The United States is a vast canvas of natural beauty, offering countless opportunities for hiking and camping. Beyond the more famous names, many parks across the country deliver breathtaking landscapes, thrilling trails, and peaceful campsites. Whether you’re after alpine meadows, desert solitude, or dense forests, there’s a park to suit every outdoor adventure. We’re highlighting ten spectacular U.S. parks—including lesser-known gems—where hikers and campers can reconnect with nature in extraordinary ways.
1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Home to the iconic 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, this park features glaciers, wildflower meadows, and vast alpine trails. Hikes like Skyline Trail offer jaw-dropping views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. Campgrounds such as Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh provide ideal settings, while wilderness camping is available for those tackling backcountry routes like the Wonderland Trail.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Running parallel to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah is a hiker’s haven with over 500 miles of trails, including a lengthy stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Popular hikes like Old Rag and Hawksbill Summit deliver sweeping views of Virginia’s countryside. Campgrounds such as Big Meadows or backcountry sites offer immersive ways to stay overnight in the park’s deciduous forests.
3. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Located along the Rio Grande, Big Bend is one of the most remote and underrated national parks. It offers stark desert beauty, rugged mountains, and river canyons. The Lost Mine and South Rim Trails are must-dos, with both car camping and primitive backcountry camping available. The lack of light pollution makes it a top stargazing destination, too.
4. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Famous for its amphitheaters of red rock hoodoos, Bryce Canyon offers a unique and surreal hiking environment. Trails like the Navajo Loop and Fairyland Loop wind through vibrant rock formations. North and Sunset campgrounds offer convenient overnight options, while the park’s elevation provides cool summer nights ideal for tent camping.
5. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
These adjoining parks are often overshadowed by Yosemite but are equally impressive. Home to the largest trees on Earth and towering granite cliffs, they offer epic hikes like the Rae Lakes Loop and Alta Peak. Campgrounds like Lodgepole provide access to giant sequoia groves, and wilderness permits allow for incredible high-country backcountry trips.
6. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale in Lake Superior is a backpacker’s paradise. Remote, rugged, and wild, the park features trails like the Greenstone Ridge Trail that traverse the island’s boreal forest and rocky ridges. Campsites are basic and widely spaced, making it a true wilderness experience unlike any other national park.
7. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Famous for its surreal landscapes dotted with its namesake trees and massive boulders, Joshua Tree is a desert camper’s dream. Popular hiking routes include Hidden Valley and Ryan Mountain. Campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks provide a quintessential desert experience, while backcountry camping allows for solitude amid stunning rock formations and wide-open skies.
8. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Often overshadowed by Arches and Zion, Canyonlands offers vast desert expanses and deep river canyons. The park is divided into districts, with Island in the Sky being the most accessible. Hike to Mesa Arch or venture into the more rugged Needles district. Backcountry camping is exceptional for those prepared to explore off the beaten path.
9. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Remote and pristine, Lake Clark offers a true Alaskan wilderness experience. With active volcanoes, salmon-filled rivers, and alpine tundra, the park is perfect for adventurous hikers and backcountry campers. Trails are mostly unmarked, making this ideal for seasoned explorers looking for solitude. Access is via bush plane, adding to the allure of this wild destination.
10. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Often overlooked in Utah’s “Mighty 5,” Capitol Reef offers colorful cliffs, slot canyons, and historic orchards. Hikes like Cassidy Arch and the Cohab Canyon Trail showcase the area’s geological diversity. The Fruita Campground offers lush surroundings near the Fremont River, and dispersed camping on nearby BLM land is abundant.
Plan Your Trip
This list offers a fresh look at some of America’s best hiking and camping destinations—ranging from remote islands to rugged deserts and alpine peaks. Whether you’re planning a solo backpacking trip or a weekend family campout, these parks promise adventure, solitude, and unforgettable views. Always plan ahead: check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and camping regulations before heading out into the wild.