10 Best National Parks on the East Coast, Ranked
When planning your next outdoor adventure, head to the incredible national parks on the East Coast!
While the most biggest, oldest, and more iconic national parks can be found west of the Mississippi River, there are several gorgeous protected places on the East Coast, too.
From a historic fort surrounded by crystal clear waters to a stout lighthouse perched on a craggy cliff, the East Coast national parks are filled with natural beauty and rugged adventure.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan the best national parks trips on the East Coast from where to stay, where to camp, what to do, and where to eat nearby.
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National Parks on the East Coast, At a Glance
The East Coast National Parks: An Overview
Hey, I’m Natalie! My kids and I have visited 34 states and 29 national parks (with no plans of stopping) so you know you’re getting advice from a mom who’s been there.
If you look at a map of the US National Parks, you’ll notice that the vast majority of these federally protected places are out west.
Yet, the national parks on the east coast each have something special about them, and we’re here to convince you to visit each and every one of them!
From pristine marine sanctuaries to the ancient Appalachian mountains, the ecosystems in each of the East Coast national parks is unique and incredible.
Here are a few things you need to know about them before we dive into the specifics.
How many national parks are on the East Coast?
This is a simple question with a complicated answer.
Technically, there are only 3 national parks that are directly on the East Coast, as in having direct Atlantic Ocean access:
Acadia National Park in Maine,
Biscayne National Park in Florida, and
Dry Tortugas National Park, also in Florida.
But that feels drastically reductive and not at all reflective of what natural diversity is available in this part of the U.S. I mean, by that definition, you can’t even include Everglades National Park in Florida just because it’s on the western coast of Florida, and therefore on the Gulf of Mexico!
So, let’s look for a better solution.
If you’re just counting the parks that are in states touching the Atlantic Ocean (so truly on the East Coast), there are 6:
Acadia National Park in Maine,
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia,
Congaree National Park in South Carolina,
Biscayne National Park in Florida,
Everglades National Park in Florida, and
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida.
That’s better, but still not great.
However, I think that using a looser definition of what the East Coast is opens us up to a better snapshot of what natural wonders away in this part of the country.
To me, “East Coast” can easily be expanded to include the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and entire Southeastern regions, which then allows us to talk about parks such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the most visited park in the entire U.S.!), New River Gorge National Park (one of my favorites), and Mammoth Cave (the cave so big it keeps breaking its own records!).
If we use that expanded definition to include any national park east of the Mississippi River, you then have 12 national parks to work with. But even that definition has issues, since no one is actually calling Indiana Dunes National Park a truly East Coast park.
Or, are they?!
For the purposes of this guide, and to keep me from arguing with myself any further, let’s define the “East Coast” national parks as these 10 due to their relative position near-ish the Atlantic Ocean:
Acadia National Park in Maine,
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia,
New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia,
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky,
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee,
Congaree National Park in South Carolina,
Biscayne National Park in Florida,
Everglades National Park in Florida, and
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida.
How much do the East Coast national parks cost?
To get into most of the parks, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee. At most of the parks, that fee is $35, is good for 7 days from the date of purchase, and includes admission for everyone in your vehicle.
However, a couple of them are free, including Congaree National Park in South Carolina and New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. That makes what could already be an inexpensive vacation even more budget friendly!
On the other end of things is Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, which is only accessible by ferry or sea plane. You’ll need to book a seat on one or the other to get to the park, which is far more expensive than the $35 charged at most parks.
The pricing for these services to the park do fluctuate based on demand and the time of the year, but expect to pay anywhere from $185 to $275 a person for the ferry round trip. Sea plane rides are at least double.
The entrance fee to the park is included in your ferry or plane ticket.
TIP: To save money, get an NPS annual pass.
This will get you into any NPS site—including national parks, national battlefields, and national historic sites—for a year.
And for even more savings, grab the national parks annual pass and AllTrails+ bundle!
What’s one thing I need to do at all of the parks?
For kids from 1 to 100, the Junior Ranger program at these parks is an incredible add on to your visit.
Despite the name, the Junior Ranger program can be completed by anyone, old or young. We started doing them with our kids when they were about 4 or 5, but we’ve also seen retirees proudly displaying their own Junior Ranger badges!
These programs are they free (or very low cost), and they’re also a great way to get visitors interested in conservation, biology, geology, history, and ecology.
To get the booklet and get more information about the specific park’s version of the program, stop by the information desk at the visitor’s center.
A Map of the East Coast National Parks
Best East Coast National Parks, Ranked!
Below, I’m ranking the 10 East Coast national parks! We’re starting with the ones that you cannot miss, the ones that are worth a vacation unto themselves, and then moving onto the parks that are still good, but could be a quick stop on a larger road trip.
#1: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee
Established as a national park: 1940
The sign at the park’s northern entrance nearest Gatlinburg
What’s Special about Great Smoky Mountains National Park
12 million people can’t be wrong, and that’s why I’m ranking Great Smoky Mountains Nationanl Park as the number 1 best national park on the East Coast.
Not only is the park conveniently located near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it’s also an easy drive from Knoxville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and Greenville, South Carolina.
The park’s hiking opportunities among the ancient Appalachian mountains, beautiful valley drives, and many scenic overlooks are enough of a reason to visit for several days’ worth of adventure.
But if you did want to add more to your Great Smokies vacation, you can explore the best small towns around Great Smoky Mountains National Park for even more options.
In short, it’s the perfect balance between outdoor adventure and laid back vacation activities.
Must-do Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
While you can’t go wrong with exploring any corner of the park, here are a couple of the top highlights in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Drive the Roaring Fork Auto Trail or the Cades Cove Scenic Loop for bear sightings, mountain views, fall foliage, and waterfalls without leaving your car.
Make the short but steep climb to the highest point in the park at Kuwohi (previously known as Clingman’s Dome), or head out on the Alum Cave Trail. Or, you can walk from Gatlinburg to the park’s northern entrance on the paved, easy Gatlinburg Trail.
Or, see the park from a new perspective by signing up for a riding tour or wagon ride at Smokemont Stables.
The park’s visitors centers each offer different exhibits to explore. The closest one to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is the Sugarlands visitors center, which has a large bookstore, 3D topographical map of the park, and interpretive materials on the park’s history and wildlife.
And outside of the park you’ll find any kind of entertainment that you might want, from guided whitewater rafting tours on the Nantahala River to the extremely well-done Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.
It’s a vacation that everyone needs to do at least once.
Where to Stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The park doesn’t have any traditional hotels inside the park. (There is the hike-in only LeConte Lodge, which I recommend…if you can nab one of the highly sought after reservations!)
Instead, you’ll need to look in one of the towns nearby. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are going to have the most options, but Townsend, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, are also great options for cabins and cozy motels.
Here are a couple of options that we’ve stayed at and I would recommend:
the Best Western Plaza Inn, which was basic but clean
the Best Western Toni Inn (just down the street from the previous Best Western), which is older but clean, and it has an indoor and outdoor pool!
the Springhill Suites Pigeon Forge, which is a bit bland, but super conveniently located
Where to Camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There are many options within and near the park if you’d like to camp while you’re visiting.
Elkmont Campground is the most popular campground in the park, and for good reason. It’s beautiful year round with tent and RV sites.
If you’d prefer more amenities or full RV hook-ups, you’ll need to head out of the park. We’ve camped at several places nearby, including:
#2 Acadia National Park
Location: south of Bangor, Maine
Established as a national park: 1919
Scenic loop trail on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park
What’s Special about Acadia National Park
The oldest national park on the east coast, Acadia is known for its dramatic, rocky coastlines, intense fall foliage, and 158 miles of hiking trails.
The stunning views and natural experiences bring more than 4 million visitors to this unspoiled island in Maine.
If you’re visiting Acadia National Park with kids, you will find plenty to keep the entire family busy from beautiful waterside hikes, more challenging mountain hikes, hands-on learning opportunities at the Schoodic Institute, and wildlife boat tours.
Must-do Activities in Acadia National Park
A great way to introduce yourself to Acadia National Park is by driving the short, but spectacular Cadillac Summit Road.
Much like the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park (above), the Cadillac Summit Road is a paved road that highlights scenic overlooks throughout the park.
NOTE: Don’t forget to reserve a car pass if you’re visiting between late May and late October.
The summers are the park’s peak season, so the NPS is trying to keep vehicle traffic to a manageable level by requiring vehicle passes during that time.
Download a self-paced Acadia National Park audio guide to make your park drive more exciting.
If you’d rather not fight the crowds, you can jump on the free Island Explorer, a bus service that carries visitors throughout the park and back into the nearby town of Bar Harbor (another must-visit in this area!).
While the Island Explorer bus system doesn’t go up the Cadillac Summit Road, it will take you to other scenic areas of the park, including the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (take bus #7 to Seawald Campground, the transfer to bus #11).
Keep in mind that the park is spread out over 3 main areas, Mount Desert Island, Isle au Haut, and the Schoodic Peninsula.
Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula are accessible by car, while Isle au Haut is only accessible by a passenger ferry.
If you’d like to embrace some of the park’s history, booking a horse-drawn carriage is a fun and unusual way to see Acadia’s carriage roads in the interior of the park.
The park only has one company offering these, Carriages of Acadia, so reserve your summer and early fall dates ahead of time.
Some of the other best things to do in Acadia National Park include exploring the park’s tidepools, hiking, kaying, or attending a ranger talk.
When you get hungry, stop for one of the park’s classic popovers, a bowl of lobster bisque, or a sandwich and eat at Jordan Pond.
This historic restaurant has been serving guests on the shores of the scenic Jordan Pond since the late 1800s!
Learn how to organize your time here with my ultimate Acadia National Park itinerary.
Dive more deeply into what you’re seeing and doing in the park with the Acadia National Park tour on the GuideAlong App.
This app is our go-to when visiting national parks as the guide plays automatically based on your GPS location and doesn’t require a cell signal once the tour is downloaded to your phone.
Where to Stay in Acadia National Park
The park does not offer onsite accommodations outside of its campgrounds.
However, there are many cute seaside towns scattered around Acadia National Park, so you can easily drive to your national park destination each day.
We’d suggest staying at one of the hotels in Bar Harbor, as this is the largest town in the area, and it is close to shopping, dining, and other activities.
Where to Camp in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park has 4 campgrounds within its boundaries.
Schoodic Woods Campground is the only one with partial RV hookups. You can choose from sites with water only, or water and electric hookups.
Backwoods Campground and Seawall Campground are open to tent campers and RV campers, though no hookups are provided in any sites.
Duck Harbor Campground is only for tent campers, and it is accessible only by a ferry from Stonington. There are primitive shelters available, as well as potable water and a composting toilet.
The best campground with full hookups outside of the park would be the Bar Harbor/ Oceanside KOA Holiday, which is conveniently located between the Southwest and Northeast Harbors.
You’ll also find cute cabins in the KOA as well.
Read my complete review of the Bar Harbor KOA campground here.
#3 New River Gorge National Park
Location: southern West Virginia
Established as a national park: 2020
The Camping Kiddos at Sandstone Falls in New River Gorge National Park
What’s Special about New River Gorge National Park
Welcome to the newest national park on the East Coast!
New River Gorge is, in my opinion, the hidden gem of that national parks system in this part of the United States. We went for the first time a few years ago, and it immediately became one of my favorites.
The park is home to the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere, one of the world’s oldest rivers, and abandoned mines.
It has all of the mountain beauty of Shenandoah National Park with the added layers of river sports, Appalachian history, and country back roads.
More information about New River Gorge National Park:
Must-do Activities in New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is best seen by car, and you’ll want to spend a portion of your trip cruising along the backroads from Fayetteville in the north to Hinton in the south.
The Fayette Station scenic drive allows you to drive around and underneath the famed New River Gorge Bridge. (It’s one way, so go slow to see everything on the first go-round!)
If you’re feeling brave, you can get even closer to the bridge by doing a Bridge Walk up underneath the bridge’s supports far above the river.
Visit the now abandoned ghost town of Thurmond directly on the New River, which you can explore via a free ranger-led history tour.
Or, you can take a river rafting tour of the river if you’d like to brave the rapids.
This part has some incredible hiking, from the Kaymoor Trail down to an old gold mine to the boardwalk loop at Sandstone Falls.
Where to Stay in New River Gorge National Park
The park doesn’t have any on-site hotels, but that’s okay since there are several cute towns within close driving distance.
Look for hotels in Fayetteville, Beckley, and Oak Hill, which are all on the more developed western side of the park.
The cabins at Adventures on the Gorge or the vintage trailers at The Outpost are our top two picks!
Where to Camp in New River Gorge National Park
The national park has 8 primitive campgrounds, all of which are first come, first served and FREE. That makes for a very low cost trip if you can nap one of the spots!
If you need RV hook-ups (of which there are zero in the park), you have a couple of options. We really enjoyed our stay at Rifrafters Campground in Fayetteville, which was small enough to be feel cozy but still had a playground, bathrooms, laundry room and small campstore.
We also looked at The Outpost, which is much larger and right outside of the visitors center near Fayette Station, and Adventures on the Gorge.
#4 Shenandoah National Park
Location: northern Virginia
Established as a national park: 1935
The Camping Kiddos at the Jewell Hollow Overlook in Shenandoah National Park
What’s Special about Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is perched atop a series of peaks in the Blue Ridge mountain range, and the views are spectacular.
With 2 visitors centers and dozens of overlooks spread out over the park’s signature Skyline Drive, visitors have ample opportunity for exploring the history, flora, and fauna of this special place.
The park is close to several small towns, which makes sightseeing even easier for extended visits.
Must-do Activities at Shenandoah National Park
We love visiting Shenandoah National Park, thanks to its wide variety of hiking trails and the stunning overlooks on the Skyline Drive.
If you do nothing else while at the park, drive through at least a portion of the Skyline Drive, which is the only road through the national park.
We’ve compiled our favorite kid friendly hikes in Shenandoah National Park that are wonderful for beginning hikers and little legs.
The visitors centers are wonderful for introducing yourself to the park.
The Big Meadows Visitors Center at mile marker 51 has an in-depth history exhibit that discusses how the park was created.
If you want more suggestions on what to do while visiting, check out our guide to Shenandoah National Park with kids.
Don’t forget to grab the GuideAlong tour for Shenandoah National Park for in-real-time commentary on what to see and do!
Where to Stay at Shenandoah National Park
You don’t have to leave the confines of the park for your entire visit if you don’t want to!
One of the more built-out East Coast national parks, Shenandoah has multiple accommodation options onsite.
Whether you’d like to stay at a mountain top lodge or in a cozy log cabin, Shenandoah has you covered.
My first trip to Shenandoah National Park as a kid was at Skyland lodge, and I remember being dazzled by the views from our room.
Decades later, I still feel that way about the on-site accommodations in the park!
There are lodge rooms, suites and cabins at both Skyline Lodge and Big Meadows Lodge.
More cabins are available at mile marker 57 (Lewis Mountain cabins).
If those are booked, or if you’d like to be closer to stores and restaurants, I recommend staying in Front Royal, which is just a few minutes to the park’s north entrance.
Check rates on hotels in Front Royal here.
Where to Camp at Shenandoah National Park
If you’re willing to pull your camper along Skyline Drive, you can stay inside the park’s campgrounds.
NOTE: While the road isn’t particularly steep, it is curvy with a maximum speed of 35.
There is also a covered tunnel with a maximum height of 12’8” which procludes bigger RVs and trailers from going through t hat portion of the park.
You’ll need to be self-sufficient in the Shenandoah National Park campgrounds as there aren’t any water, electric, or sewer hookups.
The campgrounds are closed from late fall to early spring, so you’ll need to stay outside of the park if you’re visiting in the winter and early spring.
If you need outside accommodations, I recommend the nearby Shenandoah River State Park campground, which is peaceful with great hiking.
#5 Dry Tortugas National Park
Location: 70 miles off the coast of the Florida Keys
Established as a national park: 1992
The interior courtyard of the now abandoned Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park
What’s Special about Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is centered around historic Fort Jefferson—and one that served as an infamous prison to the likes of Dr. Samuel Mudd, a doctor who conspired with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Plus, 99% of the park is water!
The 7 tiny islands you’ll see are only a fraction of what the national park is protecting here.
Must-do Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park
The ferry ride from Key West to the Dry Tortugas Visitor Center is an activity unto itself.
Settle in for 2 hours of gliding over the most beautiful blue water you’ve ever seen.
Once you arrive at Garden Key, where Fort Jefferson is located, you’ll be able to explore this isolated island paradise in depth.
Wander through the fort and imagine what it would’ve been like to be a prisoner here in the mid-1800s, without air conditioning or any hope of escape.
Then, grab your snorkel and flippers to see the other side of the Dry Tortugas National Park under the water.
This is one of my favorite places to snorkel in Florida, thanks to the clear water and variety of wildlife. On our last trip, I saw several barracuda and a lemon shark!
If you’re traveling with little kids or inexperienced swimmers, stay near to the beach on the swimming area.
However, there’s even more to see if you have stronger swimmers in your group by swimming close to the fort wall away from the beach.
Where to Stay near Dry Tortugas National Park
There aren’t any hotels on the Dry Tortugas, so you’ll need to find a hotel back in Key West.
Our favorite place to stay in Key West is the Southwinds Motel, which is a block off of Duval Street on the southern side of the island.
This Old Florida-style motel is laid back with a homey feel, and is much less expensive than most of the hotels in that part of Key West.
Where to Camp in Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park does allow for overnight camping for up to three days, but you’ll need to carry everything you need—from tent to water to sleeping bag—onto the ferry with you.
It’s also first-come first serve, but all campers are accommodated in a regular spot or in the overflow area.
Read more about camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park.
#6 Everglades National Park, Florida
Location: southern mainland Florida
Established as a national park: 1947
The Bobcat Boardwalk Trail in Everglades National Park
What’s Special about Everglades National Park
The wetlands that cover most of this park provide a home to a diverse range of species.
Once stretching past Orlando, the Everglades wetlands have been filled in, covered up, and reduced to the current 1.5 million acres protected by the national park.
In visiting, you’re contributing to the continued conservation of this important ecosystem, but you’re also getting a glimpse into the wild side of Florida!
NOTE: Due to its sub-tropical location, the Everglades have distinct wet and dry seasons. For the best chance of cool weather, no hurricane, and fewer bugs, plan your visit between November and April.
Because of the best timing to visit this park, it also made my list of the best national parks to visit in the fall!
Must-do Activities in Everglades National Park
Before visiting, you’ll want to determine which entrance you’ll be using as the park is BIG!
If you’re one of the many visitors coming from Miami, consider using the Shark Valley entrance off of Highway 41.
This rural entrance sees fewer visitors than the main entrance, and it has a wonderful tram ride and overlook tower.
Even the youngest visitors will enjoy the tram ride, which is narrated by a park ranger.
We made it up the gentle incline of the overlook tower behind the visitors center with a 1-year-old and a preschooler!
Elsewhere in the park, take a narrated boat tour (Gulf Coast entrance), slog through the cypress swamp (Royal Palms entrance), and learn about flamingos from the rangers (Flamingo).
Since the park is centered around its watery ecosystem, getting out into that is the best way to learn about the Everglades.
Kids love an Everglades airboat tour, which allows you to skim over the water in search of wildlife viewing.
Exploring the park’s mangroves with a kayak tour will provide your family another side of the Everglades, but one that’s no less important than the iconic sawgrass landscape.
Where to Stay near Everglades National Park
Since the Everglades National Park doesn’t have any hotels onsite, you’ll need to stay outside of the park, but close.
You can stay in Miami or Homestead on the eastern side, or in Everglades City or Ochopee on the western side of the park.
If you truly want to be in the heart of the park, we recommend the Miccosukee Casino and Resort, which is less than 15 minutes from the Shark Valley entrance.
If you’d prefer to stay in the heart of Miami Beach and drive into the park, consider staying in South Beach.
We like the Cardozo Hotel right on South Beach.
Its Art Deco exterior and trendy location make for a wonderful home base for exploring areas in the Everglades.
Your kids will love the huge park, colorful lifeguard stands, and wide beach just across the street.
Where to Camp in Everglades National Park
There are several areas within the park where campers—both RV campers and tent campers—can set up for the night.
Tent campers have 3 different options for an overnight stay.
For a truly unique experience, you can camp above the water in a chickee, which is a covered wooden pier.
Or, you might choose a beachfront spot right on the Gulf Coast.
13 more campsites are scattered on high spots in the mangrove forest.
All of these sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov.
For RV campers, Everglades National Park has 5 campgrounds plus the Bear Island campground at the Big Cypress WMA, none of which have hookups.
Burns Lake Campground, Monument Lake Campground, and Midway Campground are all on the Tamiami Trail (Highway 41), which runs from Miami to Naples.
Long Pine Key Campground is deeper into the park and is closer to Homestead, Florida.
Flamingo Campground is the most remote of the campgrounds, but is closest to the Gulf Coast.
#7 Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Ohio
Established as a national park: 1974
The Brecksville-Northfield Bridge over the Cuyahoga River in the middle of the national park
What’s Special about Cuyahoga Valley National Park
You wouldn’t think that a national park would be in a place that’s surrounded by interstates, but that’s exactly the position that Cuyahoga Valley is in.
A true testament to the power of environmental clean-up, Cuyahoga Valley National Park was once a place better known for its polluted river than its trails and rolling hills. As early as 1920, local residents complained about industrial waste from Akron’s factories running into the Cuyahoga River.
By the late 1960s (despite the efforts of the CCC and local groups), the river pollution was so bad that it literally caught fire.
That was the last straw for environmentalists and valley supporters, and there was a huge push into the early 1970s for better protections and national park status.
I know that Cuyahoga Valley National Park gets overlooked for some of the other mountain-focused parks on the East Coast, like Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains, and New River Gorge, but it is a surprising oasis in the middle of the populated area between Akron and Cleveland, Ohio.
Must-do Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Start at the heart of the park at the Boston Mill visitors center. It’s also right off of I-80, making this a quick stop on the way to other adventures if you’re limited on time.
The center is a refurbished store from the very early 20th century, and it is an immediate reminder of this area’s layered history.
If you’re interested in hiking, there are some great options for every fitness and interest level. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is the most easily accessible. It has flat and paved/packed gravel for easy hikes or biking riding with multiple trailheads throughout the park.
Brandywine Falls has multiple ways to explore it, including an easy boardwalk overlook that has handicap and stroller access, a lower overlook with stairs, and access to the 1.4 mile Brandywine Gorge Loop.
At the northern end of the park (and also on the previously mentioned Towpath Trail) is the Canal Exploration Center, which has interactive interpretive exhibits about the park’s history and this area’s reliance on natural waterways.
Go for a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which departs from the bright red, historic Peninsula Depot.
Where to Stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
There are 2 opportunities to stay inside the park: the Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls. However, both properties are small and only have 15 rooms between the two of them.
That availability is going to get even worse as the Stanford House doesn’t have current plans to accept reservations beyond September 2026, so time will tell what will happen there.
As an upside to the national park’s location, you don’t have to struggle to find a hotel nearby!
Look for a hotel in one of these smaller towns near the park:
Independence, OH (northwest of the park)
Cuyahoga Falls, OH (south of the park), and
Stow, OH (southeast of the park).
If you don’t mind driving a little more, both Cleveland and Akron have an abundance of hotels. Cleveland is about half an hour north of the park, while Akron is about 20-25 minutes south of the park.
Where to Camp in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Surprisingly, there aren’t any places to camp within the park’s borders, so you’ll need to find a spot nearby.
Silver Springs Campground in Stow is convenient to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and has 27 RV and tent sites run by the city of Stow.
The Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA is just a few minutes further from the park, but has over 100 RV and tent sites with a pool, playground, cabins, fishing ponds, and more.
#8 Mammoth Cave National Park
Location: Kentucky
Established as a national park: 1941
The entrance down into Mammoth Cave
What’s Special about Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave is the longest cave in the world, and, as more discoveries on the cave system get underway, it continually breaks its own record!
While you’re only see a portion of that sprawling cave system during your time at Mammoth Cave National Park, what is available to the public is incredible.
There are 10+ ranger-led tours throughout different sections of the cave that focus on various elements, including the cave’s history, geology, and spelunking.
Must-do Activities in Mammoth Cave National Park
For a trip of any length to Mammoth Cave National Park, a cave tour is non-negotiable.
You’ll want to pick one that works with your time outlay, but if you can squeeze in the historic tour, I highly recommend it. The squeezes, engaging stories, and walk through the cave make it the best tour for kids at the park in my opinion.
Don’t overlook what’s outside of the cave here! The surface offers plenty to see and do from kayaking
Check with the information desk to see what free ranger programs are available on your stay, too. These surface talks cover a variety of topics from stargazing in the park at night to kid-centric programs.
If you’re around the park in early August, you can attend the annual Bat Day, where you can learn about this important cave species.
Where to Stay in and near Mammoth Cave National Park
If you want to stay on property, the Mammoth Cave Lodge puts you right across the parking lot from the cave, visitors center and trails.
For a less convenient but likely more memorable option, stay at the Wigwam Village No. 2 in nearby Cave City, Kentucky.
You’ll sleep in concrete teepees that are bigger than they look and include a full bathroom. Hang out by the communal fire pit at night, or watch your kids as they play on the playground.
Where to Camp in Mammoth Cave National Park
Campers will find 4 campgrounds in Mammoth Cave National Park, 3 of which are front country.
Mammoth Cave Campground is closest to the visitors center (you can literally walk!), while Maple Springs Campground and Houchin Ferry Campground are a short drive within the park boundaries.
If you’re looking for a unique backcountry camping experience, you can hike, paddle or ride your house to one of the primitive camping spots.
If you want a campground just outside of the park that has full hook-ups and tons of amenities, Camp Jellystone Mammoth Cave has a pool, playground, splash pad, lake obstacle course, and much more.
#9 Biscayne National Park
Location: south of Miami, Florida
Established as a National Park: 1980
What’s Special about Biscayne National Park
Paddle boarding through the crystal clear water of Biscayne Bay at Biscayne National Park
Much like the Dry Tortugas, Biscayne National Park is known for its underwater adventures just as much as those on land.
The small keys (islands) that make up this national park are lush with greenery and filled with wildlife.
Plus, the islands are surrounded by the clear, sparkling water perfect for kayaking, swimming, and boating.
The park’s proximity to Miami means that it is the perfect add-on to your South Florida vacation.
Plus, Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park are only about 30 minutes from one another, so you can check off multiple national parks on your next trip to Miami!
Must-do Activities at Biscayne National Park
This small-but-mighty park has something for everyone.
If you’re local and have your own boat, you can cruise the beautiful waters around the national park.
If you’d rather let someone else captain your watery adventures, hop on a guided boat tour of Biscayne Bay.
You can also bring or rent a kayak to do the 7 mile kayak trail across Biscayne Bay between the visitors center and Elliott Key.
Families visiting the park on Saturdays can join the 10 AM kids program, free of charge at the visitors center.
You’ll also find regularly held ranger walks, jetty tours, and beach clean-ups, all of them near the visitors center.
If you’re planning on getting out to the keys, you’ll need to join a boat tour or rent a watercraft yourself in Miami.
There aren’t any public ferries between the visitors center and the islands.
Where to Stay near Biscayne National Park
The closest hotels are in Homestead, Florida, which is about a 15 minute drive to the Biscayne National Park visitors center.
For its proximity to the entrance and clean rooms, we recommend the Hampton Inn and Suites Homestead Miami South.
Where to Camp in Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park has 2 campgrounds for tent campers, one on Boca Chita Key and another on Elliott Key.
However, to get to these, you’ll need to provide your own boat transportation.
Once on the islands, you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient as there aren’t any amenities at either campground.
For RV campers, you’ll need to set up camp elsewhere.
While there are a few campgrounds in nearby Homestead, Florida, we recommend the Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground.
This county-run campground is clean and filled with family amenities like a beach, playground, and hiking trails.
Plus, it’s only about 25 minutes to Biscayne National Park’s visitor center!
#10 Congaree National Park
Location: South Carolina Midlands
Established as a national park: 2003
What’s Special about Congaree National Park
Tucked away in a rural corner of South Carolina, this park is home to the largest swath of old growth hardwoods in the nation.
You’ll also find several champion trees, including a 167 foot tall loblolly pine—all of which have given this park’s trees the nickname “Redwoods of the East.”
While you visit, you can experience tranquility among the cypress swamps that is rare in this part of the state as housing and development encroaches.
Congaree National Park is also one of the least visited national parks in the US, which means you’ll have the trails to yourself most of the time.
It’s also one of the few places in North America where you can experience a synchronous firefly display in late spring each year. Check out my complete guide to the Congaree firefly display here.
Must-do Activities in Congaree National Park
While Congaree doesn’t have splashy overlooks like in Arches National Park or the Grand Canyon, there’s a quiet beauty to be found here.
(Perhaps I’m biased as our home base isn’t far from Congaree!)
Don’t miss out on the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where your kids will love exploring the interactive exhibits about the forest and its unique ecosystem.
Stick around for the short, free movie on how this area was saved from development and ultimately protected on the federal level.
Planning a visit? Here’s my 2 days in Congaree National Park itinerary.
Other top suggestions on what to do here include the Boardwalk Loop Trail, an easy 2.5 mile loop that’s mostly on a raised wooden boardwalk.
Full hiking guide for the Boardwalk Loop Trail here.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch al fresco as there aren’t any onsite cafes—and the closest food is either back in Columbia, South Carolina, or down in St. Matthews, SC.
Each season has something unique to offer visitors, but I think there are a few times that are better than others for a trip. Check out my guide to the best time to visit Congaree National Park here.
Hiking and camping elsewhere in South Carolina? Check out these great suggestions:
Where to Stay near Congaree National Park
As Congaree National Park is in a rural area of the South Carolina midlands, you’ll need to find a hotel back in Columbia while visiting.
To be closest to the park, stay near Fort Jackson or in the Forest Acres area, both of which are on the southeast side of Columbia.
The absolute closest hotel to the park’s entrance is the Candlewood Suites- Fort Jackson, which is simple but affordable.
Where to Camp in Congaree National Park
There aren’t any RV overnight spots here, but there are 2 walk-in campgrounds.
Longleaf Campground has a vault toilet and is literally steps from a parking lot, which makes this more convenient for those used to car camping.
Bluff Campground is about a mile hike from that parking lot, and it doesn’t have any amenities, but it is so quiet!
Both campgrounds must be reserved ahead of time through recreation.gov.
There’s also backcountry camping (permit required), if you truly want to get away from it all.
For RV campers, I recommend the campground at Poinsett State Park, which is about a 45 minute drive from Congaree National Park’s entrance.
