There’s a quiet hum that starts deep in your soul when you’ve spent too much time surrounded by concrete and screens. It’s a primal pull, a yearning for something real, something rugged. It’s the call of the wild, whispering of crackling campfires under a star-dusted sky, the satisfying burn in your legs on a steep trail, and the crisp, clean air that only nature can provide.
For the man who wants to disconnect to reconnect, there’s no better remedy than packing the gear, hitting the road, and immersing himself in the raw, untamed beauty of America’s National Parks. But with 63 national parks to choose from, where do you even begin?
Don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve scouted the peaks, valleys, deserts, and forests to bring you the definitive list of the best national parks for both epic hiking and unforgettable camping. These are the places that will challenge your body, reset your mind, and leave you with stories you’ll be telling for years.
Table of Contents
Ready to swap your keyboard for a compass? Let’s dive in.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
The Granite Kingdom
Yosemite isn’t just a park; it’s a monumental sculpture carved by glaciers. When you first drive into Yosemite Valley, you have to pull over. The sheer scale of El Capitan and Half Dome rising from the valley floor is breathtaking. It’s a place that makes you feel small in the best way possible, reminding you of nature’s immense power and artistry.
Signature Hikes: For a moderate but incredibly rewarding hike, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall is an absolute must. You’ll get drenched by the spray, feel the thunder of the water, and witness stunning rainbows in the mist. For the bucket-list chaser, the strenuous 14-mile trek to the summit of Half Dome is the ultimate challenge, requiring permits and nerves of steel for the final cable ascent. Don’t overlook the Tuolumne Meadows area for high-alpine hikes with fewer crowds.
Camping Vibe: Yosemite offers everything from the bustling, well-equipped campgrounds in the Valley like North Pines and Upper Pines (book these many months in advance) to more serene, first-come, first-served spots at higher elevations. For true solitude, securing a wilderness permit and backpacking into the vast backcountry is a life-changing experience.
Pro-Tip: Cell service is notoriously spotty or non-existent in most of the park. Download your maps (using an app like AllTrails Pro or Gaia GPS) before you arrive. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a critical safety measure.
2. Zion National Park, Utah
The Vertical Desert
Zion is a park of dramatic contrasts. A lush, green oasis, the Virgin River, slices through towering sandstone cliffs of fiery red, cream, and pink. Unlike many parks where you look down from a rim, much of Zion is experienced from the canyon floor, looking up in awe. It’s a geological wonder that feels like another planet.
Signature Hikes: The most iconic hike is The Narrows, where you literally hike in the Virgin River through a colossal slot canyon. It’s an otherworldly experience. For thrill-seekers, Angels Landing is a legendary, heart-pounding trail with exposed cliffs and chain-assisted scrambles leading to a 360-degree view that will leave you speechless (permit required). For a less crowded but equally stunning view, check out the Observation Point trail.
Camping Vibe: The Watchman Campground and South Campground are perfectly situated near the visitor center, offering stunning views of The Watchman peak. They are shady, convenient, and the lifeline to the park’s shuttle system. Reservations are essential and get snatched up the minute they become available.
Pro-Tip: For hiking The Narrows, don’t try to use your regular hiking boots. Rent proper canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, and a walking stick from an outfitter in the gateway town of Springdale. Your feet will thank you.
3. Glacier National Park, Montana
The Crown of the Continent
If you dream of jagged, snow-capped peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Glacier National Park is your paradise. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” this is a raw, rugged landscape where grizzly bears still roam free and ancient glaciers cling to the mountainsides. It’s a place that feels wild and untamed.
Signature Hikes: The Highline Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, traversing a narrow ledge along the Continental Divide with jaw-dropping, expansive views. The hike to Grinnell Glacier is a strenuous but essential trek that takes you right to the edge of a melting glacier and its iceberg-dotted lake. For a more moderate option, the trail to Avalanche Lake is a beautiful walk through a cedar forest to a stunning cirque.
Camping Vibe: Camping in Glacier is an immersive experience. Many Glacier Campground is a prime spot for hikers and wildlife watchers (it’s grizzly country!). Apgar Campground on the west side is larger and offers access to the beautiful Lake McDonald. Be prepared for chilly nights, even in August.
Pro-Tip: This is serious bear country. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise on the trail. Never hike alone if you can help it. Also, the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road requires a vehicle reservation, so plan far in advance.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Measure of Time
No picture or video can ever do justice to the Grand Canyon. It’s not just a big hole in the ground; it’s a silent, profound testament to two billion years of Earth’s history. Standing on the rim at sunrise or sunset is a spiritual experience, watching the light and shadows paint the canyon walls in a kaleidoscope of color.
Signature Hikes: Hiking into the canyon is a serious undertaking. “Down is optional, up is mandatory” is the park’s motto for a reason. For a challenging day hike, the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point offers incredible views. For the ultimate Grand Canyon experience, a multi-day, rim-to-rim backpacking trip is the holy grail, but it requires a highly competitive backcountry permit and serious physical preparation.
Camping Vibe: The South Rim’s Mather Campground is a large, forested campground perfect as a basecamp. For a quieter, more remote experience with fewer crowds, head to the North Rim Campground (it’s at a higher elevation and is only open from mid-May to mid-October). Camping inside the canyon at places like Bright Angel Campground is a truly special experience, but requires that coveted permit.
Pro-Tip: Do not underestimate the heat and elevation change. For every 1,000 feet you descend, the temperature can rise by 5.5°F (3.0∘C). Start your hikes before dawn, carry more water than you think you need (with electrolytes!), and eat salty snacks.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The Rooftop of America
Just a short drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers accessible high-altitude adventure. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, towering peaks (77 of which are over 12,000 feet), and abundant wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep, this park is a perfect playground for mountain lovers.
Signature Hikes: The hike to Emerald Lake is a classic, passing two other beautiful alpine lakes (Nymph and Dream) along the way. For a more challenging day that gets you above the treeline, the Sky Pond trail via the Glacier Gorge is an epic scramble next to a waterfall. Driving the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, also provides access to numerous tundra hikes with panoramic views.
Camping Vibe: Moraine Park Campground is a fan favorite, situated in a beautiful meadow where elk often graze. Glacier Basin Campground is another excellent choice, serving as a great starting point for many of the park’s best hikes. Be aware that afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer.
Pro-Tip: Altitude sickness is a real concern here. Give yourself a day or two to acclimate in a town like Estes Park before attempting any strenuous hikes. Drink plenty of water and listen to your body.
6. Olympic National Park, Washington
The Land of Three Parks
Why choose one ecosystem when you can have three? Olympic National Park is incredibly diverse, protecting a trifecta of distinct environments: the rugged, wild Pacific coastline; glacier-capped mountains; and lush, temperate rainforests dripping with moss. It’s like visiting three different national parks in one.
Signature Hikes: Explore the enchanting Hoh Rain Forest on the Hall of Mosses Trail. For a mountain adventure, the Hurricane Hill trail from Hurricane Ridge offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. For a taste of the wild coast, hike a section of the Ozette Loop, which includes both coastal and forest trekking.
Camping Vibe: You can camp right on the beach at Kalaloch or Mora campgrounds, lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves. For the rainforest experience, the Hoh Campground is your go-to spot. Mountain lovers will enjoy the Heart O’ the Hills Campground.
Pro-Tip: Pack for all weather, no matter the season. The weather in Olympic can change in an instant. A solid waterproof jacket and pants are non-negotiable pieces of gear, especially in the rainforests.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
The Atlantic’s Masterpiece
The first national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia is where the mountains meet the sea. This gem on the coast of Maine offers a unique blend of rugged granite peaks, historic carriage roads for biking, and a dramatic, rocky shoreline. It’s the perfect place to experience the first light of dawn touching the United States.
Signature Hikes: For a thrilling scramble with iron rungs and ladders, the Precipice Trail and Beehive Trail offer incredible, airy routes to stunning summits (not for those with a fear of heights). For a more traditional but equally beautiful hike, the trail up Penobscot Mountain provides panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands.
Camping Vibe: Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground are the main hubs, nestled in the woods but just a short walk from the ocean. They provide a classic New England camping experience. For a more remote feel, the Schoodic Woods Campground on the quieter Schoodic Peninsula is fantastic.
Pro-Tip: Wake up early and drive or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Between early October and early March, it’s the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise. It’s an unforgettable experience, but a vehicle reservation is now required for sunrise viewing.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee
The Land of Blue Smoke
America’s most visited national park is popular for a reason. The Great Smoky Mountains are characterized by their ancient, rolling ridges that fade into the distance in layers of blueish haze. The park is a world-renowned sanctuary of biodiversity, with lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and a rich Appalachian history.
Signature Hikes: The hike to Charlies Bunion along the Appalachian Trail offers classic Smokies views. For waterfalls, the trails to Laurel Falls (paved and accessible) or the more rugged Ramsey Cascades (the park’s tallest) are fantastic. A short, steep hike to the top of Clingmans Dome observation tower provides a 360-degree view from the highest point in the park.
Camping Vibe: The Smokies offer a wide range of camping. Elkmont is one of the largest and most popular, situated along a beautiful river. Cades Cove is perfect for those hoping to see wildlife in the famous pastoral valley. The park also has numerous backcountry shelters and sites for backpackers.
Pro-Tip: The weather can be dramatically different from the base of a mountain to its summit. Always pack layers. It can be warm and sunny in Gatlinburg but cold, windy, and foggy at Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome.
9. Arches National Park, Utah
Nature’s Sculpture Garden
Arches National Park contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches—over 2,000 of them. This is a landscape that defies belief, with impossibly balanced rocks, massive fins of sandstone, and delicate arches that frame the brilliant blue desert sky. It’s a photographer’s and hiker’s dream.
Signature Hikes: The must-do hike is the 3-mile round trip to Delicate Arch, Utah’s most iconic landmark (best at sunset). The Devils Garden Trail is a longer, more adventurous option that takes you past seven incredible arches, including the magnificent Landscape Arch. For an easier walk, the trail through Park Avenue makes you feel like you’re walking between skyscrapers of rock.
Camping Vibe: There is only one campground inside the park: Devils Garden Campground. It’s set among the slickrock formations and is one of the most scenic campgrounds in the entire park system. It is incredibly difficult to get a reservation, so you must book 6 months out, to the minute.
Pro-Tip: This is a desert park with very little shade. Hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the brutal midday sun. Carry at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day.
10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho
The Original Wild West
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, is a true American icon. It sits atop a massive volcanic caldera, resulting in a surreal landscape of gushing geysers, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant hot springs. Add in vast herds of bison, majestic elk, wolves, and bears, and you have the quintessential wild American experience.
Signature Hikes: The hike to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook provides the perfect vantage point for the park’s most colorful thermal feature. The trail to the summit of Mount Washburn offers commanding views over the entire park. For a classic Yellowstone experience, hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to see the stunning Upper and Lower Falls.
Camping Vibe: Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Madison Campground is centrally located and great for wildlife viewing. Slough Creek and Pebble Creek in the Lamar Valley are more rustic and offer an unparalleled wilderness feel, deep in wolf and bison country.
Pro-Tip: Wildlife “jams” (traffic backups caused by animal sightings) are a daily occurrence. Be patient. Pack binoculars and a good zoom lens for your camera. Remember to always keep a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife—at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals.
Your Questions, Answered: National Park Trip FAQ
Got the adventure itch but still have a few questions before you start packing? We get it. Planning is part of the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your trip.
1. When is the absolute best time of year to visit these parks?
For most of the parks on this list, especially the mountainous ones like Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite, the prime season is summer through early fall (June to September). This is when the weather is warmest, the snow has melted from high-elevation trails, and all park roads are typically open.
However, the “shoulder seasons” (late spring and early fall) can be a fantastic time to visit to avoid the biggest crowds. For desert parks like Zion and Arches, spring and fall are actually the best times to go, as summer temperatures can be dangerously high.
2. How far in advance do I really need to book campsites and permits?
The short answer: Farther than you think. For iconic campgrounds in parks like Yosemite, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, you need to be online at Recreation.gov the minute reservations open, which is often 6 months in advance.
For highly competitive permits like hiking Half Dome in Yosemite or Angels Landing in Zion, you’ll need to enter a lottery system months ahead of time. The key is to check the official National Park Service (NPS.gov) website for your specific park to understand its unique reservation and lottery deadlines. Spontaneity is great, but for these top-tier parks, planning is essential.
3. I’m new to hiking and camping. Which park on this list is best for a beginner?
That’s a great question! While all these parks offer challenges, a few are particularly well-suited for beginners.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: It has a huge variety of trails, including some that are paved (like Laurel Falls), and excellent, well-maintained campgrounds. The accessibility and infrastructure make it a great starting point.
- Acadia National Park: The park is relatively compact, the trails are exceptionally well-marked, and you’re never too far from a town. You can tackle smaller “mountains” and get incredible ocean views without needing extreme backcountry skills.
4. What’s the most important gear I shouldn’t skimp on?
While every piece of gear has its place, there are three things you should never cut corners on, as they directly impact your comfort and safety:
- Footwear: A pair of well-fitting, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes is your most important asset. Blisters can ruin a trip faster than anything else.
- A Solid Tent: Your shelter is your protection from rain, wind, and bugs. A reliable, waterproof tent from a reputable brand is a worthy investment.
- A Comfortable Backpack: You’ll be carrying this for hours. A pack that fits your torso length and distributes weight properly to your hips will make a world of difference. Go to an outdoor store and get properly fitted.
5. You mentioned bears and other animals. What are the key safety tips for wildlife encounters?
Respecting wildlife is paramount. The golden rule is to keep your distance. The official NPS guideline is to stay at least 100 yards (the length of a football field) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals like bison, elk, and deer.
- Never, ever feed wildlife. It’s bad for them and dangerous for you.
- Store your food and scented items properly. Use the provided bear-proof food lockers at campsites or a bear canister for backcountry camping.
- Make noise while you hike in bear country by talking, clapping, or calling out “Hey, bear!” This helps avoid surprising an animal.
- Carry bear spray in parks like Glacier, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, and know how to use it as a last resort.
6. Do I need to buy a different entrance pass for each park?
You can, but the most economical option is to buy the “America the Beautiful” Annual Pass. For about $80, this pass gets you (and everyone in your vehicle) into all 63 National Parks and thousands of other federal recreation sites for a full year. If you plan on visiting three or more parks in a year, it almost always pays for itself. Plus, the money goes directly to supporting the parks you love.
Your Adventure Awaits
This list is just a starting point. The real magic happens when you’re out there, breathing the pine-scented air, filtering water from a mountain stream, and watching the embers of your campfire dance against the darkness. These parks are more than just destinations; they are gateways to discovery, both of the world around you and the strength within you.
So what are you waiting for? Pick a park, start planning, and gather your gear. The mountains are calling.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite national park for hiking and camping? Did we miss a hidden gem on our list? Drop a comment below and share this guide with your adventure crew! Subscribe to MindGearMen.