also have specific restrictions on how many, the breed and the size of the dog. Be sure to check your desired national park’s website for specifics on bringing along Fido.  

• Visit the NPS website for additional information on RV camping, locations and other specific information.  

• Be sure to book as soon as possible, as some dates and seasons can reach capacity quickly.  

• Bring food and supplies with you, as some campsites and placed deep within the park, far from the camp general store and without easy access to nearby towns.