If you’re planning an adventure into the wild and want to experience the best in hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, America’s national parks offer something for everyone. With over 400 units in the U.S. National Park System, narrowing down your choices can be as challenging as a steep mountain trail. Thankfully, we’ve curated this guide to highlight the standout parks that promise spectacular views, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature-loving novice, there’s a park here with your name on it.
Yosemite National Park, California – a hiker’s paradise
In California’s Sierra Nevada Range, Yosemite National Park is world-renowned for its vertical granite cliffs, massive sequoias, and powerful waterfalls. Backpackers rush to conquer historic trails such as the Half Dome, a 14-to-16-mile killer trail offering amazing views from the top. To enjoy a serene walk on an easier day, Mirror Lake Trail offers a serene 2-mile walk with phenomenal reflections of Yosemite peaks.
Yosemite’s backcountry is equally pleasant to camp in. Upper Pines Campground is also a top choice within walking distance of most of the park’s most celebrated trails. Wildlife enthusiasts can view mule deer, black bears, and even the occasional bobcat. Just be sure to keep in mind, however, that bear viewing is the price of following the park’s rigorous food storage requirements.
Visitor Tip: Book campsites and trails in advance—no one is ever going to resent Yosemite being amongst America’s busiest parks.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – Geysers and Wildlife
Legendary Yellowstone National Park is not only stunning with its geothermal marvel in the form of Old Faithful but also with its unsurpassed wildlife observation. Get out to Lamar Valley, America’s Serengeti, and observe elk herds, bison herds, and pronghorn herds. Lucky travelers may even spot a glimpse of wolves or grizzly bears!
Yellowstone boasts over 900 miles of trail, and so there are relaxing day strolls to punishing backcountry adventures available. Look at the Mount Washburn Trail, and park scenery from its 10,243-foot summit. Hiking is a money-spinner, from novice Madison Campground to out-of-the-way backcountry camps for a bit of stargazing.
Wildlife Viewing Seasons in Yellowstone
| Animal | Best Viewing Season | Top Spots |
| Bison | Spring and Summer | Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley |
| Wolves | Winter | Lamar Valley |
| Grizzly Bears | Spring and Fall | Mount Washburn Area |
| Elk | Fall (Rut Season) | Mammoth Hot Springs |
For the health and safety of the animals, keep 25 yards away from large animals like elk and bison, and 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina – a natural paradise
The Great Smoky Mountains, or “the Smokies,” attract more visitors annually to any US national park, and they are well worth each visit. They are covered with hikers’ trails measured in the thousands of miles, from challenging Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte to breathtaking Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies.
Camping is a fantasy; Elkmont Campground has forest glades and gateway proximity to legendary trail systems. Nature lovers can spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Don’t miss synchronous fireflies in late May and early June—a fairyland of the kind found only here.
Pro-Tip: Bring layers even on summer vacations. Mornings are misty and it gets cool rapidly up high.
Glacier National Park, Montana – The Adventure Seeker’s Crown Jewel
Paradise for adventure travelers who seek world-class treks and rocky landscape, Glacier National Park is a dream. Highline Trail, which offers craggy rock sides and panoramic scenery, is a dream. Bashful travelers will love Trail of the Cedars, with strolls through quiet forests.
Camping facilities vary from front-country campgrounds like Apgar Campground to backcountry camps that make your day camping trip a wilderness adventure. Glacier is the only one of the three where you can spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even wolverines.
Important Reminder: Glacier receives snow late in summer, so check the conditions before visiting.
Everglades National Park, Florida – A Wetland Adventure
Among the special ecosystems is Everglades National Park. Everglades backcountry subtropical provides kayak and canoe trips like nowhere else, paddling mangrove and watery channel waters full of wildlife. Observe manatees, alligators, and more than 300 birds.
Hiking is the most unpopular activity to enjoy in the park, although shorter loops like the Anhinga Trail are great for spotting wildlife. Flamingo Campground on Florida Bay is a popular destination for an overnight camping experience by visitors who wish to spend more time in this strange ecosystem.
Quick Tip: Insect repellent is a nice touch, especially for day use in summer.
Wrapping up your outdoor adventure
National park holidays are not merely gazing at grandeur in nature, it’s being among the wild and, in the process, discovering something. Whether amidst Yosemite’s rock summits or among the multicolored wetlands of the Everglades, each park provides experiences as unique as the landscape.
Whether you’re drawn to challenging hikes, peaceful campsites, or the excitement of wildlife spotting, there’s a national park awaiting your visit. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure these lands remain pristine for future generations.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick one from our list and begin planning your adventure today. The great outdoors are calling, so what’s stopping you?