Your Summer Guide to America's Premier National Parks

LLCTLC
Jul 7
6 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Summer beckons with longer days and vibrant landscapes, making it the quintessential season to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the U.S. National Parks. From towering peaks to ancient forests and dramatic coastlines, these protected natural havens offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure, reflection, and creating memories.

While popularity peaks in these warmer months, a little planning ensures an epic experience. Here's a look at some of the best national parks to consider for your summer escapade, along with savvy tips to maximize your enjoyment and minimize crowds.

For outdoor enthusiasts who also appreciate comfort and convenience, an RV or travel trailer is an exceptional way to explore the U.S. National Parks. Wake up to a breathtaking mountain view right outside your window, brewing coffee in your own kitchen, and having the comfort of your own bathroom just steps away. RVs offer the unique flexibility of bringing the comforts of home directly into nature's most stunning areas.

Discover Your Perfect Summer Park

Geological Wonders & Hot Springs:

Yellowstone National Park (WY, MT, ID): As the world's first national park, Yellowstone remains a must-see. Summer unlocks full access to its mesmerizing geothermal features like the Old Faithful geyser and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. Wildlife thrives in areas like Lamar Valley, offering incredible chances to spot bison, elk, and even bears. Early mornings are best for both wildlife viewing and avoiding peak crowds.
Crater Lake National Park (OR): This Oregon gem is home to the deepest lake in the U.S., a dazzling blue expanse within a volcanic caldera. Summer means park roads and trails are accessible, perfect for scenic drives along Rim Drive, boat tours to Wizard Island, and exploring hiking paths that offer stunning views of the pristine water.
Lassen Volcanic National Park (CA): For a unique volcanic experience, Lassen delivers. Witness steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots at Bumpass Hell, and majestic Lassen Peak. Summer provides clear access to the park's hydrothermal areas, making it a fascinating and less-traveled option for those seeking geological marvels.

Majestic Mountains & Pristine Lakes:

Glacier National Park (MT): Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier bursts into life in summer. The legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road is an unforgettable drive through mountain scenery. Hike to lakes, wander through wildflower-filled meadows, and keep an eye out for mountain goats and grizzly bears.
Grand Teton National Park (WY): Just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton showcases some of the most dramatic mountain scenery imaginable, with jagged peaks rising abruptly from the valley floor. Summer is ideal for serene boat rides on Jenny Lake, exploring the breathtaking Cascade Canyon, and spotting moose and pronghorn in their natural habitat. Photographic opportunities abound at iconic spots like Oxbow Bend.
Mount Rainier National Park (WA): This colossal, glacier-draped volcano is the star of its namesake park. Summer brings an explosion of wildflowers in meadows like Paradise, creating a vibrant foreground to the icy summit. Explore the Sky Line Trail or drive up to Sunrise for equally spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding Cascade Range.
Rocky Mountain National Park (CO): A short drive from Denver, this park offers easily accessible alpine environments. The Trail Ridge Road, North America's highest continuous paved road, opens in summer, providing incredible tundra vistas. Spot elk and bighorn sheep, and enjoy numerous family-friendly trails around tranquil lakes.
North Cascades National Park (WA): Often referred to as the American Alps, this rugged park offers incredible mountain scenery with fewer crowds than its more famous counterparts. Summer opens up high-elevation trails and the scenic North Cascades Highway, revealing stunning turquoise lakes and challenging hikes for the adventurous.

Lush Forests & Coastal Escapes:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC, TN): America's most visited national park, the Smokies are a verdant paradise in summer. Explore misty mountains, historic structures in Cades Cove, and numerous waterfalls. Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail or ascend to Clingmans Dome for panoramic views.
Acadia National Park (ME): Situated on Maine's rocky coast, Acadia offers a refreshing mix of ocean vistas, dense forests, and mountain peaks. Summer is perfect for biking the historic Carriage Roads, exploring fascinating tide pools, catching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, or taking a refreshing dip at Sand Beach.
Olympic National Park (WA): This incredibly diverse park boasts three distinct ecosystems: glacier-capped mountains, lush temperate rainforests (like the Hoh Rainforest), and dramatic Pacific coastline. Summer offers the best weather to explore all these varied landscapes, from hiking Hurricane Ridge to wandering moss-draped trails and tide-pooling along wild beaches.
Shenandoah National Park (VA): A tranquil retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah offers stunning scenic drives along Skyline Drive and miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls.

Desert Canyons & Arid Beauty:

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ): The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon is a sight to behold. While summer brings heat, the North Rim opens up as a still popular but quieter alternative to the bustling South Rim. Early morning hikes into the canyon or white-water rafting on the Colorado River offer exhilarating ways to experience this natural wonder.
Zion National Park (UT): Prepare to feel dwarfed by Zion Canyon's towering sandstone features, carved by the Virgin River. The iconic Narrows hike, where you wade through the river in a slot canyon, is a fantastic way to cool off. Accessible paths like Riverside Walk offer stunning views for all.
Badlands National Park (SD): This unique landscape features sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles striped with vibrant colors. Summer offers exciting wildlife viewing, with bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep frequently spotted. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for comfortable exploration and photography, since the average highs in July and August hover in the low 90s.

Smart Strategies for a Avoiding Crowds

Summer brings peak visitor numbers, so thoughtful planning is essential for an enjoyable national park experience:

Book Ahead (Way Ahead): Accommodations inside national parks, and even popular campsites, often book up many months in advance. For specific areas or popular roads, some parks now implement timed entry permits or other reservation systems. Always consult the official NPS.gov website for the specific park you plan to visit for current requirements.
Beat the Rush or Wait It Out: The early (or late) bird truly gets the worm in national parks. Arrive at popular trailheads and viewpoints in the shoulder seasons, or in peak seasons early morning or early evening to avoid maximum crowds, and get better lighting for photography. Consider visiting mid-week rather than weekends, as well.
Pack Smart & Stay Hydrated: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Always carry layers of clothing, rain gear, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and plenty of water. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must. In bear country, know how to avoid bears, and protect yourself.
Utilize Park Resources: Stop at visitor centers for up-to-date information on trail conditions, road closures, and ranger-led programs. Park rangers are invaluable sources of local knowledge and can suggest less-trafficked areas.
Embrace Alternatives: If your dream park is overwhelmed, consider visiting a lesser-known national park or a nearby national forest or state park that offers similar stunning landscapes with fewer crowds.
Leave No Trace: Help preserve these incredible places for future generations. Pack out everything you pack in, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife by observing from a distance, and never feed animals.

RVing truly unlocks the national park experience in a way traditional hotel stays often can't. Not only do you have your own familiar, comfortable space – your bed, your kitchen, your bathroom – but you also gain unparalleled flexibility. You're no longer bound by hotel check-in times or the daily scramble for restaurant reservations. RV travel allows you to linger longer in places you love, adjust your itinerary on a whim, and wake up to a new, spectacular view each morning. With your own kitchen, you can save significantly on food costs, preparing meals that cater to your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, for those traveling with pets, RVs often provide a much more accommodating and stress-free environment, as many RV parks and even some national park campgrounds are pet-friendly.

By strategically planning your visit, your summer national park visit is much more likely to become a cherished adventure, connecting you with the unparalleled natural beauty of the United States.

Ready To Hit The Road In Comfort?

In an RV, you can explore America's breathtaking national parks in comfort and style! To make the experience even sweeter, consider the advantages of registering your RV under a Montana LLC with LLCTLC. Save thousands (or even tens of thousands) on sales tax and annual registration fees. Contact us to learn more about how we can help make your RV dreams a cost-effective reality!