Article Overview: List of National Parks by State, National Parks Map

Quick Answer: There are 63 national parks in the United States, spread across 30 states and US territories. California has the most (9), followed by Alaska (8), Utah (5), and Colorado (4). The newest is New River Gorge (2020) and the oldest is Yellowstone (1872).

Jump to: Alphabetical List | List by State | All 63 Parks Table

All 63 National Parks at a Glance

National ParkStateEst.Acres
AcadiaMaine191949,075
American SamoaAmerican Samoa19888,257
ArchesUtah197176,679
BadlandsSouth Dakota1978242,756
Big BendTexas1944801,163
BiscayneFlorida1980172,971
Black Canyon of the GunnisonColorado199930,750
Bryce CanyonUtah192835,835
CanyonlandsUtah1964337,598
Capitol ReefUtah1971241,904
Carlsbad CavernsNew Mexico193046,766
Channel IslandsCalifornia1980249,561
CongareeSouth Carolina200326,476
Crater LakeOregon1902183,224
Cuyahoga ValleyOhio200032,572
Death ValleyCalifornia/Nevada19943,408,395
DenaliAlaska19176,045,153
Dry TortugasFlorida199264,701
EvergladesFlorida19471,508,938
Gates of the ArcticAlaska19808,472,506
Gateway ArchMissouri201891
GlacierMontana19101,013,572
Glacier BayAlaska19803,223,384
Grand CanyonArizona19191,217,262
Grand TetonWyoming1929310,044
Great BasinNevada198677,180
Great Sand DunesColorado2004107,342
Great Smoky MountainsTennessee/North Carolina1934522,427
Guadalupe MountainsTexas197286,367
HaleakalaHawaii191633,265
Hawaii VolcanoesHawaii1916325,605
Hot SpringsArkansas19215,554
Indiana DunesIndiana201915,349
Isle RoyaleMichigan1940571,790
Joshua TreeCalifornia1994795,156
KatmaiAlaska19803,674,530
Kenai FjordsAlaska1980669,984
Kings CanyonCalifornia1940461,901
Kobuk ValleyAlaska19801,750,717
Lake ClarkAlaska19802,619,733
Lassen VolcanicCalifornia1916106,452
Mammoth CaveKentucky194154,012
Mesa VerdeColorado190652,485
Mount RainierWashington1899236,382
New River GorgeWest Virginia20207,021
North CascadesWashington1968504,781
OlympicWashington1938922,651
Petrified ForestArizona1962221,390
PinnaclesCalifornia201326,686
RedwoodCalifornia1968138,999
Rocky MountainColorado1915265,807
SaguaroArizona199492,126
SequoiaCalifornia1890404,064
ShenandoahVirginia1935199,224
Theodore RooseveltNorth Dakota197870,447
Virgin IslandsUS Virgin Islands195614,940
VoyageursMinnesota1975218,222
White SandsNew Mexico2019145,762
Wind CaveSouth Dakota190333,971
Wrangell-St. EliasAlaska198013,175,799
YellowstoneWyoming/Montana/Idaho18722,219,791
YosemiteCalifornia1890761,748
ZionUtah1919147,242

There are 63 national parks in the United States spread across 30 states and two territories. We’ve been to 50 of them.

Most lists just give you names and locations. We’ve included what each park is actually like, what most folks get wrong about it, and whether it’s worth the trip.

Here’s every national park in America.

Table of Contents: List of National Parks by State & National Parks Maps

Table of Contents: List of National Parks by State & National Parks Maps

What Are National Parks?

The mission of the National Park Service is to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations”.

Essentially this means that national parks should look the same 100 years from now as they do today. To that end, activities that would alter national parks in any way (mining, drilling, logging, etc) are prohibited.

Compare this to national forests for example where logging is permitted, hunting is allowed, oil can be drilled, etc. because national forests are managed under a technical rule called “multiple use”. That’s just a fancy way of saying they are managed for both preservation purposes (like the national parks) AND resource purposes.

For the sake of this national parks list, I will only be including the 63 national parks to make things simple. Chances are good that if you’re planning a national parks road trip with friends these are the places you’re most likely to go.

How Many National Parks Are There in the US?

What a lot of people don’t know is that there are actually 433 national park sites (or national park units) in the US which sounds like a lot. Here’s where things gets tricky.

That 433 number encompasses plenty of important sites like national preserves, national monuments, national historic sites, and national memorials to name a few, but not all of these sites are technically national parks.

So, ultimately, there are only 63 official national parks in the US. Maybe we’ll get another soon! On this national parks list only the 63 official national parks will be included.

List of the Newest National Parks

  1. New River Gorge National Park
  2. White Sands National Park
  3. Indiana Dunes National Park
  4. Gateway Arch National Park
  5. Pinnacles National Park
  6. Great Sand Dunes National Park
  7. Congaree National Park
  8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  10. Death Valley National Park

List of the Oldest National Parks

  1. Yellowstone National Park
  2. Sequoia National Park
  3. Yosemite National Park
  4. Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Crater Lake National Park
  6. Wind Cave National Park
  7. Mesa Verde National Park
  8. Glacier National Park
  9. Rocky Mountain National Park
  10. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

National Parks List: Quicklinks

Newest National Park | Oldest National Park | Largest National Park | Smallest National Park | Most Visited | Least Visited | Alphabetical National Parks List | All 63 National Parks | By State | Download

List of US National Parks (Alphabetical)

Click for National Parks by State instead

1. Acadia National Park

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Location: Maine
Established: February 26, 1919
Size: 49,071.40 acres
Visitation: 3,879,890 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Hikes / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts / Things to Do / Summer / Winter
Things To Do: The Bowl Trail, Precipice Trail, Bass Harbor Lighthouse
*Reservations required

acadia national park bass harbor lighthouse
Acadia National Park

READ: Best East Coast National Parks

2. National Park of American Samoa

Location: American Samoa
Established: October 31, 1988
Size: 8,256.67 acres
Visitation: 11,045 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts
Things To Do: Mount ‘Alava Trail, Pola Island Trail

american samoa national park
American Samoa National Park (NPS)

3. Arches National Park

Location: Utah
Established: November 12, 1971
Size: 76,678.98 acres
Visitation: 1,482,045 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do / Hikes / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Facts / Road Trip
Things To Do: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devils Garden, Tower Arch
*Reservations required

arches national park utah
Arches National Park

4. Badlands National Park

Location: South Dakota
Established: November 10, 1978
Size: 242,755.94 acres
Visitation: 1,046,400 (2026)
Resources: Map / Guidebook / Guide / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Notch Trail, Bison Viewing, Castle Trail

big badlands overlook badlands national park south dakota
Badlands National Park | List of National Parks

5. Big Bend National Park

Location: Texas
Established: June 12, 1944
Size: 801,163.21 acres
Visitation: 509,129 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Facts | Things to Do | Hikes
Things To Do: Saint Elena Canyon, Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail

big bend national park texas
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

6. Biscayne National Park

Location: Florida
Established: June 28, 1980
Size: 172,971.11 acres
Visitation: 571,242 (2026)
Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Boating, Snorkeling, Scuba

biscayne national park florida
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Location: Colorado
Established: October 21, 1999
Size: 30,779.83 acres
Visitation: 357,069 (2026)
Resources: Things to Do | Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Rim Rock Trail, South Rim Road, Fishing

black canyon of the gunnison national park colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison | National Parks List

8. Bryce Canyon National Park

national park map

Location: Utah
Established: February 25, 1928
Size: 35,835.08 acres
Visitation: 2,461,269 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Road Trip | Where to Stay | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Wall Street, Navajo Loop Trail, Inspiration Point

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Inspiration Point | National Parks List

9. Canyonlands National Park

Location: Utah
Established: September 12, 1964
Size: 337,597.83 acres
Visitation: 800,322 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Things to Do | Hikes | Road Trip | Facts
Things To Do: Upheaval Dome, Green River Overlook, Mesa Arch

mesa arch canyonlands national park
Mesa Arch | National Parks List

10. Capitol Reef National Park

Location: Utah
Established: December 18, 1971
Size: 241,904.50 acres
Visitation: 1,268,861 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Facts / Road Trip
Things To Do: Cassidy Arch, Hickman Bridge, Capitol Gorge

hickman bridge, capitol reef national park utah
Hickman Bridge

11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Location: New Mexico
Established: May 14, 1930
Size: 46,766.45 acres
Visitation: 394,121 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Cave Tours, Natural Entrance Hike, Bat Viewing

carlsbad caverns national park new mexico
Courtesy NPS

12. Channel Islands National Park

Location: California
Established: March 5, 1980
Size: 249,561.00 acres
Visitation: 328,746 (2026)
Resources: Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Inspiration Point, Ferry Tour, Anacapa Island

scuba diving channel islands national park california
Courtesy NPS

13. Congaree National Park

Location: South Carolina
Established: November 10, 2003
Size: 26,692.60 acres
Visitation: 250,114 (2026)
Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Congaree River Blue Trail, Bluff Trail, Birding

congaree national park south carolina
Courtesy NPS

14. Crater Lake National Park

Location: Oregon
Established: May 22, 1902
Size: 183,224.05 acres
Visitation: 559,976 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts | Map
Things To Do: Rim Drive, Wizard Island Ferry, Watchman Peak

crater lake national park oregon
Crater Lake

15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

national parks checklist map by more than just parks

Location: Ohio
Established: October 11, 2000
Size: 32,571.88 acres
Visitation: 2,860,059 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guidebook | Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Brandywine Falls, Towpath Trail, Blue Hen Falls

cuyahoga valley national park ohio
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

16. Death Valley National Park

Location: California
Established: October 31, 1994
Size: 3,408,395.63 acres
Visitation: 1,099,632 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Facts / Camping / Where to Stay / Video
Things To Do: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Eureka Dunes, Artists Palette

best things to do death valley national park
Furnace Creek | National Parks List

17. Denali National Park

Location: Alaska
Established: February 26, 1917
Size: 4,740,911.16 acres
Visitation: 498,722 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Denali Park Road, Wildlife Viewing, Thorofare Ridge Trail

denali national park alaska
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

18. Dry Tortugas National Park

Location: Florida
Established: October 26, 1992
Size: 64,701.22 acres
Visitation: 84,285 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts
Things To Do: Fort Jefferson, Snorkeling, Ferry Ride

dry tortguas national park florida
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

19. Everglades National Park

Location: Florida
Established: May 30, 1934
Size: 1,508,938.57 acres
Visitation: 810,189 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map | Things to Do | Guidebook | Facts
Things To Do: Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Kayaking

everglades national park florida
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

20. Gates of the Arctic National Park

Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 7,523,897.45 acres
Visitation: 12,135 (2026) 63/63 – Least Visited
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts | Map
Things To Do: Wildlife Viewing, Flightseeing

gates of the arctic national park alaska
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

21. Gateway Arch National Park

Location: Missouri
Established: February 22, 2018
Size: 91 acres (Smallest)
Visitation: 2,422,836 (2026)
Resources: National Parks Ranked (it’s last) | Facts
Things To Do: Ride the Elevator

gateway arch national park missouri
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

22. Glacier National Park

framed national parks map

Location: Montana
Established: May 11, 1910
Size: 1,013,126.39 acres
Visitation: 2,933,616 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Itinerary / Facts
Things To Do: Going to the Sun Road, Swiftcurrent Lake, Grinnell Glacier Trail
*Reservations required

grinnell glacier, things to do glacier national park
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

23. Glacier Bay National Park

Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 3,223,383.43 acres
Visitation: 703,659 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts
Things To Do: Boat Tour, Bartlett Cove, Whale Watching

glacier bay national park alaska
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

24. Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Arizona
Established: February 26, 1919
Size: 1,201,647.03 acres
Visitation: 4,733,705 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Best Views / Closest Cities / South Rim / North Rim / Where to Stay / Winter / Facts
Things To Do: Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, Cape Royal, Desert View Watchtower

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Cape Royal | National Parks List

25. Grand Teton National Park

Location: Wyoming
Established: February 26, 1929
Size: 310,044.36 acre
Visitation: 3,417,106 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Maps / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Snake River Overlook, Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Phelps Lake

grand teton national park wyoming
Snake River Overlook | National Parks List

26. Great Basin National Park

Location: Nevada
Established: October 27, 1986
Size: 77,180.00 acres
Visitation: 143,265 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: See the Glacier, Ancient Bristlecone Forest, Lehman Caves

great basin national park nevada
Great Basin National Park | National Parks List

27. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Location: Colorado
Established: September 24, 2004
Size: 107,345.73 acres
Visitation: 512,219 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Facts
Things To Do: Star Dune, Sand Lakes, Mosca Pass

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Great Sand Dunes National Park | National Parks List

28. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Established: June 15, 1934
Size: 522,426.88 acres
Visitation: 13,297,647 (2026) – #1 Most Visited
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Guide / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Cades Cove, Clingman’s Dome, Wildlife Viewing

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Mingus Mill | National Parks List

29. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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Location: Texas
Established: October 15, 1966
Size: 86,367.10 acres
Visitation: 227,340 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts
Things To Do: Guadalupe Peak, Salt Basin Dunes, Devil’s Hall Trail

guadalupe mountains national park texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park | National Parks List

30. Haleakala National Park

Location: Hawaii
Established: July 1, 1961
Size: 33,264.62 acres
Visitation: 791,292 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Things to Do / Guidebook / Map / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Haleakala Crater, Waimoku Falls, Pipiwai Trail
*Reservations required

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Bamboo Forest | National Parks List

31. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Location: Hawaii
Established: August 1, 1916
Size: 325,605.28 acres
Visitation: 1,620,294 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Crater Rim Road, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Crater

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Kilauea Crater | National Parks List

32. Hot Springs National Park

Location: Arkansas
Established: March 4, 1921
Size: 5,554.15 acres
Visitation: 2,502,967 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Bathhouse Row, Display Spring, Grand Promenade

hot springs national park arkansas
Courtesy NPS | National Parks List

33. Indiana Dunes National Park

Location: Indiana
Established: February 15, 2019
Size: 15,349.08 acres
Visitation: 2,765,892 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Dunes Succession Trail, Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk, Birding

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Courtesy NPS

34. Isle Royale National Park

Location: Michigan
Established: April 3, 1940
Size: 571,790.30 acres
Visitation: 28,965 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Ferry Ride, Rock Harbor, Scoville Point

isle royale national park michigan
Courtesy NPS

35. Joshua Tree National Park

Location: California
Established: October 31, 1994
Size: 795,155.85 acres
Visitation: 3,270,404 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Hikes / Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Warren Peak, Cholla Cactus Garden, Jumbo Rocks

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Joshua Tree National Park

36. Katmai National Park

national parks map print

Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 3,674,529.33 acres
Visitation: 33,763 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map | Facts
Things To Do: Bear Viewing, Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Flightseeing

katmai national park brooks falls
Courtesy NPS

37. Kenai Fjords National Park

Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 669,650.05 acres
Visitation: 387,525 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Things to Do
Things To Do: Exit Glacier, Harding Ice Field, Boat Tour

kenai fjords national park exit glacier
Exit Glacier | Kenai Fjords National Park

38. Kings Canyon National Park

Location: California
Established: March 4, 1940
Size: 461,901.20 acres
Visitation: 643,065 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts | General Grant Tree
Things To Do: General Grant Tree, Generals Highway, Backpacking

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General Grant Tree | Kings Canyon National Park

39. Kobuk Valley National Park

Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 1,750,716.16 acres
Visitation: 16,728 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts
Things To Do: Flightseeing, Guided Tours

kobuk valley national park alaska
Courtesy NPS

40. Lake Clark National Park

Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 2,619,816.49 acres
Visitation: 16,728 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map
Things To Do: Wildlife Viewing, Fishing, Flightseeing

lake clark national park alaska
Courtesy NPS

41. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Location: California
Established: August 9, 1916
Size: 106,589.02 acres
Visitation: 418,978 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake, Devastated Area

Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park California
Manzanita Lake

42. Mammoth Cave National Park

Location: Kentucky
Established: July 1, 1941
Size: 54,016.29 acres
Visitation: 654,450 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Cave Tours

mammoth cave kentucky national parks
Courtesy NPS

43. Mesa Verde National Park

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Location: Colorado
Established: June 29, 1906
Size: 52,485.17 acres
Visitation: 505,194 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Things to Do | Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Cliff Palace, Long House, Balcony House

mesa verde national park, cliff palace colorado
Cliff Palace

44. Mount Rainier National Park

Location: Washington
Established: March 2, 1899
Size: 236,381.64 acres
Visitation: 1,674,294 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Paradise / Facts / Where to Stay
Things To Do: Mt Fremont Lookout, Skyline Trail, Pinnacle Peak
*Reservations required

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Mount Rainier National Park | National Parks List

For some amazing Mt. Rainier facts including the time a guy landed a plane on the summit, check out our post: 10+ (AMAZING) Mount Rainier National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Know.

45. New River Gorge National Park

Location: West Virginia
Established: December 27, 2020
Size: 7,021 acres
Visitation: 1,707,223 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Rafting, Long Point Trail, Bridgewalk

About This National Park

America’s newest National Park is West Virginia’s first and it’s a beauty! New River Gorge has lots of great recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and more.

The fall foliage here is magnificent with bright reds, oranges, and yellows filling the gorge.

new river gorge national park west virginia, new river gorge bridge, new river rafting
New River Gorge

46. North Cascades National Park

Location: Washington
Established: October 2, 1968
Size: 504,780.94 acres
Visitation: 40,351 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Things to Do / Best Hikes / Facts
Things To Do: Diablo Lake, Maple Pass, Blue Lake

north cascades national park washington mt shuksan
Mt Shuksan

47. Olympic National Park

Location: Washington
Established: June 29, 193
Size: 922,649.41 acres
Visitation: 2,947,503 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video
Things To Do: Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, Mount Storm King

grand lake olympic national park washington
Obstruction Point

48. Petrified Forest National Park

Location: Arizona
Established: December 9, 1962
Size: 221,390.21 acres
Visitation: 520,491 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guidebook | Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Blue Mesa, Painted Desert, Crystal Forest Trail

petrified forest national park arizona
Courtesy NPS

49. Pinnacles National Park

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Map with National Parks List

Location: California
Established: January 10, 2013
Size: 26,685.73 acres
Visitation: 341,220 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Bear Gulch, Condor Viewing, Climbing

lower bear gulch pinnacles national park california
Courtesy NPS

50. Redwood National Park

Location: California
Established: October 2, 1968
Size: 138,999.37 acres
Visitation: 409,105 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do / Hikes / Guide / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Photos / Facts / Near San Francisco
Seasons: Winter / Spring / Fall
Things To Do: Stout Grove, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Avenue of the Giants

lady bird johnson grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove

51. Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Colorado
Established: January 26, 1915
Size: 265,807.24 acres
Visitation: 4,115,837 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Elk Viewing | Dream, Nymph, Emerald Lakes Trail | Sky Pond
*Reservations required

emerald lake rocky mountain national park colorado
Dream Lake | List of National Parks

52. Saguaro National Park

Location: Arizona
Established: October 14, 1994
Size: 92,867.42 acres
Visitation: 1,010,906 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Hikes / Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Wassen Peak Trail, Desert Ecology Nature Trail, Signal Hill Petroglyphs

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Saguaro National Park | List of National Parks

53. Sequoia National Park

Location: California
Established: September 25, 1890 (#2)
Size: 404,062.63 acres
Visitation: 980,567 (2026)
My Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Facts / Where to Stay / General Sherman Tree
Things To Do: Big Trees Trail, Congress Trail, Moro Rock

big trees trail sequoia national park california
Big Trees Trail

54. Shenandoah National Park

Location: Virginia
Established: December 26, 1935
Size: 200,192.09 acres
Visitation: 1,576,008 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Skyline Drive, Dark Hollow Falls, Old Rag Mountain
*Reservations required

shenandoah national park virginia
Courtesy NPS | List of National Parks

55. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Location: North Dakota
Established: November 10, 1978
Size: 70,446.89 acres
Visitation: 746,862 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Things to Do / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Oxbow Overlook, Cannonball Creations, Wildlife Viewing

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Theodore Roosevelt National Park | List of National Parks

56. Virgin Islands National Park

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National Parks Map / Map of the National Parks

Location: US Virgin Islands
Established: August 2, 1956
Size: 15,052.33 acres
Visitation: 343,685 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Things to Do | Map | Guidebook | Video | Facts
Things To Do: Reef Bay Trail, Maho Bay, Trunk Bay

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Cruz Bay | List of National Parks

57. Voyageurs National Park

Location: Minnesota
Established: April 8, 1975
Size: 218,222.35 acres
Visitation: 220,825 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guide / Things to Do / Camping / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Locator Lake Trail, Ellsworth Rock Garden, Grassy Bay Cliffs

Kabetogama Lake Overlook Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park | List of National Parks

58. White Sands National Park

Location: New Mexico
Established: December 20, 2019
Size: 146,344.31 acres
Visitation: 729,096 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Interdune Boardwalk, Dune Life Nature Trail, Dune Sledding

white sands national park new mexico
Courtesy NPS | List of National Parks

59. Wind Cave National Park

Location: South Dakota
Established: January 9, 1903
Size: 33,970.84 acres
Visitation: 592,459 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources:Things to Do | Video | Facts | Map
Things To Do: Natural Entrance Tour, Fairgrounds Tour, Rankin Ridge Trail

wind cave national park natural entrance tour
Wind Cave | List of National Parks

60. Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 13.2 million acres (#1) – Largest
Visitation: 78,305 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map | Guidebook | Facts
Things To Do: Flightseeing, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing

wrangell st elias national park alaska
Courtesy NPS

61. Yellowstone National Park

Location: Wyoming
Established: March 1, 1872 (#1) – Oldest
Size: 2,219,790.71 acres
Visitation: 4,501,382 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Facts / Airports / Where to Stay / Itinerary / Fall
Things To Do: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Lamar Valley

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List of National Parks | Courtesy NPS

62. Yosemite National Park

Location: California
Established: October 1, 1890
Size: 761,747.50 acres
Visitation: 3,897,070 (2026)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay / Things to Do / Best Hikes / Fall
Things To Do: Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Half Dome
*Reservations required

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Tunnel View | List of National Parks

63. Zion National Park

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Location: Utah
Established: November 19, 1919
Size: 147,242.66 acres
Visitation: 4,623,238 (2026)
My Favorite Resources: Guide | Things to Do | Hikes | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Road Trip | Itinerary
Things To Do: The Narrows, Angels Landing, Lava Point, Big Bend
*Reservations required

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Canyon Overlook
Can You Do Glacier National Park in One Day?
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List of National Parks by State

Alaska National Parks

Alaska is home to 8 national parks making it the state with the second most national parks in the country. However, as mentioned earlier, it has more national park land area than any state by a long shot.

  1. Denali National Park, Alaska
  2. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
  3. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
  4. Katmai National Park, Alaska
  5. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
  6. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
  7. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
  8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska

Interested in Alaska’s jaw-dropping national parks? Read: How to Visit All 8 Epic Alaska National Parks

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Glacier Bay National Park | List of National Parks by State

American Samoa National Parks

There is only one national park in American Samoa.

Located in the South Pacific, American Samoa is the furthest national park from the US mainland and the only US national park south of the equator. Flights to this tropical paradise typically range over $2,000.

  1. National Park of American Samoa
american samoa national park
(courtesy NPS)

Arizona National Parks

There are three national parks in Arizona.

  1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  2. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
  3. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
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Grand Canyon National Park

National Monuments Ranked: ALL 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)

Arkansas National Parks

There is one national park in Arkansas.

  1. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
hot springs national park arkansas
(courtesy NPS)

California National Parks

California is home to 9 national parks making it the state with the most national parks in America.

  1. Channel Islands National Park, California
  2. Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
  3. Joshua Tree National Park, California
  4. Kings Canyon National Park, California
  5. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
  6. Pinnacles National Park, California
  7. Redwood National Park, California
  8. Sequoia National Park, California
  9. Yosemite National Park, California
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Redwood National Park | List of National Parks by State

Colorado National Parks

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There are four national parks in Colorado.

  1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
  2. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
  3. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
  4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Colorado National Parks: These 4 Colorado National Parks Will Blow Your Mind

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Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Florida National Parks

  1. Biscayne National Park, Florida
  2. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
  3. Everglades National Park, Florida

RELATED: ALL of Florida’s National Parks RANKED 2021 (+ video)

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Florida National Parks List

Hawaii National Parks

  1. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
  2. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

RELATED: ALL of Hawaii’s National Parks RANKED 2021 (+ video)

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Idaho National Parks

  1. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
yellowstone national park

Indiana National Parks

  1. Indiana Dunes National Park
national parks near chicago, indiana dunes national park, beach, lake michigan-1848559.jpg
(courtesy NPS)

Kentucky National Parks

  1. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
mammoth cave kentucky national parks

Maine National Parks

  1. Acadia National Park, Maine
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Michigan National Parks

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  1. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
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Minnesota National Parks List

  1. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
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Northern Lights over Voyageurs | List of National Parks

Missouri National Parks

  1. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
gateway arch national park
(courtesy wikimedia)

Montana National Parks

  1. Glacier National Park, Montana
  2. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
grinnell glacier, things to do glacier national park
(courtesy NPS)

Nevada National Parks

  1. Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
  2. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
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New Mexico National Parks

  1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
  2. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
white sands national park new mexico
(courtesy NPS)

North Dakota National Parks

  1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
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North Carolina National Parks

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  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
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Ohio National Parks

  1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park (courtesy nps)

Oregon National Parks

  1. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
crater lake national park oregon

South Carolina National Parks

  1. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
congaree national park south carolina
(courtesy NPS)

South Dakota National Parks

  1. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
  2. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
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Tennessee National Parks

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
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Texas National Parks

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(courtesy NPS) | List of National Parks
  1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
  2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Utah National Parks

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Utah is home to 5 national parks referred to as “the mighty 5”.

  1. Arches National Park, Utah
  2. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
  3. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
  4. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
  5. Zion National Park, Utah

RELATED: ALL of Utah’s MIGHTY 5 National Parks RANKED 2021 (+ video)

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Zion National Park Utah | List of National Parks

US Virgin Islands National Parks

  1. Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
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Virginia National Parks

  1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
shenandoah national park virginia
(courtesy NPS)

Washington National Parks

Washington is home to 3 national parks which are among the best in the world.

  1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
  2. North Cascades National Park, Washington
  3. Olympic National Park, Washington
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Olympic National Park | National Parks by State List

West Virginia National Parks

  1. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Wyoming National Parks

  1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
  2. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
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Printable List of the National Parks

Download a simple printable list of national parks below.

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Download and print this national parks list below

Download this Printable List of National Parks in alphabetical order (by park): PDF | JPG

Plain Printable Checklist of National Parks (Alphabetical)

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US National Parks List: Newest National Parks

  1. New River Gorge National Park
  2. White Sands National Park
  3. Indiana Dunes National Park
  4. Gateway Arch National Park
  5. Pinnacles National Park
  6. Great Sand Dunes National Park
  7. Congaree National Park
  8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  10. Death Valley National Park

US National Parks List: Oldest National Parks

  1. Yellowstone National Park
  2. Sequoia National Park
  3. Yosemite National Park
  4. Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Crater Lake National Park
  6. Wind Cave National Park
  7. Mesa Verde National Park
  8. Glacier National Park
  9. Rocky Mountain National Park
  10. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

States Without Any National Parks

  1. Alabama
  2. Connecticut
  3. Delaware
  4. Georgia
  5. Iowa
  6. Illinois
  7. Kansas
  8. Louisiana
  9. Maryland
  10. Massachusetts
  11. Mississippi
  12. Nebraska
  13. New Jersey
  14. New York
  15. New Hampshire
  16. Oklahoma
  17. Pennsylvania
  18. Rhode Island
  19. Vermont
  20. Wisconsin
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Alphabetical 63 National Parks Checklist by State

  1. Acadia National Park, Maine
  2. National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
  3. Arches National Park, Utah
  4. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
  5. Big Bend National Park, Texas
  6. Biscayne National Park, Florida
  7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
  8. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
  9. Canyonlands National Parks, Utah
  10. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
  11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
  12. Channel Islands National Park, California
  13. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
  14. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
  15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
  16. Death Valley National Park, California
  17. Denali National Park, Alaska
  18. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
  19. Everglades National Park, Florida
  20. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
  21. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
  22. Glacier National Park, Montana
  23. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
  24. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  25. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
  26. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
  27. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
  28. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
  29. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
  30. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
  31. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
  32. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
  33. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
  34. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
  35. Joshua Tree National Park, California
  36. Katmai National Park, Alaska
  37. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
  38. Kings Canyon National Park, California
  39. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
  40. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
  41. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
  42. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
  43. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
  44. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
  45. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
  46. North Cascades National Park, Washington
  47. Olympic National Park, Washington
  48. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
  49. Pinnacles National Park, California
  50. Redwood National Park, California
  51. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
  52. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
  53. Sequoia National Park, California
  54. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
  55. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
  56. Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands
  57. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
  58. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
  59. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
  60. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
  61. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
  62. Yosemite National Park, California
  63. Zion National Park, Utah

List of National Parks FAQ

How many national parks are in the US?

There are currently 63 official national parks in the US.

What is the newest national park?

Established in 2020, the newest national park in the US is New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.

What is the oldest national park?

Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the world.

Is there a national park in every state?

No, not every state has a national park. Currently 20 states do not yet have a national park: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, & Wisconsin.

What state has the most national parks?

The state with the most national parks is California with 9.

What is the largest national park?

The largest national park is Wrangell St. Elias National Park (13.2 million acres).

What is the smallest national park?

The smallest national park is Gateway Arch National Park (91 acres)

List of US National Parks (Summary)

  1. Acadia National Park, Maine
  2. National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
  3. Arches National Park, Utah
  4. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
  5. Big Bend National Park, Texas
  6. Biscayne National Park, Florida
  7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
  8. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
  9. Canyonland National Parks, Utah
  10. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
  11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
  12. Channel Islands National Park, California
  13. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
  14. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
  15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
  16. Death Valley National Park, California
  17. Denali National Park, Alaska
  18. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
  19. Everglades National Park, Florida
  20. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
  21. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
  22. Glacier National Park, Montana
  23. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
  24. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  25. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
  26. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
  27. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
  28. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
  29. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
  30. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
  31. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
  32. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
  33. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
  34. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
  35. Joshua Tree National Park, California
  36. Katmai National Park, Alaska
  37. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
  38. Kings Canyon National Park, California
  39. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
  40. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
  41. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
  42. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
  43. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
  44. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
  45. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
  46. North Cascades National Park, Washington
  47. Olympic National Park, Washington
  48. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
  49. Pinnacles National Park, California
  50. Redwood National Park, California
  51. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
  52. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
  53. Sequoia National Park, California
  54. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
  55. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
  56. Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands
  57. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
  58. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
  59. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
  60. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
  61. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
  62. Yosemite National Park, California
  63. Zion National Park, Utah

National Parks Maps

All of these print national parks maps are available for purchase in our store by clicking on them.

National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.

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Printable National Parks Maps

You can purchase this framed national parks map here: Framed National Parks Map. Looking to download? Good news, there are two ways to download any of these national park maps!

  • Option 1: Follow this download link to our store where you can pay what you wish to download it.
  • Option 2 (preferred): Become a paid subscriber to our substack ($7/month) which helps funds our efforts to get this map and so much more! Once you’ve subscribed you can access all of our maps (& so much more).

Maps of the National Parks

Printable Checklist of the National Parks

Have these checklist map shipped to you directly: Premium National Parks Checklist Map
Download this checklist map here: Printable National Parks Checklist Map

Check out this page for more purchasable national parks maps. If you don’t see the right size map for you above feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to create a customized one just for you!

National Parks List to Take Home

National Parks List & Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.

Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.

Download: You can download a high-resolution version of this national parks checklist here.

Check out this page for more purchasable national parks lists & maps. If you don’t see the right size map for you above feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to create a customized one just for you!

More National Parks Resources

Overall National Parks Guide: This is perhaps the best overall national parks guide book.

National Parks Photo Book: We love this national parks photo book by a legendary parks photographer.

National Parks Atlas: Great coffee table book of the national parks.

Scratch Off Map: This is a nice national parks map for folks looking to mark the parks they’ve been to.

Cool National Parks Posters: These are beautiful graphic posters for each national park.

See Our Full National Park Rankings

We actually ranked ALL 63 National Parks from best to worst in a separate article. If you’re curious how the parks stacked up, click here!

The National Parks System

The national park system is full of incredible places that constitute the all-important natural and cultural heritage of the United States.

These special places, from Gettysburg National Military Park to Yosemite National Park, are of immense importance and are equally deserving of preservation and administration that fits their unique place in the story of this country.

So whether your favorite national park service unit is a national park, a national monument, a national recreation area, or any other type of designation, the point is they’re all important, but there’s only 63 congressionally-designated “national parks”.

voyageurs campfire, list of national parks by state
A campfire at Voyageurs National Park | National Parks Listed by State

Why Listen to Us About the National Parks?

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.

Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

pattiz brothers badlands national park south dakota
Jim (left) and Will (right) of More Than Just Parks

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers.

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

And a bonus! Tips for Visiting a National Park

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!

Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.

For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

  • Sticking to trails
  • Checking the weather before going out on a hike
  • Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
  • Avoid ledges with steep drop offs

2026 National Park Free Entry Days

The National Park Service offers several fee-free days each year when entrance fees are waived at all national parks. Here are the 2026 free entry days:

  • January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
  • August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary
  • September 27 – National Public Lands Day
  • November 11 – Veterans Day

More Helpful Information on the National Parks

List of National Monuments: Ultimate List of National Monuments (Alphabetical + By State)
How Many National Parks: How Many National Parks Are There Exactly (Detailed Guide)
Best National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED By Experts
Best National Monuments: All 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
Largest National Parks: 15 Largest National Parks in the United States (+ Full List)
Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited US National Parks
Least Visited National Parks: Top 10 Least Visited National Parks
Best East Coast National Parks: Top 10 Best East Coast National Parks Ranked
Best National Park Road Trips: 10 Best National Park Road Trips