The Ultimate National Park Road Trip Across the USA

What better way to explore the beauty of the United States than by embarking on a national park road trip? This epic journey covers each of the best national parks in the USA in a loop that spans approximately 14,500 miles and three months of travel. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the serene beaches of Florida, this national park trip route captures the full scope of the best national parks in America. Along the way, campers and glampers can find a variety of accommodations, including RV parks, tent sites, glamping, and vacation rentals near each national park, making it easy to book nearby campgrounds for the ultimate road trip camping adventure. 

Northeast

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is renowned for its rocky coastline, dense forests, and awe-inspiring views from Cadillac Mountain. Visitors can hike along the picturesque trails or drive the scenic Park Loop Road, for breathtaking ocean views and lush landscapes.

Campgrounds Near Acadia National Park

Southeast

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park features the famous Skyline Drive, which offers panoramic sights of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park's numerous trails lead to waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and a wide array of plant life, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Campgrounds Near Shenandoah National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Known for its rich biodiversity and mist-covered mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail or explore Cades Cove, where they can spot wildlife and historic homesteads.

Campgrounds Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Congaree National Park is a special environment featuring one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the U.S. Visitors can explore the boardwalk trails, canoe along the Congaree River, and experience the park's rich biodiversity.

Campgrounds Near Congaree National Park

Biscayne National Park, Florida

Biscayne National Park offers stunning underwater scenery and a rich marine ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and kayaking among coral reefs and mangroves, as well as explore historic sites such as the Boca Chita Key Lighthouse.

Campgrounds Near Biscayne National Park

Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park is a vast subtropical wilderness known for its distinct habitat. Visitors can take airboat tours, hike trails, or kayak through the mangroves, encountering multiple wildlife including alligators and manatees.

Campgrounds Near Everglades National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park is famous for its beautiful beaches and historic Fort Jefferson. Visitors can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, explore the fort, and enjoy birdwatching in a serene setting.

Campgrounds Near Dry Tortugas National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Home to the world's longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park offers guided tours through its vast underground chambers. The park also features beautiful surface landscapes with trails for hiking and opportunities for canoeing on the Green River.

Campgrounds Near Mammoth Cave National Park

Midwest

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

A water-based park with interconnected lakes, Voyageurs is best explored by boat. It’s a paradise for fishing, boating, and enjoying the serene northern wilderness.

Campgrounds Near Voyageurs National Park

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park features striking rock formations and deep canyons. Visitors can hike trails, enjoy overlooks, and witness the astonishing sunset views that illuminate the colorful landscape.

Campgrounds Near Badlands National Park

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park is famous for its unique cave system and mixed-grass prairie. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave and explore the surface trails, where bison and elk roam freely.

Campgrounds Near Wind Cave National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is known for its rugged badlands and different wildlife. Visitors can explore the scenic drives, hike the trails, and experience the park's distinct living system and historical significance.

Campgrounds Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can hike to Brandywine Falls, explore the scenic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, or enjoy a train ride through the awe-inspiring landscape.

Campgrounds Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Located in Lake Superior, this remote island park is known for its rugged wilderness and wildlife like moose and wolves. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it’s ideal for backpacking and paddling adventures.

Campgrounds Near Isle Royale National Park

Southwest

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, including mountains, desert, and river canyons. Visitors can hike the trails, explore the Rio Grande, and enjoy stargazing in one of the darkest regions in the country.

Campgrounds Near Big Bend National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Home to the highest peaks in Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park features impressive canyons and diverse wildlife. Hiking the challenging trails rewards visitors with marvelous views and a sense of solitude in nature.

Campgrounds Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal springs and historic bathhouses. Visitors can relax in the natural hot springs, explore hiking trails, and visit the park's visitor center to learn about its history.

Campgrounds Near Hot Springs National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Famous for its impressive underground caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers guided tours showcasing spectacular formations. Above ground, visitors can explore desert landscapes and hike the trails for panoramic views.

Campgrounds Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park features the world's largest gypsum dune field. Visitors can hike, sled down the dunes, and enjoy striking sunsets over the white sands, creating a surreal and beautiful environment.

Campgrounds Near White Sands National Park

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 

A natural wonder of the world, the Grand Canyon’s vastness and colorful rock layers tell a geological story billions of years in the making. The South Rim provides sweeping views, while the North Rim offers a quieter, less crowded experience.

Campgrounds Near Grand Canyon National Park

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona 

Step into a land frozen in time, where vibrant petrified wood and the striking Painted Desert create a landscape like no other. Explore trails that wind through fossilized trees dating back 225 million years.

Campgrounds Near Petrified Forest National Park

Saguaro National Park, Arizona 

This Arizona national park is home to the nation’s largest cacti, the towering saguaros. Split into two districts near Tucson, visitors can hike desert trails that showcase exceptional flora and fauna against a stunning backdrop of desert mountains.

Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park

Rocky Mountains

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park features extraordinary mountain landscapes, ancient bristlecone pines, and the Lehman Caves, known for their intricate limestone formations. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to the summit of Wheeler Peak, where they can take in panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and experience some of the best stargazing opportunities due to its remote location.

Campgrounds Near Great Basin National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can hike trails, drive the famous Trail Ridge Road, and experience marvelous views of the Rockies.

Campgrounds Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can hike the dunes, enjoy sandboarding, and explore the landscapes of the park.

Campgrounds Near Great Sands Dunes National Park and Preserve

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park showcases dramatic cliffs and deep canyons carved by the Gunnison River. Visitors can hike the challenging trails and enjoy incredible views from the numerous overlooks.

Campgrounds Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Visitors can explore the archaeological sites, hike the trails, and learn about the history of the indigenous peoples who lived there.

Campgrounds Near Mesa Verde National Park

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park is known for its iconic natural stone arches and rare rock formations. Visitors can hike to Delicate Arch and explore the park's gorgeous landscapes, perfect for photography and outdoor adventures.

Campgrounds Near Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park features a vast and rugged landscape of canyons, mesas, and rivers. Visitors can explore the Island in the Sky district for panoramic views or venture into the more remote Needles district for a more remote hiking experience.

Campgrounds Near Canyonlands National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unusual hoodoo rock formations. Visitors can hike the trails for magnificent views of the colorful landscapes and experience spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

 Campgrounds Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park offers impressive canyons, towering cliffs, and multiple natural environments. Visitors can hike the popular Angel's Landing trail or explore the scenic drive to appreciate the park's natural beauty.

Campgrounds Near Zion National Park

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah 

Known for the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth’s crust, Capitol Reef National Park offers panoramic drives, hiking trails, and historic orchards. Visitors can explore the park's standout rock formations and vibrant colors, along with opportunities for stargazing in one of the darkest night skies in the continental United States.

Campgrounds Near Capitol Reef National Park

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park features eye-popping mountain ranges and pristine lakes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and wildlife watching, with eye-catching views of the iconic Teton Range.

Campgrounds Near Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

As the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs. Visitors can explore the park's assorted landscapes, rich wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.

Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is renowned for its radiant mountain landscapes, wildlife, and over 700 miles of trails. Visitors can drive along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road for glorious views and explore the park's pristine lakes and glaciers.

Campgrounds Near Glacier National Park

Pacific West

North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged mountain scenery, diverse habitats, and pristine wilderness. Visitors can hike the numerous trails, explore alpine lakes, and experience the park's remote beauty.

Campgrounds Near North Cascades National Park

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park features broad landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastlines. Visitors can hike through old-growth rainforests, explore lovely beaches, and discover the park's one-of-a-kind biodiversity.

Campgrounds Near Olympic National Park

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park is dominated by the towering Mount Rainier, an active volcano. Visitors can explore the park's lush forests, wildflower meadows, and alpine lakes, with mesmerizing views of the iconic peak.

Campgrounds Near Mount Rainier National Park

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the U.S., formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano. Visitors can hike along the rim for overwhelming views, take boat tours on the lake, and explore the surrounding wilderness.

Campgrounds Near Crater Lake National Park

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Redwood National and State Parks protect the tallest trees in the world. Visitors can hike among the ancient redwoods, explore coastal trails, and enjoy relaxing drives through the majestic forest.

Campgrounds Near Redwood National and State Parks

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is famous for its exceptional granite cliffs, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Visitors can hike iconic trails such as Half Dome and Glacier Point while exploring the park's dazzling scenery.

Campgrounds Near Yosemite National Park

Sequoia National Park, California

Sequoia National Park is home to the giant sequoia trees, including the famous General Sherman Tree. Visitors can hike through the ancient forests, explore the park's rugged mountains, and witness the natural beauty of this exceptional landscape.

Campgrounds Near Sequoia National Park

Kings Canyon National Park, California

Kings Canyon National Park features remarkable canyons, granite cliffs, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can hike the trails, explore the historic roads, and take in the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Campgrounds Near Kings Canyon National Park

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is known for its extraordinary desert landscapes, characterized by the iconic Joshua trees. Visitors can hike the trails, rock climb, and stargaze in one of the best dark sky parks in the U.S.

Campgrounds Near Joshua Tree National Park

Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest national park in the U.S., featuring alluring desert landscapes and exclusive geological formations. Visitors can explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and experience the beauty of this extreme environment.

Campgrounds Near Death Valley National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases geothermal features, including boiling springs and fumaroles. Visitors can hike the trails to experience the park's volcanic landscapes and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Campgrounds Near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Channel Islands National Park, California

Channel Islands National Park is composed of five islands off the coast of Southern California. Visitors can kayak, snorkel, and hike while exploring the irreplaceable ecosystems and wildlife of the islands.

Campgrounds Near Channel Islands National Park

Pinnacles National Park, California

Pinnacles National Park is known for its standout rock formations and various wildlife, including California condors. Visitors can hike the trails, explore the caves, and enjoy rock climbing in this beautiful landscape.

Campgrounds Near Pinnacles National Park

Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak, Mount Denali, offers gorgeous landscapes characterized by rugged mountains, vast wilderness, and wildlife. Visitors can explore the park's trails while encountering animals such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou in their natural state.

Campgrounds Near Denali National Park

A national park road trip offers an incredible opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of the United States. By going on a complete U.S. national parks trip, travelers can immerse themselves in nature, explore unique landscapes, and create lasting memories. Book your road trip camping adventure with Spot2Nite’s interactive campsite platform, where you can easily search for campsites near state and national parks. Filter by accommodation types to find the perfect accommodation for your National Parks adventure from RV sites, vacation rentals, glamping sites, and more. Plan your bucket list trip to visit all the national parks and let us be your gateway to exploring the country.