By Martin Banks
America’s national parks offer beauty and adventure that even the most artful photographs fail to capture fully. The best way to enjoy these wild places is immersively and a road trip is an ideal way to get there, allowing you to visit more than one location in a single vacation.
Planning the right itinerary is priceless to your overall enjoyment. Use this guide to select the best road trip route for national park enthusiasts.
Reaching Your Destination
The National Park Service offers 429 sites across the nation, including 63 with “park” in the name. Renting an RV is likely the best option if you plan to stay within the 48 contiguous states.
Your best bet for reaching the below destinations is to fly into a major airport near the spot where you plan to commence your journey.
If renting an RV, keep site restrictions in mind. While it might seem logical to go with the biggest and most luxurious model, many national parks limit RV size so they fit within the designated spots. Research your campsites before booking your ride to select the best model for your needs.
If Starting From…
When it’s time to hit the road, consider one of these national park road trip routes, depending on where you commence your journey.
1. The Northeast
Your road trip includes:
Begin in the south — especially if you depart in late spring or early summer when school lets out — at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Mammoth Cave National Park is only a half-day drive away. Then, travel northeast on I-64. Linger in Shenandoah and New Gorge before taking an optional trip west to Cuyahoga or stopping by the many national historic sites in New England before reaching your end point at Acadia.
2. The Deep South
A national parks road trip through the deep South might include:
Begin north by camping in Congaree before taking the I-95 south to Biscayne, followed by the Everglades. You decide if you want to stop and visit the world’s most famous mouse before traveling north, this time heading west to soak off the pain of your travels in Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park.
3. The Midwest
There’s a lot of country in the heartland. Choose from:
Or
Or
If choosing the last adventure, be aware that the final two destinations get pretty toasty in the summer. The remaining spots often delight travelers during the warmer months. Be sure to include plenty of bug and bear spray, as these critters enjoy being out in the pleasant weather, too.
4. The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is home to more than 18 national parks that will take your breath away, including:
The wild, wild west offers a veritable smorgasbord of national park treasures in the north and south. Those exploring the northern half can begin their adventure in Bozeman, where Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park await nearby. From there, go even further west and travel down the coast.
5. The Southwest
You have to be selective here, as Utah alone has five national parks. Try this route:
Here’s a national park road trip that might make you sweat a bit, making this trek ideal for winter vacationers. Begin in Saguaro National Park to admire the unique landscape before exploring the boulders in Joshua Tree and the unique rock formations in three of Utah’s treasures. Finish at the Grand Canyon — the north rim stays pleasantly cool, even in summer, but reservations are hard to come by and only open in May through part of October.
For the Dedicated Nomad: The Full Lower 48
What if you dream of seeing all of America’s national parks? It’s possible, although it takes devotion. However, the advent of the digital nomad lifestyle makes such an achievement more attainable for more people than ever. Finding reliable internet access might be your biggest impediment, especially in the West. However, thanks to increased network capacities, you’ll get by just fine with a mobile hotspot in many locations.
Such a journey might span several years — you can fill a calendar from the Southwest’s national parks alone. You’ll need to plan your route with the weather in mind and get savvy about RV repair in a hurry, as things break down more readily than they do in a site-built home. However, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime and maybe write a book from your travels.
Planning the Ultimate National Park Road Trip Route
A road trip is the ideal way to see the national parks of the United States. Rent an RV or pack up your tent to head out for adventure, no matter where you live.
Use these suggested routes to plan your ultimate national park road trip. You and the family can enjoy a relaxing vacation that immerses you in the country’s natural treasures.
Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.
Editor’s Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Motorists Association.
