Discover the hidden gems of America’s National Parks, where solitude and untouched beauty await. These ten least-visited parks, based on National Park Service data, offer serene landscapes and unique adventures, from Alaska’s remote wilderness to tropical islands. Perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, each park provides a distinct experience with minimal crowds. Plan your visit with our travel-friendly guide, complete with highlights and official websites for seamless trip planning.

1) Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park, spanning 8.4 million acres of pristine Arctic wilderness, is a paradise for adventurers seeking solitude. With no roads or trails, this park offers rugged backpacking, wild river rafting, and wildlife sightings of grizzlies and caribou under the midnight sun. Last year, only 11,045 visitors explored this remote frontier, accessible only by bush plane. Plan well in advance, pack for extreme weather, and check the park’s website for air charter options and safety tips.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gate

2) National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa, a tropical oasis across three volcanic islands, boasts coral reefs, rainforests, and Samoan cultural heritage. Snorkeling, hiking to Mount Alava’s panoramic views, and village visits offer an immersive experience. With just 12,135 visitors, this remote park, accessible by flights to Pago Pago, feels like a private paradise. Check the park’s website for travel logistics and cultural etiquette before visiting.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/npsa

3) Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Lake Clark National Park, a stunning Alaskan wilderness, features turquoise lakes, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife like brown bears and sockeye salmon. Accessible only by floatplane or boat, it’s ideal for fishing, kayaking, and backcountry camping, with only 16,728 visitors. The park’s pristine beauty captivates adventurers willing to brave its remoteness. Visit the park’s website for flight operator details and seasonal weather updates.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/lacl

4) Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Kobuk Valley National Park, nestled above the Arctic Circle, showcases vast sand dunes, caribou migration routes, and salmon-filled rivers. With no roads, this park, visited by just 17,616 people, offers solitude for backpackers and photographers capturing the northern lights. Accessible by bush plane or boat, it’s a haven for wilderness purists. Check the park’s website for air access and safety guidelines before your adventure.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/kova

5) Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park, a remote island cluster in Lake Superior, offers 165 miles of trails, shipwreck diving, and wolf-moose wildlife studies. Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, its foggy forests and rocky shores drew 28,965 visitors last year. Ideal for hikers and kayakers seeking isolation, plan your trip with ferry schedules and pack for unpredictable weather. The park’s website provides essential travel details.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/isro

6) Katmai National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park is renowned for its brown bear viewing at Brooks Falls and the volcanic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Remote access via boat or air keeps crowds low, with 33,763 visitors, making it a haven for wildlife photographers and anglers. The dramatic landscapes and bear encounters create unforgettable experiences. Check the park’s website for bear safety tips and access logistics.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/katm

7) North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park, known as the “American Alps,” features over 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and turquoise lakes, perfect for hikers and climbers. With only 40,351 visitors, its rugged trails like the Pacific Crest Trail section offer solitude. Accessible by car with trailheads near Highway 20, it’s a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the park’s website for trail conditions and seasonal closures.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/noca

8) Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest U.S. national park at over 13 million acres, boasts glaciers, towering peaks, and historic mining sites. With 78,305 visitors, this roadless wilderness is perfect for multi-day hikes and flightseeing tours. Its vast scale and solitude appeal to true adventurers. Check the park’s website for air access and backcountry camping permits before planning.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/wrst

9) Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West, features seven coral islands and the historic Fort Jefferson. Snorkeling vibrant reefs and exploring the fort drew 84,285 visitors, a record for this remote gem accessible by boat or seaplane. Ideal for history buffs and marine enthusiasts, book travel early and check the park’s website for schedules.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/drto

10) Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park, a high-desert sanctuary, offers ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the U.S. With 143,265 visitors, it’s a peaceful retreat for hikers and astronomers. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive provides stunning views. Visit the park’s website for cave tour reservations and night sky event schedules.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/grba

Travel Tips: These remote parks require advance planning—book ferries, flights, or permits early via official websites. Pack for variable weather, especially in Alaska, and visit during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for fewer crowds. For real-time updates, check park websites or search X for recent visitor posts on conditions and logistics.