Best National Parks

My definition of “best” is going to be different from others. Parks like Yellowstone, Sequoia, and Acadia are incredible, but everyone knows about them so the crowds are also incredible. I don’t want to go to a park just to be in a long entrance line and circle parking lots for a spot. Being in a long line of people to hike a trail is not a fun time. So the following parks have wonderful views, are interesting, and yet have areas with few people. Some of these parks are best at certain times of the year.

10. Fort Bowie National Historic Site - Bowie, AZ

Is this earth shattering? No, but it’s a great historic site without crowds. We were told in 2012 that only around 10,000 people make it here in a year! There is a 13 mile drive on a small road and a 1.5 mile hike to the site. Along the hike are signs with all sort of historical stops including a Butterfield Coach station, a cemetery, and a spring that was fought over. The ruins of the fort stretch out over a large area.

9. Bandelier National Monument – Los Alamos, NM

There are other parks with cliff dwellings, but this one has fewer people visiting and the area is open to go at your own pace versus traveling with a tour guide. There is a lot of climbing of ladders, which can be scary at times. The area is full of cavates (small caves) and some petroglyphs. Some of the trails have worn down into the rock by as much as four feet. When you walk these paths you know you are walking where Pueblo people walked.

8. Theodore Roosevelt National Park – ND

We’ve seen bison herds in several parks but this is the best of them. Having a bison walk through your campsite is pretty amazing. The views are gorgeous with some looking like the Badlands while other areas were along a lush river. A plus is that the prairie dogs are cute! 

7. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument – Ajo, AZ

We visited in February. It was absolutely gorgeous with spring flowers. The geology, plant life, and birds were all fascinating. The hikes were inspiring. Birds singing. Bees buzzing. What a wonderful place to go in the winter!

6. Bryce Canyon National Park – UT

We haven’t been to Bryce Canyon in an RV but we really liked the park when we visited back in 2004. Grand Canyon has the gorgeous views, but is too busy and it is mostly distant views. With Bryce Canyon, you are up close and personal with the hoodoos.

5. Glacier National Park – MT

This park can get busy, especially on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but the views are worth it. When we visited in August 2008, the spring flowers were gorgeous. I am told the camping is good but it is best to park your RV and hike or drive the car. Taking your RV further into the park is not recommended. Go here before the glaciers all melt away.

4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park – NM

Mammoth Cave is big, but Carlsbad Caverns is a wonderland. The best part is that you can travel a large portion of the cavern on your own. The Big Room is full of all types of cave formations. You aren’t pushed to move on by a tour guide. Plus, there are several guided tours that go in other sections of the caverns.

3. Canyon de Chelly National Monument – Chinle, AZ

This park has everything. The hikes are great. The views are simply amazing. The Navaho culture is fascinating. The historic Ancient Pueblo cliff ruins are intriguing. The wildlife includes sheep, goats, horses, and dogs wandering the canyon. Plus we were there when “The Lone Ranger” was filmed!

2. Everglades National Park – FL

Everglades is a popular park, but I love the camping here. No electricity or water but the price is low and campsites are large. People are friendly so that walking the loop can easily take an hour as you stop and talk. The ranger programs are terrific with bike rides, night walks, and talks. The subjects covered plant life, alligators and crocodiles, manatees, and missile sites. Anhinga Trail is an absolutely must see with plenty of alligators and birds. Do not go in the summer (heat and bugs), but go in the winter.

1.    Big Bend National Park - TX

I dithered whether this was in the list of best national park or best hike. Well, it’s both. The stars are spectacular. There are petroglyphs and pictographs. Watch for the road runners and tarantulas along the road. The park is full of terrific hikes. Hot Springs Historic Trail is my favorite hike since it takes you to a hot springs. Other hikes which are very worthwhile include Santa Elena Canyon Trail, Boquillas Canyon Trail, and Window View Trail. Don’t come unless you can stay at least five days since the park is at least a day’s drive from anything and there is so much to do here.