Summer is the peak tourist season for most national parks around the United States, thanks to its longer days, warmer weather for outdoor activities, and nationwide school vacations. As outdoor recreation booms in popularity, our parks are becoming more crowded than ever. While it’s no wonder that hundreds of millions of Americans choose national parks as their destination of choice, these massive crowds can quickly spoil visitors’ experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts have to grapple with longer lines, a lack of parking, congested hiking trails, and a less peaceful experience in nature. So, how can you avoid crowds in national parks this summer? Read on for the top 8 genius ways to enjoy our parks in solitude, even during peak season!
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Visit Less Popular Parks
The United States is home to 63 official national parks, with over 423 national park sites among them. With so many natural landmarks to explore, visiting a less popular destination is going to be the best way to avoid crowds. Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite National Parks all bring in over 4 million visitors each year. While these are all beautiful destinations worth exploring, consider venturing to a lesser-known park for a more serene experience.
Here are 6 underrated national parks to visit this summer to avoid crowds:
- North Cascades National Park in Washington
- Isle Royale National Park in Michigan
- Katmai National Park in Alaska
- Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota
- Lassen Volcanic National Park in California
- New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia
Book Everything in Advance
As national parks soar in popularity, reserving campsites, park entry tickets, and activities in advance has become an essential part of the planning process. Campers should aim to make their reservations at least 6 months in advance, though some of the most popular parks may require you to book even earlier – up to 13 months ahead of time in some cases. While reserving timed park entry tickets might seem like just another hassle, this new measure helps manage the growing crowds and ensures a better experience for everyone.
Take Your Adventure to the Backcountry
If you plan to camp at a national park, consider taking your adventure to the backcountry! Front-country campsites fill up quickly, and the most popular ones operate at capacity all summer long. Thanks to the remote nature of the backcountry, you’ll have a much easier time finding secluded camping spots that are far away from the hustle and bustle of front-country campsites. It’s also the perfect place to watch wildlife, practice your outdoor photography, and access less crowded trailheads. Plus, the backcountry offers a large enough space to set up a bell tent and create the outdoor glamping oasis of your dreams!
Choose Weekdays Over Weekends
While the kids may have time off from school during the summer, most adults with limited PTO still have to work during the weekdays. Because of this, weekends will remain the busiest time at national parks during the summer. If your schedule allows it, choose weekdays over weekends to avoid the largest crowds.
Arrive Early, Leave Late
Unless you stay directly in the park, you’ll need to enter and exit the park gates daily. With summer crowds come long lines, and without timing your arrival thoughtfully, you could end up waiting hours to enter a popular park. In general, aim to arrive as early as possible – we’re talking early enough to watch the sunrise! Not only will this help you beat the morning crowds, but it may also eliminate the need to reserve a timed entry pass. The same goes for your departure, though you’ll typically run into shorter lines at the exit.
Explore Underrated Trails
Most national parks have a handful of trails and lookouts that are the most popular among visitors. A simple Google search will indicate which sites are most frequented. Our advice? Avoid them – at least during peak hours! Instead, explore the underrated trails around the park, especially during peak times. Asking locals and park rangers is a great way to find out where these trails are, but online hiking forums are full of great recommendations, too. This doesn’t mean you should avoid popular hikes and viewpoints altogether; just be mindful of when you go to them. Instead of hiking the most sought-after trail at noon on a Saturday, save the experience for an early-morning weekday hike.
Embrace Different Weather Conditions
Many park-goers will shy away from bad weather, but that doesn’t mean you should too! Adventuring during unfavorable weather conditions like rain, wind, and fog is another great way to avoid summer crowds. While other visitors stay indoors while they wait for the forecast to clear, you should take advantage of the shorter lines and empty trails. Plus, if you’re equipped with a 4 season wall tent, you’ll have a safe and cozy place to hang out at camp. That being said, not all weather is safe for outdoor adventuring, so keep a close eye on the forecast to avoid finding yourself in an emergency situation.
Take a Private Tour
Getting off the beaten path is a natural way to avoid crowds, but you may not be comfortable doing that yourself. Consider signing up for a private tour to see less-explored areas of the park with the help and insights of an expert. Plus, tour guides will be able to show you all the best spots that other visitors may not even know exist – giving you a once-in-a-lifetime experience while helping you avoid the worst crowds.
Final Thoughts
National Parks are more popular than ever among outdoor lovers, causing massive crowds, long lines, parking difficulties, and a less tranquil experience for visitors. This is especially true during the peak season when visitors enjoy the warmer weather and longer days perfect for all of their favorite outdoor activities. If you’re planning a trip to a national park this summer, follow the 8 tips outlined above to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience in the great outdoors. So make your reservations early, grab your camping gear, and go explore the millions of wild acres our national parks offer!
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