Ever tried snapping a photo at Yellowstone’s Old Faithful only to find 50 strangers photobombing your shot? I have. During a sweltering July visit, I elbowed through crowds thicker than Times Square on New Year’s Eve. That’s when I vowed to find quieter alternatives. As a travel writer with 10+ years of exploring 30+ U.S. national parks, I’ve uncovered hidden gems where you can actually hear nature—not selfie sticks. This post reveals 10 least crowded national parks in the summer, complete with tips to dodge crowds and stats to back their underrated charm. Ready to trade chaos for tranquility? Let’s dive in.
| Park Name | Location | Annual Visitors | Unique Features | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Cascades | Washington | ~30,000 | Glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildflower meadows. | Camp at Colonial Creek for uncrowded stargazing. |
| Isle Royale | Michigan | ~25,000 | Remote island with moose, wolves, and Lake Superior fjords. | Pack lightweight gear—no roads or Wi-Fi. |
| Great Basin | Nevada | ~144,000 | Ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves. | Hike Wheeler Peak in late August for cooler temps. |
| Congaree | South Carolina | ~215,000 | Floodplain forests, firefly displays (June), and free entry. | Paddle Cedar Creek for serene cypress swamp views. |
| Wrangell-St. Elias | Alaska | ~80,000 | Largest U.S. national park with glaciers and ghost towns. | Book a flightseeing tour to spot bears and icefields. |
| Dry Tortugas | Florida | ~54,000 | Coral reefs, historic Fort Jefferson, and starry camping. | Camp on Garden Key to snorkel shipwrecks after day-trippers leave. |
| Guadalupe Mountains | Texas | ~220,000 | Highest peak in Texas, desert canyons, and rare maple trees. | Start hikes at dawn to beat 90°F midday heat. |
| Voyageurs | Minnesota | ~220,000 | Water-based park with houseboat rentals and aurora sightings. | Rent a houseboat on Rainy Lake for secluded fishing. |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison | Colorado | ~350,000 | Steep cliffs deeper than the Empire State Building. | Hike the South Rim for views; North Rim for solitude. |
| Channel Islands | California | ~400,000 | Sea caves, endemic island foxes, and kelp forests. | Book the Island Packers ferry 3-4 months early. |
Why Visit Less Crowded National Parks?
Imagine hiking a trail where the only footprints are yours. Crowded parks? They’re like a packed subway—stressful and noisy. Less-visited parks offer intimate encounters with nature. For instance, North Cascades sees just 30,000 summer visitors vs. Yellowstone’s 2 million. According to the National Park Service (NPS), 80% of visitors flock to just 20 parks. By exploring under-the-radar spots, you’ll enjoy:
- Better wildlife sightings (no startled elk running from crowds).
- Cheaper accommodations (no surge pricing).
- More flexible itineraries (goodbye, timed entry permits!).
10 Least Crowded National Parks in the Summer
1. North Cascades, Washington
- Why It’s Quiet: Only 30,000 annual visitors (vs. 3 million at nearby Mt. Rainier). Rugged terrain and limited infrastructure deter crowds.
- Don’t Miss:
- Maple Pass Loop: Wildflower meadows and golden larches in late summer.
- Ross Lake: Kayak through turquoise waters framed by jagged peaks.
- Visitor Stats: Less than 1,000 daily visitors in peak season (NPS, 2023).
- Pro Tip: Camp at Colonial Creek Campground—sites rarely fill, and stargazing is surreal.
2. Isle Royale, Michigan
- Why It’s Quiet: Accessible only by ferry (4-6 hours from Michigan) or seaplane. No cars, roads, or Wi-Fi.
- Don’t Miss:
- Rock Harbor Trail: Spot moose grazing near Lake Superior’s shores.
- Scoville Point: Sunrise views over ancient volcanic ridges.
- Visitor Stats: ~25,000 annual visitors (less than 70/day in summer).
- Pro Tip: Pack lightweight gear—you’ll hike everything in.
3. Great Basin, Nevada
- Why It’s Quiet: 90% of Nevada is federal land, but only 144,000 visit this park yearly.
- Don’t Miss:
- Lehman Caves: Spelunk through marble stalactites on ranger-led tours.
- Wheeler Peak Summit: Hike above 13,000 feet for alpine lakes and ancient bristlecone pines.
- Visitor Stats: 95% fewer summer visitors than Zion.
- Pro Tip: Visit in late August for fewer crowds and cooler temps.
4. Congaree, South Carolina
- Why It’s Quiet: Most visitors skip it for Myrtle Beach. Floodplain forests feel otherworldly.
- Don’t Miss:
- Boardwalk Loop: Spot fireflies in June or paddle through cypress knees.
- Weston Lake Trail: Listen for barred owls at dusk.
- Visitor Stats: ~215,000 annual visitors (mostly weekend locals).
- Pro Tip: Free entry—no $35 pass required!
5. Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska
- Why It’s Quiet: Larger than Switzerland, with fewer than 80,000 annual visitors.
- Don’t Miss:
- Root Glacier: Crampon hikes across electric-blue ice.
- Kennecott Mines: Explore abandoned copper mining ghost towns.
- Visitor Stats: 1 person per 10 square miles in summer.
- Pro Tip: Fly with a bush pilot to see bears and glaciers from above.
MUST-READS:
6. Dry Tortugas, Florida
- Why It’s Quiet: 70 miles west of Key West—accessible only by boat or seaplane.
- Don’t Miss:
- Fort Jefferson Snorkeling: Swim with parrotfish in coral reefs.
- Loggerhead Key: Historic lighthouse and shipwrecks.
- Visitor Stats: ~54,000 annual visitors (mostly day-trippers).
- Pro Tip: Camp on Garden Key—you’ll have the island to yourself at night.
7. Guadalupe Mountains, Texas
- Why It’s Quiet: Neighbors with Big Bend, but sees 75% fewer visitors.
- Don’t Miss:
- Guadalupe Peak: Highest point in Texas (8,749 ft) with desert panoramas.
- McKittrick Canyon: Fall foliage in summer? Rare maple trees thrive here.
- Visitor Stats: ~220,000 annual visitors (mostly Texans avoiding humidity).
- Pro Tip: Start hikes at dawn—summer temps hit 90°F by 10 AM.
8. Voyageurs, Minnesota
- Why It’s Quiet: 84% water—you need a boat to explore.
- Don’t Miss:
- Kettle Falls Hotel: Sip a beer at this 1913 boathouse-turned-lodge.
- Northern Lights: August offers dark skies for aurora sightings.
- Visitor Stats: ~220,000 annual visitors (spread across 218,000 acres).
- Pro Tip: Rent a houseboat on Rainy Lake for a week of secluded fishing.
9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
- Why It’s Quiet: Overshadowed by Rocky Mountain NP (4.7 million visitors).
- Don’t Miss:
- Painted Wall: Marvel at 2,250-foot cliffs (taller than the Empire State Building).
- Warner Route: Steep, permit-only hike to the canyon floor.
- Visitor Stats: ~350,000 annual visitors (mostly passing through).
- Pro Tip: South Rim has better views; North Rim has zero crowds.
10. Channel Islands, California
- Why It’s Quiet: 75 miles from LA, but feels a world away. No shops or restaurants.
- Don’t Miss:
- Scorpion Cove (Santa Cruz Island): Kayak through sea caves.
- Island Fox Spotting: This endangered species exists ONLY here.
- Visitor Stats: ~400,000 annual visitors (spread across 5 islands).
- Pro Tip: Book Island Packers ferry early—it’s the only way besides private boat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Trip
- Pick Your Priorities: Solitude vs. accessibility? Isle Royale’s remote, while Congaree’s a 20-minute drive from Columbia, SC.
- Check Weather: Summer in Guadalupe Mountains hits 90°F—pack electrolytes.
- Book Early (But Not Too Early): Campsites in Wrangell-St. Elias fill up 6 months out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking: Channel Islands has no stores—bring water, but leave the kitchen sink.
- Ignoring Wildlife Protocols: Bison jams aren’t just in Yellowstone. Keep your distance!
- Assuming “Remote” = “Boring”: Dry Tortugas’ crystal waters rival the Bahamas, minus the jet skis.
FAQs
Q: How to avoid crowds in national parks during summer 2024?
A: Visit mid-week and arrive at sunrise. According to NPS data, parks see 60% fewer visitors on Tuesdays vs. Saturdays.
Q: Are these parks safe for solo hikers?
A: Absolutely—just inform rangers of your plans. Great Basin’s Lehman Caves are patrolled daily.
Q: Can I bring my dog to least crowded national parks?
A: Most restrict pets, but Congaree allows leashed dogs on trails. Always check NPS.gov first!
Q: What’s the best time to visit Dry Tortugas?
A: May-June for calm seas. Ferry tickets sell out; book 3-4 months ahead.
Conclusion
Crowds can turn a serene hike into a theme park ride. But with this list, you’ll swap jostling for jaw-dropping vistas. Whether you kayak Voyageurs’ starry lakes or stargaze in Great Basin’s “Dark Sky Park,” these parks prove solitude isn’t extinct—it’s just underrated.
Hi, I’m Katie Johnson, an outdoor enthusiast, travel writer, and the creator of the Wander National Parks Blog. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the beauty of nature, and my passion for exploring America’s national parks has led me to create this space to share my adventures and insights with fellow travelers.
