The Top 7 National Park Adventures to Experience This Summer

While some of the 63 national parks in the United States are truly stunning in winter—like the breathtaking Yellowstone and the three-day winter festival at Bryce Canyon—summer generally brings a lively vibrancy that's unmatched. This season is perfect for camping and road trips, showcasing many parks, both beloved and hidden gems, throughout the country.

But don't just rely on one Dinogo editor's opinion. Here's a thoughtfully curated selection of seven national parks worth visiting this summer, featuring insights from outdoor enthusiasts, including the National Parks Service and Dinogo's own contributors and staff.

1. Acadia National Park

Maine

E.B. White, who left New York City at 39 for a more peaceful life, famously stated he would prefer feeling bad in Maine over feeling good anywhere else. Nestled in the most forested state, where the mountains meet the nation's longest coastline and highest concentration of islands, lies Maine's only national park, not far from White’s former seaside farm in Brooklin (also featured in Dinogo’s Where to Go list in 2022).

Long before Acadia National Park was established in the early 20th century, the Wabanaki nation arrived in birch bark canoes and claimed Mount Desert Island as their own, advocating for tribal sovereignty today. The park’s breathtaking seascapes have inspired artists from the Hudson River School, and for me, the sound of waves crashing along Ocean Path past Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole has been intertwined with my childhood memories, even before my first sighting.

Whether you're scrambling over rocks at Hadlock Falls or witnessing the first sunrise from the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard at 1,530 feet on Cadillac Mountain, there's something uniquely captivating about Acadia.

How to get there

Traveling via Interstate 95 (or Interstate 295 from Portland airport), take Route 1A to Route 3. Once you arrive, unwind at the upscale Claremont Hotel, where guests can enjoy boat tours, beach bikes, yoga sessions on the lawn, and live music on the porch. For a stylish twist on the traditional Maine beach cottage, check out Salt Cottages for a picnic, s'mores by the fire, and fun lawn games.
—Anna Fiorentino

2. Crater Lake National Park

Oregon

While hiking the Watchman Peak, a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail offering breathtaking views of Crater Lake, my family paused to investigate a distinctive cawing sound. It turned out to be a Clark's nutcracker resting on a tree branch above us. This pale gray bird with black wings, named after Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, buries thousands of pine seeds each summer to sustain itself through the winter months.

Crater Lake National Park is rich with wildlife, including black bears, elk, and around 84 species of songbirds and raptors. At the summit of the Watchman Trail, you can admire the stunning cobalt blue Crater Lake with Wizard Island in the center. (Visitors can access the island via a boat tour, but be prepared to hike down the steep, mile-long Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the dock and climb back up at the end of the day.)

Created by a volcanic eruption and subsequent collapse, the lake reaches depths of 1,943 feet, eventually filling with snow and rain. Renowned for its spectacular vistas, Rim Drive is a must-try 33-mile loop around the caldera, though caution is advised due to its narrow, winding roads and sharp turns.

How to get there

While many choose to take a day trip to the park from Eugene or Bend, staying overnight at the Crater Lake Lodge, which offers stunning views of the crystal-clear water, is definitely worth the investment.
—Tanvi Chheda

3. Shenandoah National Park

Virginia

Situated high in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah National Park was established as the state’s first national park in 1936. Covering nearly 200,000 acres, it is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, brook trout, and the Shenandoah salamander. Visitors can take in sweeping vistas from the 105 miles of scenic Skyline Drive, and those seeking adventure can explore 500 miles of hiking trails.

There are many popular hikes, such as Old Rag, Dark Hollow Falls, and Mary’s Rock. Additionally, lesser-known trails like the Sugarloaf Loop, known for its abundant mountain laurel blooms in summer, and the Hazel River Falls hike, which offers a five-hour trek to a picturesque waterfall, await exploration.

For those interested in stargazing, camping options include the Mathews Arm campground, Big Meadows Campground and lodge, the centrally located Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain, which is the sole campground in the South District.

How to get there

Located just 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., the park is ideal for a day trip or an overnight stay at designated campgrounds. Shenandoah is also a perfect stop on a national parks road trip, serving as the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
—Adrienne Jordan

4. Denali National Park

Alaska

Covering 6 million acres of pristine wilderness, featuring vibrant ridgelines, boreal forests, and North America's highest peak at 20,237 feet, Denali National Park offers a sense of wonder found nowhere else.

Known as “The Great One” by the Indigenous Athabascans, this mountain towers so high it seems capable of piercing the sky. For decades, it has attracted intrepid climbers willing to tackle its formidable granite and glaciers. Yet, you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer to enjoy Denali; the national park is one of Alaska’s most accessible, offering outdoor experiences for all activity levels.

For those eager to approach the summit without a month-long climbing commitment, companies like Denali Air offer flightseeing tours. Alternatively, first-time visitors can opt for a National Park Service school bus-style shuttle into the park. Beyond mile 12.5 of the Park Road, this is the only way to enter unless you’re hiking or biking. There are two bus options: a flexible hop-on, hop-off service and a narrated tour led by a driver who designs your itinerary.

How to visit

Denali National Park is about four hours north of Anchorage and two hours south of Fairbanks by car. If you prefer not to drive (the scenery can be distracting), consider the Alaska Railroad, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023. Although it adds a few hours to your travel time, the train features knowledgeable guides and viewing-dome cars, perfect for capturing photos of the stunning mountains and valleys along the route.
—Bailey Berg

5. North Cascades National Park

Washington

Strolling through North Cascades National Park unveils landscapes reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, adorned with pink wildflowers, towering evergreens, and shimmering turquoise lakes. The striking blue hues of these lakes are due to the glaciers—this park boasts a third of all glaciers in the contiguous United States. While popular hiking routes like the Diablo Lake Trail and Cascade Pass Trail allow visitors to explore the park’s 505,000 acres, activities such as whitewater rafting and horseback riding also offer unique ways to experience the area.

In 2022, North Cascades welcomed fewer than 40,000 visitors, making it one of the least frequented national parks in the country. This low attendance can be partly attributed to its seasonal schedule: the park operates only from late May to late September, so the warmer months are the only time guests can appreciate this underrated national park.

How to visit

Situated near the Canadian border, this park lies approximately 100 miles northeast of Seattle. Within North Cascades National Park, visitors can choose from boat-in and backcountry camping options. For a more luxurious stay, consider Sun Mountain Lodge, located about 1.5 hours away in Winthrop. This 50-room hotel is perched atop a 3,000-foot mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, wilderness, and valleys below.
—Chloe Arrojado

6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Colorado

The story of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park dates back millions of years, originating from the rise of the Gunnison Uplift around 60 million years ago. Ivan Levin, director of strategic partnerships and communications at the nonprofit National Park Trust, suggests that visiting this nearly 31,000-acre site offers a refreshing summer alternative to more popular parks.

“Once you reach Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the challenge becomes deciding which outdoor adventure to embark on first—enjoying the stunning vistas, trying a beginner rock climbing route, or exploring the trails. Personally, I love hiking and discovering the local flora and fauna, so if that’s your passion too, Black Canyon of the Gunnison will be a delight for you,” he shared with Dinogo via email.

Levin also recommends taking a night visit to the park, which was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.

How to visit

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is approximately a 260-mile drive southwest from Denver. For family-friendly accommodations, Dinogo suggests the South Rim Campground, conveniently located near the Night Sky Viewing and Telescope site as well as the amphitheater. For those seeking a more secluded experience, consider the East Portal or the North Rim, where Dinogo editors note that campsites are nestled among piñon and juniper trees.
—C.A.

7. Lassen Volcanic National Park

California

In 2022, around 3.3 million visitors flocked to Yellowstone, drawn by its stunning landscapes, towering mountains, beautiful lakes, and hiking trails. But what if you could enjoy similar experiences without the throngs? Donald Leadbetter, tourism program manager for the National Park Service, highlights Lassen Volcanic National Park as a summer gem that offers the grandeur of Yellowstone but with far fewer crowds—only about 450,000 visitors in 2022, representing just 13.6 percent of Yellowstone's annual traffic.

“What I appreciate about Lassen Volcanic is its high elevation, where three unique ecosystems converge: the northern Sierra Nevada, the southern Cascade Mountains, and the western edge of the elevated desert region of Nevada,” says Leadbetter. “This park is where these three distinct ecosystems intersect beautifully.”

Leadbetter suggests dedicating two days to discover the park: spend the first day visiting the visitor center and familiarizing yourself with the 165-square-mile park, and the second day enjoying a long hike on trails like Lassen Peak Trail or Brokeoff Mountain Trail.

How to visit

The nearest major airports to Lassen Volcanic National Park are located in Reno (approximately a 130-mile drive) and Sacramento (about a 190-mile drive). Leadbetter recommends pairing your visit to Lassen with nearby attractions like Reno and Lake Tahoe. While he can't endorse specific private accommodations on behalf of the National Park Service, he suggests exploring the numerous cabin options available in the vicinity.
—C.A.