The best national parks in the U.S.A. are an alluring masterpiece of diverse ecosystems and untamed nature. From the rugged Rockies to the thundering Rio Grande, lush forests to glistening alpine lakes, you can hike, bike, rappel, and climb the endless gems dotting the country’s landscape.
In this post, we’ll talk about our favorite summer getaways to match anyone’s travel style, interests, and budget. Ditch the confines of a bus tour, where you and your crew are at the mercy of a group schedule. Instead, find your own freedom and adventure by renting a passenger van for an unforgettable foray through the U.S., one spectacular national park at a time.
Family-friendly exploration
There’s nothing as magical as seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Immerse yourself in the American wilderness at the following national parks, each showcasing an array of fascinating ranger programs, kid-friendly hikes, and campgrounds with comfortable amenities.
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Shenandoah National Park (VA)
Known for cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and the occasional black bear sighting, Virginia’s largest national park is just 105 miles from Washington, D.C. Kids will stay engaged through educational programs and breathtaking views from Skyline Drive.
An overnight stay at Big Meadows Campground is scenic and convenient, offering easy access to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Zion National Park (UT)
If towering sandstone cliffs, deep slot canyons, and lush vegetation sound enticing to you, head to Utah for the family trip of a lifetime. Splash around the Emerald Pools and picnic on the banks of the Virgin River. Consider extending your visit to experience a classic Grand Circle National Park road trip.
Zion Canyon Campground has an ideal location and child-pleasing amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds, making it an excellent overnight option for families with younger kids.
Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
The wildlife-abundant park seems like it’s made for families, with easy-to-hike meadows that lead to vast alpine lakes. Enroll your adventurous little ones in a junior ranger program for something extra special.
Wake up to mountain views at Glacier Basin Campground, a popular camping site in the heart of the park. From here, it’s easy to access kid-friendly hikes like Emerald Lake trail and basic amenities like showers and drinking water.
The ultimate east-west adventure: Don’t limit yourself to one national park when there are so many to discover! Embark on the journey of a lifetime with an ultimate cross-country road trip through its beautiful terrain. Rent a comfy passenger van with an unlimited mileage package and discover what America’s got going on from east to west.
Adventure seeker’s paradise
Looking for something active and challenging? Explore rugged hikes, off-roading paths, and primitive camping experiences that are guaranteed to leave adventure-seekers in awe.
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Acadia National Park (ME)
Your adrenaline will surge in Maine’s coveted national park, undoubtedly one of the best national parks on U.S.A.’s East Coast. Between rock-climbing adventures and SUP thrills, cut through demanding trails like Beehive and The Bowl to catch views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the rocky coast.
Spend your nights at Otter Point, where off-the-grid camping options will have you feeling like Indiana Jones. Bring everything you need for the ultimate overnight by renting a van in Boston that can fit all your camping gear.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (WV)
From world-class climbing to heart-pounding whitewater rapids, daredevils of all levels will revel in the endless action within the rivers and rocks of New River Gorge National Park. If that’s not enough, the gorge’s impressive cliffs offer rappelling opportunities of over 100 feet!
The ride from Richmond to New River Gorge takes you through rolling hills and tranquil farmland. Take advantage of this beautiful drive with a reliable van rental in Richmond.
Budget-conscious wanderer
An unforgettable getaway doesn’t have to mean a prefer-to-be-forgotten credit card statement. With a little ingenuity, you can see the best of the natural world without the bills by tapping into free campsites and affordable, yet memorable, activities.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC, TN)
Hiking is fabulous and free in the Smoky Mountains. The verdant park brims with scenic overlooks and charming historic sites, like log cabins and old-fashioned school houses.
Camping at Cades Cove offers picturesque scenery year-round, as well as easy access to trails, facilities, and bear sightings in the summer. Don’t miss the gorgeous drive from Nashville!
Image courtesy of Good Free Photos.
Big Bend National Park (TX)
Perhaps best known for an extremely diverse set of landscapes, in Big Bend National Park you can explore rivers, mountains, deserts, and gorges, all in a day! More than the views, its low entrance fee and plethora of free activities appeal to cost-conscious travelers. Nature lovers can hike, stargaze, and catch glimpses of an abundance of wildlife including foxes, mountain lions, reptiles, and birds. Camping inside the park is allowed as long as you obtain the required permit.
A blast from the past
History buffs, rejoice! The National Park Service has officially designated at least 57 parks for their exceptional historical significance. Known as National Historical Parks, these open air museums are a collection of monuments, battlefields, and well-preserved homes that tell the story of America’s past.
Independence National Historical Park (PA)
Anyone with a keen interest in U.S. politics can’t miss a visit to the birthplace of its democracy. In Philly’s buzzing Old City you’ll find both the cracked Liberty Bell and iconic Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted and signed.
Surrounding the park are more landmarks and delicious dining, so you can peruse the fascinating Museum of the American Revolution before sinking your teeth into a famous Philly cheesesteak.
Gettysburg National Park (PA)
Visit the site of the Civil War’s most decisive battle, where Union and Confederate soldiers changed the course of American history and, perhaps, its geography. Beyond the battlefield is the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered his notable Gettysburg Address. At 142 miles from Philadelphia, it’s an easy weekend road trip for history lovers.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (NY)
It was here in Auburn, NY that Harriet Tubman lived and worked tirelessly for the freedom of enslaved African Americans. Learn about the Underground Railroad and its profound effect on U.S. history by visiting her home and beloved church. The onsite Visitor’s Center provides detailed exhibits on her life and fight for equality.
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Cape Cod National Seashore (MA)
The designated historical area encompasses the entire shoreline of the Cape Cod peninsula, protecting the lighthouses, dunes, and fragile ecosystems found here. Check out the Pilgrim Monument, which commemorates the Pilgrims first landing in 1620 as part of a New England road trip exploring the landmarks and landscapes of the coast.
Criteria for choosing van-friendly national parks
Renting a van to visit the best national parks in the U.S.A. is ideal for a few reasons. For starters, you’ll have lots of space for passengers to relax, stretch, and even stand up when needed. Seating can be arranged to accommodate not just your luggage, but also a comfortable sleeping area if you prefer to snooze indoors. The only thing you’ll need to do is decide which parks are best suited to your needs.
Check the park’s amenities
Are there vehicle-friendly campgrounds in or near the park? If so, find out what kind of parking is available and if you need any permits. Make sure there is both easy access for vans and comfortable amenities for overnight stays, like restroom facilities and drinking water.
Clarify available activities
Does the park offer enough of the things you want to do? Hiking will be an option anywhere, but a van-friendly park will also include scenic drives and dispersed sights well connected by road.
Tips for planning a National Park van rental summer trip
To make the most of your national park visit in a van rental, take into consideration these helpful tips.
Know before you go
- Research park regulations: Some parks allow onsite camping and others do not. Avoid last-minute surprises by looking into possible overnight restrictions or required permits to secure before arrival.
- Book campsites in advance: This is crucial during peak season, when some campsites reach capacity months, or even a year, ahead of time.
Plan your adventure
- Choose the right rental van size for your needs: How many people are you traveling with? Are you planning to bring tents or sleep in the van? Is your family pet coming along? Knowing the answers to these questions will determine the size vehicle that best suits your adventure.
- Map out your route: Connect your chosen parks with scenic drives and nearby towns using a virtual map or a paper one!
Pack smart
- Bring essential gear and clothing: This includes bedding, a cooler, a first-aid kit, and hiking clothes that are conducive to the park’s climate.
Stay safe
- Schedule a maintenance check: Unless you plan to rent from Greenvans, whose vans are thoroughly inspected before every rental, take your van for maintenance before hitting the road.
- Drive secure roads: An app like Waze indicates the best routes to take while keeping you aware of upcoming road closures or last-minute detours.
Leave no trace
- Bring a trash bag! Embrace Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact and preserve these natural wonders for future generations. Put your trash in a bag and throw it in a proper bin to keep the parks clean.
The perfect national park escape with Greenvans
For a comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable national park getaway, you need a comfortable, convenient vehicle. A Greenvans rental van is a spacious and practical way to embark on your next adventure, and the perks come aplenty. Here are just a few upsides to renting with Greenvans.
- Easy booking process: To secure a van, you can book online or by phone in a matter of minutes.
- Straightforward pick up and drop off procedure: Retrieve your vehicle at the office or have it delivered to the airport, hotel, or your front door.
- 24-hour roadside assistance: No matter what happens on the road, we’re on call to help. From a tire change to a fender-bender, our friendly staff will be by your side all the way.
- Itinerary planning assistance: Not sure what’s the best route to take? You might find the answer you’re looking for in our informational travel blog. Otherwise, give us a call. We’re happy to answer all your questions!
- Convenient add-ons: From unlimited mileage packages to insurance coverage, we’ve got the extras you need for a smooth trip.
- Seating and cargo capacity: Our passenger vans are spacious and can be configured to accommodate your crew and gear, at no extra charge.
FAQs about visiting national parks in the USA
What is the #1 visited national park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S.A., attracting international visitors to its Appalachian scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history.
What is the most beautiful park in the U.S.A.?
Some say Yosemite National Park is the most beautiful park in the U.S.A., while others say Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks are equally, if not more, stunning. The only way to truly know is by visiting them all and judging for yourself!
What state has the best national parks?
Utah’s impressive collection of national parks means it’s often regarded as the state with the best national parks in the U.S.A. “The Mighty Five” include:
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
What is the most diverse national park in the U.S.A.?
Olympic National Park in Washington state is said to be the most landscape-diverse national park in the U.S.A., while the most biologically-diverse is Smoky Mountain National Park.
Navigate the U.S. National Parks in a spacious and stylish van – Here’s your free van rental quote!
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