Lesser-known national parks….are there any theft? Tired of the same old national parks hogging the spotlight? If elbowing through crowds at Yosemite or waiting in line at Yellowstone isn’t your idea of communing with nature, perhaps it’s time to take the road less traveled.
I’ve scoured the less Instagrammed corners of America to bring you five national parks that, while lesser-known, offer experiences just as grand—minus the selfie sticks and fanny packs.
1. Congaree National Park
Address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
Price: Free admission
Distance to Nearest Town: 18 miles to Columbia, SC
Welcome to Congaree National Park, where the trees are taller than your ambitions and the mosquitoes are hungrier than you at a drive-thru. Spanning over 26,000 acres, Congaree preserves the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. It’s a swamp, but calling it that would be selling it short.
Navigating the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail, you’ll find yourself dwarfed by loblolly pines and bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to everything from river otters to bobcats. Kayaking through Cedar Creek offers a serene experience—assuming you don’t mind the occasional alligator side-eyeing you.
Historically, the area served as a refuge for escaped slaves and later for loggers who thankfully didn’t get around to chopping everything down. Designated a national park in 2003, Congaree remains a hidden gem, possibly because most people can’t pronounce it.
Vibe Scale
- Solitude: 8/10
- Accessibility: 6/10
- Wildlife Encounters: 7/10
- Mosquito Intensity: 9/10 (Bring repellent)
2. Great Basin National Park
Address: 5500 NV-488, Baker, NV 89311
Price: Free admission; $15 for Lehman Caves tour
Distance to Nearest Town: 5 miles to Baker, NV (Population: 68)
If you’ve ever wanted to be alone with your thoughts—or confront the existential dread of solitude—Great Basin National Park is your go-to destination. Located in eastern Nevada, this park is home to the ancient bristlecone pines and the towering Wheeler Peak, which stands at 13,063 feet.
The park covers about 77,000 acres, offering trails that range from leisurely strolls to grueling hikes that make you question your life choices. The Lehman Caves are a subterranean wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, assuming you can snag a tour spot before they fill up.
Established in 1986, Great Basin sees fewer than 100,000 visitors a year. The night skies here are so dark that you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye, a humbling experience that might make you forget about your social media woes—temporarily.
Vibe Scale
- Solitude: 9/10
- Accessibility: 5/10
- Stargazing Quality: 10/10
- Likelihood of Cell Service: 2/10
3. Isle Royale National Park
Address: Accessible via ferry from Houghton, MI (800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931)
Price: $7 per person per day; ferry fees vary
Distance to Nearest Town: 55 miles by ferry to Houghton, MI
Isle Royale is the national park equivalent of a reclusive artist—hard to get to but unforgettable once you’re there. Located in Lake Superior, this island park spans 893 square miles of wilderness and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. It’s closed from November to mid-April due to extreme weather, so plan your pilgrimage wisely.
The island is a maze of dense forests, inland lakes, and trails that could keep even the most avid hiker busy for weeks. Wildlife is abundant, including moose and the elusive Isle Royale wolves, which are part of a long-term ecological study.
Established in 1940, Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks, with around 25,000 visitors annually. Maybe it’s the effort required to get there, or maybe people just don’t know what they’re missing.
Vibe Scale
- Solitude: 10/10
- Accessibility: 3/10
- Adventure Factor: 9/10
- Comfort Level: 5/10 (Rustic at best)
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Address: South Rim Visitor Center, 9800 Hwy 347, Montrose, CO 81401
Price: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Distance to Nearest Town: 15 miles to Montrose, CO
Imagine the Grand Canyon but steeper, narrower, and darker—that’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Carved by the Gunnison River over two million years, the canyon plunges to depths of over 2,700 feet, with some of the oldest exposed rock in North America.
The park encompasses 30,750 acres, offering trails along the rim and down into the abyss for the brave (or foolish). The Painted Wall, the highest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet, is a sight that might just restore your faith in the sublime.
Declared a national monument in 1933 and a national park in 1999, it attracts about 430,000 visitors annually. Not exactly deserted, but you won’t be fighting for a photo op either.
Vibe Scale
- Solitude: 7/10
- Accessibility: 7/10
- Jaw-Drop Potential: 9/10
- Risk of Vertigo: High
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
Address: 70 miles west of Key West, FL; Accessible only by ferry or seaplane
Price: $15 per person (valid for 7 days); transportation fees additional
Distance to Nearest Town: 70 miles to Key West, FL
Dry Tortugas National Park is a paradox—a remote island paradise that’s also home to a massive 19th-century fort. Covering 100 square miles, with the majority being open water, the park includes seven small islands and the historic Fort Jefferson.
The fort, made of 16 million bricks, is one of the largest masonry structures in the Western Hemisphere. Snorkeling around the fort’s moat wall reveals vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Camping is primitive, so expect to bring everything you need—including fresh water.
Established as a national park in 1992, Dry Tortugas sees around 80,000 visitors a year. Getting there requires a 2.5-hour ferry ride or a seaplane trip, but the seclusion and unique setting make it a worthy escape from reality.
Vibe Scale
- Solitude: 6/10
- Accessibility: 4/10
- Tropical Vibes: 8/10
- Pirate Fantasy Fulfillment: 9/10
Which Lesser-Known National Park Calls You?
Visiting these under-the-radar national parks is like listening to a B-side track that outshines the hit single.
Sure, they might lack the immediate name recognition, but they offer something increasingly rare: the chance to experience nature without a crowd of tourists photobombing your view.
So if you’re ready to trade the predictable for the profound, pack your bags, gas up the car—or book that ferry—and set your GPS to nowhere in particular. Sometimes, getting lost is the best way to find what you’re looking for.
Vibe Scale Summary
| National Park | Solitude | Accessibility | Unique Factor | Overall Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Congaree National Park | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Great Basin National Park | 9/10 | 5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Isle Royale National Park | 10/10 | 3/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP | 7/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | 6/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Note: Prices and details are accurate as of my last page update. Check the park’s camping page for the most recent prices.
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Great info