When you plan a national park vacation, it’s usually to one that everyone’s heard of — that’s the allure of going, right? To see a place for yourself that so many others have said is the place to go? But there are several national parks people have never heard of or are so far from city life they’re somewhat hard to reach. But if you want to see the splendor of a national park without the crowds of Yosemite or Yellowstone, consider these underrepresented national parks. These are 3 national parks you can visit and avoid the crowds.
Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota
Located in the northlands of Minnesota, this national park is about as close as you’ll get to Canada without actually crossing the border. Voyageurs National Park offers visitors year-round fun: fishing, boating, and other water activities in the summer, or snowshoeing in the winter. There are campsites and RV hookups in the campground, as well as houseboats you can rent. This region of Minnesota enjoys minimal light pollution thanks to its remoteness, offering perfect views of the Northern Lights on clear nights.
North Cascades National Park – Washington
Washington State’s North Cascades is a national park nicknamed the American Alps. You can enjoy the same types of views you’d enjoy at the real Alpine range in Switzerland without having to hop on an international flight. While Olympic National Park and the park at Mount Rainier are more well-known, North Cascades National Park is a less-visited alternative so you can enjoy nature without flocks of tourists. Hiking or climbing the Cascades, biking the trails, or boating at Ross Lake are just a few activities in store.
Congaree National Park – South Carolina
While the Everglades in Florida certainly have something for everyone, everyone knows it. Sometimes a national park getaway is to truly get away from everything and everyone. This next park is situated in mid-South Carolina, easily accessed by the largest airports and interstate highways, but it’s a wetlands wonderland with much fewer annual visitors than its Florida counterpart. Congaree National Park is a unique park of hiking trails through pristine wetlands, perfect for any time of year.
Do not hesitate to visit these 3 national parks you can visit and avoid the crowds. These lesser known national parks offer you memories and the chance to see places you might otherwise overlook.