Based on traveler data, Campspot—a leading booking platform for private campgrounds—compiled a top list using check-in dates throughout the year. From dramatic mountain ranges to ancient forests and steamy hot springs, the best national parks in the U.S. offer unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler. Here are the top trending national parks to visit in 2025.
Yosemite National Park – California
Yosemite National Park—probably the most recognizable name in National Parks—was recently ranked as the best park in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers. Its giant granite formations, towering waterfalls, and sculpted trails are legendary. Whether at Glacier Point or strolling through Yosemite Valley, this park is stunning in every season. Spring brings thunderous waterfalls, summer offers endless hiking, and fall pops with golden foliage. Book early!
- TOP TIP: Where to RV camp near Yosemite National Park
Indian Flat RV Park
Golden Pines RV Resort
Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming and more
As the first national park in the world (established March 1, 1872), Yellowstone remains one of the most iconic. Spanning three states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho—it is home to geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. Recommended experiences include wildlife watching in Lamar Valley, hiking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and scenic drives through the park.
Glacier National Park – Montana
Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park features alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and over 700 miles of trails. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an unforgettable drive and one of the most scenic roadways in America. Summer is prime time, but visits in late spring or early fall avoid crowds.
Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming
Just south of Yellowstone lies Grand Teton National Park, a quieter gem with jaw-dropping mountain vistas. The jagged peaks of the Teton Range create a postcard-perfect backdrop for kayaking on Jenny Lake, hiking to alpine water features, or enjoying the sunrise over the Snake River. This is one of the best national parks for landscape photography.
Sequoia National Park – California
Home to the world’s largest tree, General Sherman, and a forest of giants that date back thousands of years, this California park is a magical escape. Sequoia National Park is known for great stargazing, scenic drives, and uncrowded trails. Hug a tree, but it may take several people to reach completely around its circumference.
Acadia National Park – Maine
The mountain meets the sea at Acadia National Park in Maine. Cadillac Mountain is home to splendid hikes for all abilities and a glimpse of one of the first sunrises in the U.S. Often teaming with tourists, Bar Harbor provides visitors with arts, entertainment, and lobster dinners. Smaller surrounding towns offer quaint respites and exposure to Maine culture.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina
The clouds rolling through the mountains give this trending national park its name. Misty peaks and rolling hills are home to wildflowers, waterfalls, and a crazy amount of biodiversity. There is never an entrance fee here, so naturally it is one of America’s most-visited parks. Driving the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a mix of history and natural beauty.
Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
For those craving altitude, Rocky Mountain National Park delivers. With elevations reaching over 12,000 feet, it is a hiker’s paradise filled with glacier-fed lakes, elk meadows, and alpine tundra. The legendary Trail Ridge Road offers some of the best high-altitude views in the country. The park contains one of the largest examples of alpine tundra in the U.S., making winter activities attractive.
Hot Springs National Park – Arkansas
Blending history with healing (and hot) water, this quirky Arkansas national park is relaxing, entertaining, and historic. Downtown is divided between park and city, with Bathhouse Row and forested trails—and even the only brewery in a federal park—on the National Park side. Hot Springs has been a weekend getaway for neighboring states for decades, and it is just now catching on with folks from the East and West Coasts.
- HOT TIP: Sports fans can take a deep dive into baseball history in Hot Springs, which served as the location for early spring training. Visit Hot Springs has developed an historic baseball trail to guide visitors through a star-studded history.
Arches National Park – Utah
With more than 2,000 natural stone formations, Arches National Park is a surreal landscape of red rock and endless sky. Located in Utah’s canyon country, this park is an epic destination for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves dramatic desert views. Sunrise and sunset transform the rocks into glowing sculptures. Bring water—it is hot and dry!
Get planning today. National Parks in the U.S. are free to enter on April 19, 2025. The discount kicks off National Park Week, which runs from April 19 through April 27.