Article Overview: List of National Parks by State, National Parks Map
Quick Answer: There are 63 national parks in the United States, spread across 30 states and US territories. California has the most (9), followed by Alaska (8), Utah (5), and Colorado (4). The newest is New River Gorge (2020) and the oldest is Yellowstone (1872).
Jump to: Alphabetical List | List by State | All 63 Parks Table
All 63 National Parks at a Glance
| National Park | State | Est. | Acres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia | Maine | 1919 | 49,075 |
| American Samoa | American Samoa | 1988 | 8,257 |
| Arches | Utah | 1971 | 76,679 |
| Badlands | South Dakota | 1978 | 242,756 |
| Big Bend | Texas | 1944 | 801,163 |
| Biscayne | Florida | 1980 | 172,971 |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison | Colorado | 1999 | 30,750 |
| Bryce Canyon | Utah | 1928 | 35,835 |
| Canyonlands | Utah | 1964 | 337,598 |
| Capitol Reef | Utah | 1971 | 241,904 |
| Carlsbad Caverns | New Mexico | 1930 | 46,766 |
| Channel Islands | California | 1980 | 249,561 |
| Congaree | South Carolina | 2003 | 26,476 |
| Crater Lake | Oregon | 1902 | 183,224 |
| Cuyahoga Valley | Ohio | 2000 | 32,572 |
| Death Valley | California/Nevada | 1994 | 3,408,395 |
| Denali | Alaska | 1917 | 6,045,153 |
| Dry Tortugas | Florida | 1992 | 64,701 |
| Everglades | Florida | 1947 | 1,508,938 |
| Gates of the Arctic | Alaska | 1980 | 8,472,506 |
| Gateway Arch | Missouri | 2018 | 91 |
| Glacier | Montana | 1910 | 1,013,572 |
| Glacier Bay | Alaska | 1980 | 3,223,384 |
| Grand Canyon | Arizona | 1919 | 1,217,262 |
| Grand Teton | Wyoming | 1929 | 310,044 |
| Great Basin | Nevada | 1986 | 77,180 |
| Great Sand Dunes | Colorado | 2004 | 107,342 |
| Great Smoky Mountains | Tennessee/North Carolina | 1934 | 522,427 |
| Guadalupe Mountains | Texas | 1972 | 86,367 |
| Haleakala | Hawaii | 1916 | 33,265 |
| Hawaii Volcanoes | Hawaii | 1916 | 325,605 |
| Hot Springs | Arkansas | 1921 | 5,554 |
| Indiana Dunes | Indiana | 2019 | 15,349 |
| Isle Royale | Michigan | 1940 | 571,790 |
| Joshua Tree | California | 1994 | 795,156 |
| Katmai | Alaska | 1980 | 3,674,530 |
| Kenai Fjords | Alaska | 1980 | 669,984 |
| Kings Canyon | California | 1940 | 461,901 |
| Kobuk Valley | Alaska | 1980 | 1,750,717 |
| Lake Clark | Alaska | 1980 | 2,619,733 |
| Lassen Volcanic | California | 1916 | 106,452 |
| Mammoth Cave | Kentucky | 1941 | 54,012 |
| Mesa Verde | Colorado | 1906 | 52,485 |
| Mount Rainier | Washington | 1899 | 236,382 |
| New River Gorge | West Virginia | 2020 | 7,021 |
| North Cascades | Washington | 1968 | 504,781 |
| Olympic | Washington | 1938 | 922,651 |
| Petrified Forest | Arizona | 1962 | 221,390 |
| Pinnacles | California | 2013 | 26,686 |
| Redwood | California | 1968 | 138,999 |
| Rocky Mountain | Colorado | 1915 | 265,807 |
| Saguaro | Arizona | 1994 | 92,126 |
| Sequoia | California | 1890 | 404,064 |
| Shenandoah | Virginia | 1935 | 199,224 |
| Theodore Roosevelt | North Dakota | 1978 | 70,447 |
| Virgin Islands | US Virgin Islands | 1956 | 14,940 |
| Voyageurs | Minnesota | 1975 | 218,222 |
| White Sands | New Mexico | 2019 | 145,762 |
| Wind Cave | South Dakota | 1903 | 33,971 |
| Wrangell-St. Elias | Alaska | 1980 | 13,175,799 |
| Yellowstone | Wyoming/Montana/Idaho | 1872 | 2,219,791 |
| Yosemite | California | 1890 | 761,748 |
| Zion | Utah | 1919 | 147,242 |
There are 63 national parks in the United States spread across 30 states and two territories. We’ve been to 50 of them.
Most lists just give you names and locations. We’ve included what each park is actually like, what most folks get wrong about it, and whether it’s worth the trip.
Here’s every national park in America.
Table of Contents: List of National Parks by State & National Parks Maps
Table of Contents: List of National Parks by State & National Parks Maps
- What Are National Parks?
- How Many National Parks Are There in the US?
- National Parks List: Quicklinks
- National Parks Maps
- Printable National Parks Maps
- List of US National Parks (Alphabetical)
- 1. Acadia National Park
- 2. National Park of American Samoa
- 3. Arches National Park
- 4. Badlands National Park
- 5. Big Bend National Park
- 6. Biscayne National Park
- 7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- 8. Bryce Canyon National Park
- 9. Canyonlands National Park
- 10. Capitol Reef National Park
- 11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- 12. Channel Islands National Park
- 13. Congaree National Park
- 14. Crater Lake National Park
- 15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- 16. Death Valley National Park
- 17. Denali National Park
- 18. Dry Tortugas National Park
- 19. Everglades National Park
- 20. Gates of the Arctic National Park
- 21. Gateway Arch National Park
- 22. Glacier National Park
- 23. Glacier Bay National Park
- 24. Grand Canyon National Park
- 25. Grand Teton National Park
- 26. Great Basin National Park
- 27. Great Sand Dunes National Park
- 28. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 29. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- 30. Haleakala National Park
- 31. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- 32. Hot Springs National Park
- 33. Indiana Dunes National Park
- 34. Isle Royale National Park
- 35. Joshua Tree National Park
- 36. Katmai National Park
- 37. Kenai Fjords National Park
- 38. Kings Canyon National Park
- 39. Kobuk Valley National Park
- 40. Lake Clark National Park
- 41. Lassen Volcanic National Park
- 42. Mammoth Cave National Park
- 43. Mesa Verde National Park
- 44. Mount Rainier National Park
- 45. New River Gorge National Park
- 46. North Cascades National Park
- 47. Olympic National Park
- 48. Petrified Forest National Park
- 49. Pinnacles National Park
- 50. Redwood National Park
- 51. Rocky Mountain National Park
- 52. Saguaro National Park
- 53. Sequoia National Park
- 54. Shenandoah National Park
- 55. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- 56. Virgin Islands National Park
- 57. Voyageurs National Park
- 58. White Sands National Park
- 59. Wind Cave National Park
- 60. Wrangell St. Elias National Park
- 61. Yellowstone National Park
- 62. Yosemite National Park
- 63. Zion National Park
- List of National Parks by State
- Alaska National Parks
- American Samoa National Parks
- Arizona National Parks
- Arkansas National Parks
- California National Parks
- Colorado National Parks
- Florida National Parks
- Hawaii National Parks
- Idaho National Parks
- Indiana National Parks
- Kentucky National Parks
- Maine National Parks
- Michigan National Parks
- Minnesota National Parks List
- Missouri National Parks
- Montana National Parks
- Nevada National Parks
- New Mexico National Parks
- North Dakota National Parks
- North Carolina National Parks
- Ohio National Parks
- Oregon National Parks
- South Carolina National Parks
- South Dakota National Parks
- Tennessee National Parks
- Texas National Parks
- Utah National Parks
- US Virgin Islands National Parks
- Virginia National Parks
- Washington National Parks
- West Virginia National Parks
- Wyoming National Parks
- Printable List of the National Parks
- States Without Any National Parks
- Alphabetical 63 National Parks Checklist by State
What Are National Parks?
The mission of the National Park Service is to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations”.
Essentially this means that national parks should look the same 100 years from now as they do today. To that end, activities that would alter national parks in any way (mining, drilling, logging, etc) are prohibited.
Compare this to national forests for example where logging is permitted, hunting is allowed, oil can be drilled, etc. because national forests are managed under a technical rule called “multiple use”. That’s just a fancy way of saying they are managed for both preservation purposes (like the national parks) AND resource purposes.
For the sake of this national parks list, I will only be including the 63 national parks to make things simple. Chances are good that if you’re planning a national parks road trip with friends these are the places you’re most likely to go.
How Many National Parks Are There in the US?
What a lot of people don’t know is that there are actually 433 national park sites (or national park units) in the US which sounds like a lot. Here’s where things gets tricky.
That 433 number encompasses a plethora of important sites like national preserves, national monuments, national historic sites, and national memorials to name a few, but not all of these sites are technically national parks.
So, at the end of the day, there are only 63 official national parks in the US. Maybe we’ll get another soon! On this national parks list only the 63 official national parks will be included.
List of the Newest National Parks
- New River Gorge National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Congaree National Park
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Death Valley National Park
List of the Oldest National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Crater Lake National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
National Parks List: Quicklinks
Newest National Park | Oldest National Park | Largest National Park | Smallest National Park | Most Visited | Least Visited | Alphabetical National Parks List | All 63 National Parks | By State | Download
List of US National Parks (Alphabetical)
Click for National Parks by State instead
1. Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Established: February 26, 1919
Size: 49,071.40 acres
Visitation: 3,879,890 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Hikes / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts / Things to Do / Summer / Winter
Things To Do: The Bowl Trail, Precipice Trail, Bass Harbor Lighthouse
*Reservations required
READ: Best East Coast National Parks
2. National Park of American Samoa
Location: American Samoa
Established: October 31, 1988
Size: 8,256.67 acres
Visitation: 11,045 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts
Things To Do: Mount ‘Alava Trail, Pola Island Trail
3. Arches National Park
Location: Utah
Established: November 12, 1971
Size: 76,678.98 acres
Visitation: 1,482,045 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do / Hikes / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Facts / Road Trip
Things To Do: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devils Garden, Tower Arch
*Reservations required
4. Badlands National Park
Location: South Dakota
Established: November 10, 1978
Size: 242,755.94 acres
Visitation: 1,046,400 (2023)
Resources: Map / Guidebook / Guide / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Notch Trail, Bison Viewing, Castle Trail
5. Big Bend National Park
Location: Texas
Established: June 12, 1944
Size: 801,163.21 acres
Visitation: 509,129 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Facts | Things to Do | Hikes
Things To Do: Saint Elena Canyon, Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail
6. Biscayne National Park
Location: Florida
Established: June 28, 1980
Size: 172,971.11 acres
Visitation: 571,242 (2023)
Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Boating, Snorkeling, Scuba
7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Location: Colorado
Established: October 21, 1999
Size: 30,779.83 acres
Visitation: 357,069 (2023)
Resources: Things to Do | Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Rim Rock Trail, South Rim Road, Fishing
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Utah
Established: February 25, 1928
Size: 35,835.08 acres
Visitation: 2,461,269 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Road Trip | Where to Stay | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Wall Street, Navajo Loop Trail, Inspiration Point
9. Canyonlands National Park
Location: Utah
Established: September 12, 1964
Size: 337,597.83 acres
Visitation: 800,322 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Things to Do | Hikes | Road Trip | Facts
Things To Do: Upheaval Dome, Green River Overlook, Mesa Arch
10. Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Utah
Established: December 18, 1971
Size: 241,904.50 acres
Visitation: 1,268,861 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Facts / Road Trip
Things To Do: Cassidy Arch, Hickman Bridge, Capitol Gorge
11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Location: New Mexico
Established: May 14, 1930
Size: 46,766.45 acres
Visitation: 394,121 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Cave Tours, Natural Entrance Hike, Bat Viewing
12. Channel Islands National Park
Location: California
Established: March 5, 1980
Size: 249,561.00 acres
Visitation: 328,746 (2023)
Resources: Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Inspiration Point, Ferry Tour, Anacapa Island
13. Congaree National Park
Location: South Carolina
Established: November 10, 2003
Size: 26,692.60 acres
Visitation: 250,114 (2023)
Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Congaree River Blue Trail, Bluff Trail, Birding
14. Crater Lake National Park
Location: Oregon
Established: May 22, 1902
Size: 183,224.05 acres
Visitation: 559,976 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts | Map
Things To Do: Rim Drive, Wizard Island Ferry, Watchman Peak
15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Ohio
Established: October 11, 2000
Size: 32,571.88 acres
Visitation: 2,860,059 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guidebook | Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Brandywine Falls, Towpath Trail, Blue Hen Falls
16. Death Valley National Park
Location: California
Established: October 31, 1994
Size: 3,408,395.63 acres
Visitation: 1,099,632 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Facts / Camping / Where to Stay / Video
Things To Do: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Eureka Dunes, Artists Palette
17. Denali National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: February 26, 1917
Size: 4,740,911.16 acres
Visitation: 498,722 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Denali Park Road, Wildlife Viewing, Thorofare Ridge Trail
18. Dry Tortugas National Park
Location: Florida
Established: October 26, 1992
Size: 64,701.22 acres
Visitation: 84,285 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts
Things To Do: Fort Jefferson, Snorkeling, Ferry Ride
19. Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
Established: May 30, 1934
Size: 1,508,938.57 acres
Visitation: 810,189 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map | Things to Do | Guidebook | Facts
Things To Do: Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Kayaking
20. Gates of the Arctic National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 7,523,897.45 acres
Visitation: 12,135 (2023) 63/63 – Least Visited
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts | Map
Things To Do: Wildlife Viewing, Flightseeing
21. Gateway Arch National Park
Location: Missouri
Established: February 22, 2018
Size: 91 acres (Smallest)
Visitation: 2,422,836 (2023)
Resources: National Parks Ranked (it’s last) | Facts
Things To Do: Ride the Elevator
22. Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Established: May 11, 1910
Size: 1,013,126.39 acres
Visitation: 2,933,616 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Itinerary / Facts
Things To Do: Going to the Sun Road, Swiftcurrent Lake, Grinnell Glacier Trail
*Reservations required
23. Glacier Bay National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 3,223,383.43 acres
Visitation: 703,659 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts
Things To Do: Boat Tour, Bartlett Cove, Whale Watching
24. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
Established: February 26, 1919
Size: 1,201,647.03 acres
Visitation: 4,733,705 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Best Views / Closest Cities / South Rim / North Rim / Where to Stay / Winter / Facts
Things To Do: Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, Cape Royal, Desert View Watchtower
25. Grand Teton National Park
Location: Wyoming
Established: February 26, 1929
Size: 310,044.36 acre
Visitation: 3,417,106 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Maps / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Snake River Overlook, Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Phelps Lake
26. Great Basin National Park
Location: Nevada
Established: October 27, 1986
Size: 77,180.00 acres
Visitation: 143,265 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: See the Glacier, Ancient Bristlecone Forest, Lehman Caves
27. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Location: Colorado
Established: September 24, 2004
Size: 107,345.73 acres
Visitation: 512,219 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Facts
Things To Do: Star Dune, Sand Lakes, Mosca Pass
28. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Established: June 15, 1934
Size: 522,426.88 acres
Visitation: 13,297,647 (2023) – #1 Most Visited
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Guide / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Cades Cove, Clingman’s Dome, Wildlife Viewing
29. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Location: Texas
Established: October 15, 1966
Size: 86,367.10 acres
Visitation: 227,340 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts
Things To Do: Guadalupe Peak, Salt Basin Dunes, Devil’s Hall Trail
30. Haleakala National Park
Location: Hawaii
Established: July 1, 1961
Size: 33,264.62 acres
Visitation: 791,292 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Things to Do / Guidebook / Map / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Haleakala Crater, Waimoku Falls, Pipiwai Trail
*Reservations required
31. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Location: Hawaii
Established: August 1, 1916
Size: 325,605.28 acres
Visitation: 1,620,294 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Crater Rim Road, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Crater
32. Hot Springs National Park
Location: Arkansas
Established: March 4, 1921
Size: 5,554.15 acres
Visitation: 2,502,967 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Bathhouse Row, Display Spring, Grand Promenade
33. Indiana Dunes National Park
Location: Indiana
Established: February 15, 2019
Size: 15,349.08 acres
Visitation: 2,765,892 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Dunes Succession Trail, Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk, Birding
34. Isle Royale National Park
Location: Michigan
Established: April 3, 1940
Size: 571,790.30 acres
Visitation: 28,965 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Ferry Ride, Rock Harbor, Scoville Point
35. Joshua Tree National Park
Location: California
Established: October 31, 1994
Size: 795,155.85 acres
Visitation: 3,270,404 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Hikes / Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Warren Peak, Cholla Cactus Garden, Jumbo Rocks
36. Katmai National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 3,674,529.33 acres
Visitation: 33,763 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map | Facts
Things To Do: Bear Viewing, Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Flightseeing
37. Kenai Fjords National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 669,650.05 acres
Visitation: 387,525 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Things to Do
Things To Do: Exit Glacier, Harding Ice Field, Boat Tour
38. Kings Canyon National Park
Location: California
Established: March 4, 1940
Size: 461,901.20 acres
Visitation: 643,065 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts | General Grant Tree
Things To Do: General Grant Tree, Generals Highway, Backpacking
39. Kobuk Valley National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 1,750,716.16 acres
Visitation: 16,728 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Facts
Things To Do: Flightseeing, Guided Tours
40. Lake Clark National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 2,619,816.49 acres
Visitation: 16,728 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map
Things To Do: Wildlife Viewing, Fishing, Flightseeing
41. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Location: California
Established: August 9, 1916
Size: 106,589.02 acres
Visitation: 418,978 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake, Devastated Area
42. Mammoth Cave National Park
Location: Kentucky
Established: July 1, 1941
Size: 54,016.29 acres
Visitation: 654,450 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Cave Tours
43. Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Colorado
Established: June 29, 1906
Size: 52,485.17 acres
Visitation: 505,194 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Things to Do | Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Cliff Palace, Long House, Balcony House
44. Mount Rainier National Park
Location: Washington
Established: March 2, 1899
Size: 236,381.64 acres
Visitation: 1,674,294 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Paradise / Facts / Where to Stay
Things To Do: Mt Fremont Lookout, Skyline Trail, Pinnacle Peak
*Reservations required
For some amazing Mt. Rainier facts including the time a guy landed a plane on the summit, check out our post: 10+ (AMAZING) Mount Rainier National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Know.
45. New River Gorge National Park
Location: West Virginia
Established: December 27, 2020
Size: 7,021 acres
Visitation: 1,707,223 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Rafting, Long Point Trail, Bridgewalk
About This National Park
America’s newest National Park is West Virginia’s first and it’s a beauty! New River Gorge has lots of great recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and more.
The fall foliage here is magnificent with bright reds, oranges, and yellows filling the gorge.
46. North Cascades National Park
Location: Washington
Established: October 2, 1968
Size: 504,780.94 acres
Visitation: 40,351 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Things to Do / Best Hikes / Facts
Things To Do: Diablo Lake, Maple Pass, Blue Lake
47. Olympic National Park
Location: Washington
Established: June 29, 193
Size: 922,649.41 acres
Visitation: 2,947,503 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video
Things To Do: Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, Mount Storm King
48. Petrified Forest National Park
Location: Arizona
Established: December 9, 1962
Size: 221,390.21 acres
Visitation: 520,491 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guidebook | Where to Stay | Facts
Things To Do: Blue Mesa, Painted Desert, Crystal Forest Trail
49. Pinnacles National Park
Location: California
Established: January 10, 2013
Size: 26,685.73 acres
Visitation: 341,220 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Bear Gulch, Condor Viewing, Climbing
50. Redwood National Park
Location: California
Established: October 2, 1968
Size: 138,999.37 acres
Visitation: 409,105 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do / Hikes / Guide / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Photos / Facts / Near San Francisco
Seasons: Winter / Spring / Fall
Things To Do: Stout Grove, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Avenue of the Giants
51. Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
Established: January 26, 1915
Size: 265,807.24 acres
Visitation: 4,115,837 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Elk Viewing | Dream, Nymph, Emerald Lakes Trail | Sky Pond
*Reservations required
52. Saguaro National Park
Location: Arizona
Established: October 14, 1994
Size: 92,867.42 acres
Visitation: 1,010,906 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Hikes / Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Wassen Peak Trail, Desert Ecology Nature Trail, Signal Hill Petroglyphs
53. Sequoia National Park
Location: California
Established: September 25, 1890 (#2)
Size: 404,062.63 acres
Visitation: 980,567 (2023)
My Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Facts / Where to Stay / General Sherman Tree
Things To Do: Big Trees Trail, Congress Trail, Moro Rock
54. Shenandoah National Park
Location: Virginia
Established: December 26, 1935
Size: 200,192.09 acres
Visitation: 1,576,008 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Skyline Drive, Dark Hollow Falls, Old Rag Mountain
*Reservations required
55. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Location: North Dakota
Established: November 10, 1978
Size: 70,446.89 acres
Visitation: 746,862 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Things to Do / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Oxbow Overlook, Cannonball Creations, Wildlife Viewing
56. Virgin Islands National Park
Location: US Virgin Islands
Established: August 2, 1956
Size: 15,052.33 acres
Visitation: 343,685 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Things to Do | Map | Guidebook | Video | Facts
Things To Do: Reef Bay Trail, Maho Bay, Trunk Bay
57. Voyageurs National Park
Location: Minnesota
Established: April 8, 1975
Size: 218,222.35 acres
Visitation: 220,825 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guide / Things to Do / Camping / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Locator Lake Trail, Ellsworth Rock Garden, Grassy Bay Cliffs
58. White Sands National Park
Location: New Mexico
Established: December 20, 2019
Size: 146,344.31 acres
Visitation: 729,096 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Facts | Things to Do
Things To Do: Interdune Boardwalk, Dune Life Nature Trail, Dune Sledding
59. Wind Cave National Park
Location: South Dakota
Established: January 9, 1903
Size: 33,970.84 acres
Visitation: 592,459 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources:Things to Do | Video | Facts | Map
Things To Do: Natural Entrance Tour, Fairgrounds Tour, Rankin Ridge Trail
60. Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Location: Alaska
Established: December 2, 1980
Size: 13.2 million acres (#1) – Largest
Visitation: 78,305 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide | Map | Guidebook | Facts
Things To Do: Flightseeing, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
61. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming
Established: March 1, 1872 (#1) – Oldest
Size: 2,219,790.71 acres
Visitation: 4,501,382 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Facts / Airports / Where to Stay / Itinerary / Fall
Things To Do: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Lamar Valley
62. Yosemite National Park
Location: California
Established: October 1, 1890
Size: 761,747.50 acres
Visitation: 3,897,070 (2023)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay / Things to Do / Best Hikes / Fall
Things To Do: Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Half Dome
*Reservations required
63. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Established: November 19, 1919
Size: 147,242.66 acres
Visitation: 4,623,238 (2023)
My Favorite Resources: Guide | Things to Do | Hikes | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Road Trip | Itinerary
Things To Do: The Narrows, Angels Landing, Lava Point, Big Bend
*Reservations required
List of National Parks by State
Alaska National Parks
Alaska is home to 8 national parks making it the state with the second most national parks in the country. However, as mentioned earlier, it has more national park land area than any state by a long shot.
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
- Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
- Katmai National Park, Alaska
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
- Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Interested in Alaska’s jaw-dropping national parks? Read: How to Visit All 8 Epic Alaska National Parks
American Samoa National Parks
There is only one national park in American Samoa.
Located in the South Pacific, American Samoa is the furthest national park from the US mainland and the only US national park south of the equator. Flights to this tropical paradise typically range over $2,000.
- National Park of American Samoa
Arizona National Parks
There are three national parks in Arizona.
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
National Monuments Ranked: ALL 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
Arkansas National Parks
There is one national park in Arkansas.
California National Parks
California is home to 9 national parks making it the state with the most national parks in America.
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Kings Canyon National Park, California
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
- Pinnacles National Park, California
- Redwood National Park, California
- Sequoia National Park, California
- Yosemite National Park, California
Colorado National Parks
There are four national parks in Colorado.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Colorado National Parks: These 4 Colorado National Parks Will Blow Your Mind
Florida National Parks
- Biscayne National Park, Florida
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
- Everglades National Park, Florida
RELATED: ALL of Florida’s National Parks RANKED 2021 (+ video)
Hawaii National Parks
RELATED: ALL of Hawaii’s National Parks RANKED 2021 (+ video)
Idaho National Parks
Indiana National Parks
Kentucky National Parks
Maine National Parks
Michigan National Parks
Minnesota National Parks List
Missouri National Parks
Montana National Parks
Nevada National Parks
- Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
New Mexico National Parks
North Dakota National Parks
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
North Carolina National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Ohio National Parks
Oregon National Parks
South Carolina National Parks
South Dakota National Parks
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota
- Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Tennessee National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Texas National Parks
Utah National Parks
Utah is home to 5 national parks referred to as “the mighty 5”.
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
- Zion National Park, Utah
RELATED: ALL of Utah’s MIGHTY 5 National Parks RANKED 2021 (+ video)
US Virgin Islands National Parks
- Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
Virginia National Parks
Washington National Parks
Washington is home to 3 national parks which are among the best in the world.
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- North Cascades National Park, Washington
- Olympic National Park, Washington
West Virginia National Parks
Wyoming National Parks
Printable List of the National Parks
Download a simple printable list of national parks below.
Download this Printable List of National Parks in alphabetical order (by park): PDF | JPG
Plain Printable Checklist of National Parks (Alphabetical)
US National Parks List: Newest National Parks
- New River Gorge National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Congaree National Park
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Death Valley National Park
US National Parks List: Oldest National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Crater Lake National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
States Without Any National Parks
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New York
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Alphabetical 63 National Parks Checklist by State
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Biscayne National Park, Florida
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Canyonlands National Parks, Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Congaree National Park, South Carolina
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
- Death Valley National Park, California
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
- Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
- Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
- Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
- Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Katmai National Park, Alaska
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- Kings Canyon National Park, California
- Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
- Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
- North Cascades National Park, Washington
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Pinnacles National Park, California
- Redwood National Park, California
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
- Sequoia National Park, California
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
- Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands
- Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
- Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Zion National Park, Utah
List of National Parks FAQ
There are currently 63 official national parks in the US.
Established in 2020, the newest national park in the US is New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the world.
No, not every state has a national park. Currently 20 states do not yet have a national park: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, & Wisconsin.
The state with the most national parks is California with 9.
The largest national park is Wrangell St. Elias National Park (13.2 million acres).
The smallest national park is Gateway Arch National Park (91 acres)
List of US National Parks (Summary)
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Biscayne National Park, Florida
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Canyonland National Parks, Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Congaree National Park, South Carolina
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
- Death Valley National Park, California
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
- Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
- Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
- Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
- Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Katmai National Park, Alaska
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- Kings Canyon National Park, California
- Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
- Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
- North Cascades National Park, Washington
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Pinnacles National Park, California
- Redwood National Park, California
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
- Sequoia National Park, California
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
- Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands
- Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
- Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Zion National Park, Utah
National Parks Maps
All of these print national parks maps are available for purchase in our store by clicking on them.
National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.
Printable National Parks Maps
You can purchase this framed national parks map here: Framed National Parks Map. Looking to download? Good news, there are two ways to download any of these national park maps!
- Option 1: Follow this download link to our store where you can pay what you wish to download it.
- Option 2 (preferred): Become a paid subscriber to our substack ($7/month) which helps funds our efforts to get this map and so much more! Once you’ve subscribed you can access all of our maps (& so much more).
Maps of the National Parks
Printable Checklist of the National Parks
Have these checklist map shipped to you directly: Premium National Parks Checklist Map
Download this checklist map here: Printable National Parks Checklist Map
Check out this page for more purchasable national parks maps. If you don’t see the right size map for you above feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to create a customized one just for you!
National Parks List to Take Home
National Parks List & Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.
Download: You can download a high-resolution version of this national parks checklist here.
Check out this page for more purchasable national parks lists & maps. If you don’t see the right size map for you above feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to create a customized one just for you!
More National Parks Resources
Overall National Parks Guide: This is perhaps the best overall national parks guide book.
National Parks Photo Book: We love this national parks photo book by a legendary parks photographer.
National Parks Atlas: Great coffee table book of the national parks.
Scratch Off Map: This is a nice national parks map for folks looking to mark the parks they’ve been to.
Cool National Parks Posters: These are beautiful graphic posters for each national park.
See Our Full National Park Rankings
We actually ranked ALL 63 National Parks from best to worst in a separate article. If you’re curious how the parks stacked up, click here!
The National Parks System
The national park system is full of incredible places that constitute the all-important natural and cultural heritage of the United States.
These special places, from Gettysburg National Military Park to Yosemite National Park, are of immense importance and are equally deserving of preservation and administration that fits their unique place in the story of this country.
So whether your favorite national park service unit is a national park, a national monument, a national recreation area, or any other type of designation, the point is they’re all important, but there’s only 63 congressionally-designated “national parks”.
Why Listen to Us About the National Parks?
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.
Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
And a bonus! Tips for Visiting a National Park
Permit Systems and Reservations
Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.
Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.
Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!
Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.
For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.
Practice Safety, Seriously
National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:
- Sticking to trails
- Checking the weather before going out on a hike
- Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
- Avoid ledges with steep drop offs
2026 National Park Free Entry Days
The National Park Service offers several fee-free days each year when entrance fees are waived at all national parks. Here are the 2026 free entry days:
- January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
- August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary
- September 27 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
More Helpful Information on the National Parks
List of National Monuments: Ultimate List of National Monuments (Alphabetical + By State)
How Many National Parks: How Many National Parks Are There Exactly (Detailed Guide)
Best National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED By Experts
Best National Monuments: All 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
Largest National Parks: 15 Largest National Parks in the United States (+ Full List)
Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited US National Parks
Least Visited National Parks: Top 10 Least Visited National Parks
Best East Coast National Parks: Top 10 Best East Coast National Parks Ranked
Best National Park Road Trips: 10 Best National Park Road Trips
Iowa doesn’t have any national parks
Hi Jill!
Thanks for the comment. You are correct in that Iowa does not have any of the 63 congressionally designated National Parks. However, they do have some great national park sites! We wrote about all of the Iowa National Parks here.
Cheers,
Will
Amazing list and breakdown that we are using for our road 10 month road trip with our 2 and 4 year old. I did notice that you don’t even list Wisconsin as a state (with or without) a park. As a Wisconsinite myself, I get it… But just wanted to let you know.
Thanks so much, Lee! And you were right! The correction has been made 🙂
Wisconsin does have some lovely national park sites, however.
Cheers,
Will
nice article on the parks, but you left out one state with no national parks. Iowa doesn’t have a national park and you left it off all your lists.
Thanks for the heads up, Kenneth!
Just updated the article to include Iowa – we even have an article dedicated to Iowa’s National Parks!
Best,
Will
Will,
Great article and info! Illinois is another state without a national park, although it does have some NPS sites.
Cheers,
Jeff
Hey Jeff,
Great call on that one – thanks for the correction!
Best,
Will
Your Link titled “list of all 128 US National Monuments” does not work. I’d be very interested in it as well a list of all 428 Park sites if they have the physical address (or lat. & long.).
Thanks for letting us know, Jim! Updated the link and included it here: All 128 US National Monuments Ranked
Perhaps someday we will rank all 428 – that would be quite the epic undertaking. Need to see more of them first 😉
Best,
Will
I am a resident of East Tn where the Big South Fork National River and Recreation area is located. My children have noted that this area is never in any publications that we have seen. Can you please tell me why.
I love your site but I did see an error. The “Facts ” link for Channel Islands NP directs the reader to Black Canyon of the Gunnison and not Channel islands.
Thanks for catching that Sylva! Really appreciate the kind words 🙂
It’s now been fixed.
Cheers,
Will
There is a national park in GA – Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Not sure why this is not included – it makes me wonder if this list is comprehensive? The title is a little misleading!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for reaching out! While Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is one of the 424 units of the national park system, it is not by definition one of the 63 “national parks”. Check out our article, What Exactly is A National Park? for the full scoop!
Best,
Will
Idaho doesn’t have any NP’s either despite being one of the most picturesque ! (what is it with the I states?!?)
Yellowstone National Park is shared between Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming 🙂
The map with green trees and states in shades of brown show the state name except for Colorado. I did not find it.