12 Stunning National Parks to Visit in the Summer

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Summer is the most popular time for USA road trips. School’s out, family vacations are in full swing, and most of the US is experiencing absolutely beautiful weather. But which National Parks are the best to visit in the Summer?

The National Parks that don’t see that many visitors.

The parks that relish the summer heat and typically sit in the Northern half of the United States (or at higher elevation).

I have a bit of experience visiting National Parks and there are few things I love more than getting out and exploring the great outdoors. So let me guide your summer road trip. Or at least help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

These are the best National Parks to add to your bucketlist this summer.

Best Way to see the National Parks? Van Life.

Okay. I might be biased. But van life has changed the road trip game. It’s made it cheaper. More comfortable. & helped me to travel more off-the-beaten-path. But van life isn’t always as glamorous as it’s made out to be. & if you’re on the fence you should test out van/RV travel before you invest in your own rig.

I recommend trying out van life for a weekend before you hit the road on any long-distance road trip. Make sure you know how to stealth camp and that you’re comfortable living in a tiny space with your partner…even if it’s just for a week.

Before you hit the open road check out this list of “van life essentials”. Even if you’re just planning a simple road trip there are some handy gadgets and packing advice to make life easier along the way. (Including some great podcast recommendations)

All US National Parks To Visit in the Summer

This is a comprehensive list of all the National Parks you *could* feasibly visit during the summertime and enjoy yourself. Some may be crowded or not quite in their prime but still good-enough stops if you have your heart set on a specific destination.

• Acadia National Park (Maine)
• Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
• Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
• Denali National Park (Alaska)
• Gates of the Arctic National Park (Alaska)
• Glacier Bay National Park (Alaska)
• Glacier National Park (Montana)
• Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
• Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
• Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)
• Smoky Mountains National Park (South Carolina/Tennesee)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
• Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
• Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)
• Katmai National Park (Alaska)
• Kenai Fjords National Park (Alaska)
• King’s Canyon National Park (California)
• Kobuk Valley National Park (Alaska)
• Lake Clark National Park (Alaska)
• Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)
• Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
• Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
• New River Gorge National Park (West Virginia)
• North Cascades National Park (Washington)
• Olympic National Park (Washington)
• Redwood National Park (California)
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
• Sequoia National Park (California)
• Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
• Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)
• Wrangell-St. Alias National Park (Alaska)
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana)
• Yosemite National Park (California)

12 Stunning National Parks to Visit in the Summer

Now that we’ve taken a look at all our options, let’s look at the truly stunning National Parks to visit during the summer. The parks that will provide that serene connection to nature we’re all seeking this time of year.

These parks are our top choices for summer visits and all have fewer crowds, temperate conditions, and spectacular views.

Best National Parks to Visit in June

These are the three best national parks to visit during the month fo June.

Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

You want me to go to the desert in the summertime?? Am I trying to kill you? No. The Badlands of South Dakota may look like a barren desert but they actually only reach temperatures of 80 degrees in the month of June. Quite pleasant unless you’re planning on doing some intense hiking.

As an added bonus, the Badlands during this time of year are green and vibrant as opposed to the usual dusty martian landscape and are full of new life as most wildlife will have just given birth in Spring. Be sure to do some stargazing while you’re here.

I outline all the must-see sights in Badlands National Park (& in South Dakota) in this blog post. Be sure to check it out if you’re planning a road trip.

Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite is one of the single most popular national parks in the United States and I’ll be honest…you’re going to encounter some crowds. It’s unavoidable. But due to the sheer breath-taking beauty of this park, I had to include it in this list.

It’s my favorite national park & this is the best time to see it. If you want stellar-hiking and cascading waterfalls that is.

In the month of June, the packed snow will have begun to melt, freeing up the epic trails around the rim of Yosemite Valley. And in the process, flooding the once dry waterfalls with a powerful stream of icy water. Outside of April-August the parks waterfalls are just dry rock faces.

Camping this time of year is limited and booked FAR in advance so if you’re not a vanlifer adept at stealth camping, I highly suggest planning this visit well ahead of time.

I wrote an entire blog post detailing all the best things to do in Yosemite National Park.

Redwoods National Park (California)

Another raw slice of California wilderness. This park also gets a lot of love during the summer months but due to the sheer size of Redwoods National Park, it’s unlikely you’ll have to face many crowds.

Hike among the impossibly tall Redwoods in some of the lushest, greenest, forests in America. You can opt for a long scenic trek in the trees like James Irvine Trail or shorter hikes like Fern Canyon and Big Tree Hike. Don’t forget that you’re just a short jaunt away from the rugged California coastline too. Be sure to find an overlook for one of the iconic Cali sunsets.

Best National Parks to Visit in July

The busiest time of year for national parks. You’ll want to either seek out hidden-gems or large national parks where you’ll feel more isolated than you actually are. These 3 national parks are my top picks to visit during the month of July.

Denali National Park (Alaska)

The Alaskan national parks are some of the most spectacular and also least visited in the United States. Obviously, this is because they require so much effort to get to. But if you have the opportunity, Denali National Park in July is absolutely breathtaking. The trademark grizzly bears will be roaming about and likely plenty of moose.

You can meet sled dogs (without the snow), hike some of the more popular trails like Horseshoe Lake or Triple Lakes Trail, and marvel at the snow-capped Mount McKinley in the background of all your adventures.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Colorado)

This park boasts the title of Colorado’s least visited national park. This 2,000 ft deep black canyon is only accessible for a few months of the year. Well ‘fully’ accessible that is. Several of the roadways close to snow for much of the year making summer prime time to visit this shockingly photogenic canyon.

This is a national park for adventurous and physically fit road-trippers. Although you can marvel at the gorge from above and wander only well-marked paths along the top of the rim, the most impressive displays of nature are within the canyon itself. And although marked trails are few and far between, you can wander into it’s depths off-trail in true Colorado fashion and feel like a true explorer.

Voyageaurs National Park (Minnesota)

When you’re surrounded by frigid water it helps to have balmy 80-degree temperatures. Exactly what you can expect from Voyageurs National Park in July. The only way to truly experience this park is via boat. Or kayak. Either way, you’ll be island-hopping through the old fur trade route of the Northwest.

This park offers boat tours, kayak rentals, paddleboarding, & while on land…some great and scenic hiking. It’s also some of the darkest skies in the US which allows for some superb stargazing.

Best National Parks to Visit in August

You’re tired of the thick muggy heat of summer. Beat the heat at one of these 3 mountainous national parks.

Glacier National Park (Montana)

Glacier National Park sits in my top 5 favorite national parks of all time. Driving up the Going to the Sun road hugging the sheer cliffside while you overlook the vast green valley carved by glaciers far beneath you is a sight you won’t soon forget. Montana is a truly breath-taking state. Its raw wilderness is unparalleled anywhere else in the USA.

Visiting during the busier summer months is a risk you have to take when you’re hoping to fully experience all the park has to offer. Weather can be unpredictable in this park and with all the epic hiking trails like Hidden Lake, Avalanche Lake, & the Highline Trail you’ll want dry and clear conditions.

Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

The high elevation of the Tetons means if you want to hike (without snow) you’ll need to time your visit carefully. & paying a visit in late August not only ensures you’ll have a snow-free path through Cascade Canyon Trail but you might catch the first glimpses of fall foliage as the colors begin to change early at high elevations.

Savor the last month of temperate weather while you marvel at the stunning mountains and wildlife that made this national park worth protecting. If you’re looking for wildlife, hiking, and rugged wilderness Grand Teton will make the perfect trip to end your summer with.

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

For those looking to score their own Rocky Mountain high, the mountains of Colorado await. This national park boasts the highest paved road in the entire United States (Trail Ridge Road), endless hiking opportunities up to its 14,000+ foot peaks, or more idyllic easy paths around stunning alpine lakes.

Unless you’re willing to risk heavy snowfall summer is the only time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Hikes to Bear Lake and Emerald Lake Trail are the most popular and absolutely cannot be missed.

Want to Plan an Epic National Park Road Trip?

We did!

We visited all the contiguous National Parks (without Alaska & Hawaii) in one epic van life National Park road trip. & it was as amazing as it sounds. Before you hit the road be sure to read our guide on how to survive van life with your partner.

Click here for a complete budget breakdown on the total cost of our “Great American road trip”. It cost us a lot less than you might think & is packed with tips to help you save more money while on the road.

We also went on a Foodie road trip around the U.S. with the sole mission of sampling the best classic American eats on a budget. So if you’re a foodie… this one is for you.

Best Way to see the National Parks? Van Life.

Okay. I might be biased. But van life has changed the road trip game. It’s made it cheaper. More comfortable & helped me to travel more off-the-beaten-path. & that’s just a few benefits of the van life. But van life isn’t always as glamorous as it’s made out to be. & if you’re on the fence you should test out van/RV travel before you invest in your own rig.

Or check out these blog posts to decide which National Parks to visit during the other 9 months out of the year!!

For a complete Google Map of ALL our USA road trip destinations sign up for our email list below! I promise not to send you lots of emails, but I will give you exclusive road trip & van life info you won’t find anywhere else on the blog.

Whether you’re planning a short camping trip with friends this summer or taking-off on a multi-week vanlife adventure these national parks to visit in the summer will show you just what America has to offer. Stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and slow scenic roadways.

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