Discover the U.S. national parks that top the list in visitor spending and number of visitors with this latest study by the travel experts at HawaiianIslands.com.
Put together using data from the National Park Service, it’s the perfect resource for planning your next trip to one of these bucket list travel destinations, especially if you’re looking for a park that won’t be heaving with other visitors.
The national park where visitors spend the most money
Nature lovers visiting Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska arrive with their pockets full and leave with them empty. On average, they spend $1,692.32 each.
The park doesn’t have an entrance fee, but there are tons of paid activities and trips for visitors. They include hiking, camping, canoeing/kayaking, dog sledding in winter, and guided wildlife tours to observe Caribou, Moose, Arctic Foxes, and Wolves.
Alaska dominates the list of parks where people spend the most money. Of the top 10 entries, 8 are in The Last Frontier State.
The busiest national parks in the United States
If you want to avoid the crowds, stay away from Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. With 11.7 million visitors per 100 km², it’s the most crowded national park in the USA. The southern beauty spot gets especially busy during the summer months.
NPS Photo/Mitch Smith
New River Gorge in West Virginia is another nature lover’s hotspot. It attracts over 5.5 million visitors per 100 km².
The most peaceful national parks in the USA
Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska is the USA’s quietest national park, according to data from the National Park Service.
If you manage to cover 100 km² of the park during your visit, you’ll only meet another 31 travelers.
Sounds truly idyllic, doesn’t it?
But don’t pack your bags just yet. The Gates of the Arctic is remote, rugged, and hostile to humans; temperatures drop as low as -67°F during the winter months.
And there’s no quick or easy way out of the park. The Gates of the Arctic is accessible only by local air taxis. This is a destination for serious trekkers and explorers with real survival skills.
Nevada’s Death Valley is another national park where you won’t be falling over other visitors. Again, that’s due to the park’s harsh climate and environment. There’s a reason they call this place Death Valley.
During summer, Death Valley experiences scorching temperatures, with average highs surpassing 100°F (38°C) and often exceeding 120°F (49°C). It holds the record for Earth’s highest recorded air temperature: 134°F (56.7°C). Visitors should take precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and planning outdoor activities for cooler times of the day.
The national park where visitors spend the most time
Isle Royale in Michigan is a truly captivating national park, which is why visitors spend the most there. On average, each visit lasts for 55.16 hours.
NPS/Molly Fettig
It’s probably because of the scenery. Isle Royale is stunning. It’s well-known for its exceptional nighttime views. On clear nights, visitors can witness a breathtaking display of stars, constellations, and the elusive Northern Lights, offering a mesmerizing celestial experience.