Article Overview: Most Visited National Parks
The new numbers are out for the most visited national parks for the calendar year 2022! But wait it’s 2023, right? Yes, which means the most updated numbers available are from total national park visits in 2022.
In this article, we want to familiarize you with the most visited national parks in the United States (or most popular national parks) based on the most recent data from the Department of the Interior.
While you may not agree with this list, please keep in mind that this list is based entirely on traffic to the national parks as reported by the National Park Service in 2022.
At the bottom of this article we’ve included the plain text detailed lists including:
- Top 10 Most Visited National Parks
- Top 10 Least Visited National Parks
- Complete List of All 63 National Parks With Visitation Numbers
Most Visited National Parks
Table of Contents: Most Visited National Parks
Table of Contents: Most Visited National Parks
US National Parks List & Map
Check out our Complete List of National Parks with comprehensive resources for each one including FREE National Parks Maps, best hikes & trails, interesting facts, amazing things to do, & more.
The Most Visited National Parks in America
In 2022, overall visitation to National Park sites across America increased by 14,870,592 million visitors from 2021 while many facilities were still re-opening from the pandemic.
For reference, in 2021 there were 297,115,406 total recreational visits to all national park sites including monuments, national recreation areas, and more (check out our article learn more about all the different categories of national park sites).
And while the national parks are feeling crowded these days, numbers are still down overall from the record high levels of visitation during the centennial but have essentially recovered back to pre-pandemic visitation.
Key Takeaways from the 2023 National Park Visitation Statistics
A key takeaway from this year’s report is that domestic visitation to the national parks has increased from last year but is still down significantly from the all time highs of the centennial year (330,971,689).
Another key takeaway is that there were less visits to the 63 congressionally designated national parks in 2022 than 2021 (down 4%).
This means that visitation trended away from the 63 National Parks to other, less-prestigious national park sites.
The park with the greatest decline in visitors was Yellowstone National Park (-1,570,000) which can be attributed to the closures and ensuing uncertainty as a result of the catastrophic flooding the park experienced.
The park with the greatest increase in visitors was Hot Springs National Park which saw 483,249 more visitors in 2022 than 2021.
Highlights from the NPS Visitation statistics:
- 311,985,998 total recreation visits to all park sites
- 88,662,181 total visits to the 63 congressionally designated national parks (down 4% from 2021) 92,251,867
- 1,358,946,990 total recreation visitor hours
- 13,254,119 overnight stays
- 27 national parks had over 1 million recreation visits (up 8 from the previous year)
Note: I’ve included a complete table of the full stats at the bottom in case you’re like me and want to nerd out with the numbers .
Most Visited National Park FAQ
The most visited national park in the World is Great Smoky Mountains National Park which received 12,937,633 million visitors last year.
Last year there were 88,632,027 total visits to the 63 congressionally designated national parks.
The top 10 most visited national parks are:
1- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 12,937,633
2- Grand Canyon National Park – 4,732,101
3- Zion National Park – 4,692,417
4 – Rocky Mountain National Park – 4,300,424
5 – Acadia National Park – 3,970,260
6 – Yosemite National Park – 3,667,550
7 – Yellowstone National Park – 3,290,242
8 – Joshua Tree National Park – 3,058,294
9 – Cuyahoga Valley National Park – 2,913,312
10 – Glacier National Park – 2,908,458
Why Listen to Us About the Most Visited National Parks?
You should probably know that we didn’t just make this list 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.
Top 5 Most Popular US National Parks
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee & North Carolina
2022 Visitation: 12,937,633
2021 Visitation: 14.1 million (#1)
2020 Numbers: 12.1 million (#1)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Guide / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Great Smoky Mountains remains the most visited National Park in America in 2022 receiving 2 million less visits than in 2021.
Park Description
One of the best national parks in America is also the most popular receiving more visits annually than any other national park.
Considered the crown jewel of the eastern U.S. parks by many, Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects a vast swath of the immense beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
These old mountains and forests and streams have a character about them that tends to invite one to slow down and imagine a world where this was what much of the eastern United States looked like.
Herds of elk freely roam the park and bears, otters, deer, foxes, and woodpeckers are commonly sighted.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the fall when the brilliant foliage is on full display. The month of October is the best time to see peak fall colors.
Best Things to Do
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mecca for outdoor lovers. Along with its abundant wildflowers and wildlife, a few of our favorite things to see and do include:
- Visiting the stunning waterfalls along wooded trails including Grotto Falls
- Climbing Clingmans Dome or Chimney Tops
- Taking a scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- We also recommend visiting the educational exhibits, including historic structures from early settlers like those at Cades Cove
Relevant Links
- Park Guide: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide
- Things to Do: 15 (INCREDIBLE) Things to Do Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
2022 Visitation: 4,732,101
2021 Visitation: 4.5 million (#4)
2020 Numbers: 2.9 million (#6)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Best Views / Closest Cities / South Rim / Where to Stay / Winter / Facts
Visitation Summary
Grand Canyon National Park rose two spots to become America’s second most visited national park. The park saw a rise in visitation of two hundred thousand visitors from 2021 numbers.
Description
We could try to describe to you the singular beauty and majesty of one of the great wonders of the world or we could let one of America’s greatest presidents do it. We’re going to let President Theodore Roosevelt do it.
“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world. I want to ask you to keep this great wonder of nature as it now is.
I hope you will not have a building of any kind, not a summer cottage, a hotel or anything else, to mar the wonderful grandeur, the sublimity, the great loneliness and beauty of the canyon. Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park is during the off-season like September and October when the park cools down and so does the visitation.
3. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
2022 Visitation: 4,692,417
2021 Visitation: 5,039,835 (#2)
2020 Numbers: 3.6 million (#3)
My Favorite Resources: Guide | Things to Do | Hikes | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Road Trip
Visitation Summary
Zion National Park dropped to the third most visited national park in America, still surpassing the much larger Yellowstone in overall visits and popularity.
Given its relative size this sort of visitation is extremely difficult to manage.
We highly encourage folks visit Zion in shoulder seasons (spring & fall) and visit nearby equally spectacular National Forests.
Description
Listen folks, we love Zion, but the truth is this park is an absolute mess right now with crowds regularly over-running the place.
We hear a lot today about our national parks being “loved to death” and no park epitomizes this problem more than Zion.
Zion is the most crowded national park for its size.
While the park is jaw-droppingly beautiful and home to world-class recreational opportunities, it’s also completely choked with tourists on every trail and crowding every vista.
Buses, lottery systems, permits, closures, and still the crowds swarm like moths to a flame. What’s that old proverb? If you love it, let it go.
Best Time to Visit
If you are looking to avoid the crowds then the best time to visit Zion National Park is during the fall to see the spectacular foliage on full display and a tiny fraction of the summer crowds.
Relevant Links
- Park Guide: Zion National Park Guide
- Things to Do: 11 BREATHTAKING Things to Do Zion National Park
- Hikes: Best Hikes in Zion National Park
- Utah Road Trip: The Best Utah National Parks Road Trip
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
2022 Visitation: 4,300,424
2021 Visitation: 4,434,848 (#5)
2020 Numbers: 3.3 million (#3)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Visitation Summary
Rocky Mountain National Park rose to the fourth most visited national park in America. This happened despite the park seeing a slight decrease in overall visitors year over year.
Description
Tucked into the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 400 square miles of breathtaking mountain scenery and is the 4th most popular national park in the US.
This national park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the American Rockies and it’s no wonder why.
Rocky Mountain is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, beaver, deer, black bear, eagles, marmots, mountain lions, and so much more.
Best Time To Visit
We recommend going to see the magnificent fall colors from late-September to the beginning of October as well as elk rutting season.
Resources
- Guide: Rocky Mountain National Park: An (Epic) Photo Guide to Colorado’s Gem
- Best Hikes: 18+ EPIC ROCKY MOUNTAIN National Park HIKES (+ Photos)
- Things to Do: 15 EPIC Things to Do in ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK (+ Photos)
- Colorado National Parks: These 4 (EPIC) Colorado National Parks Will Blow Your Mind
5. Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
2022 Visitation: 3,970,260
2021 Visitation: 4,069,098 (#6)
2020 Numbers: 2.7 million (#8)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Hikes / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts / Things to Do / Summer / Winter / Road Trip
Visitation Summary
Acadia National Park was America’s fifth most visited national park in 2022 rising one spots from 2021. In 2022 Acadia National Park saw a slight decrease in visitors year over year.
Description
Along the rocky shores of Maine’s coast you’ll find this easternmost national park. Once the exclusive domain of the gilded age elite, a few civic-minded residents decided to make Acadia’s beauty available to all Americans by donating the land to the national park service – and boy are we glad they did.
With rounded mountains, shimmering lakes (called ponds here) , rugged coastline, and forests dotted with old stone roads and trails this New England national park is a real treasure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Acadia National Park is in the Fall when one of the most brilliant foliage displays in the world takes place. Mid to late October is best for peak fall foliage but you really can’t go wrong here.
Where to Stay
Resources
- Guide: Acadia National Park Guide
Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in America
6. Yosemite National Park
Location: California
2022 Visitation: 3,667,550
2021 Visitation: 3,287,595 (#8)
2020 Numbers: 2.3 million (#12)
My Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay / Things to Do
Visitation Summary
Yosemite rose two places to become the sixth most visited national park in America. This past year Yosemite increased an increase in visitation by nearly four hundred thousand visitors.
We recommend only visiting this park in the off-season or during times that the reservation system is in place due to the severe overcrowding.
Description
Alas, it’s the 21st century and John Muir’s “grandest of all temples of nature” is bursting at the seams with tourists in search of their latest social media trophy.
But at the end of the day it’s still Yosemite National Park. Once there you’ll realize just why the park is one of the most popular in the US.
Despite the summer crowds, the valley and the park are truly one of the natural wonders of the world. The immense beauty found here is overwhelming and has a tendency to make one feel small in the most humbling way.
Best Time To Visit
We recommend visiting in the off-season for the best experience. This means avoid peak summer crowds by visiting in the spring and fall.
Resources
- Facts: 10 Shocking Yosemite Facts That Will Change the Way You View The Park
7. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming, Montana & Idaho
2022 Visitation: 3,290,242
2021 Visitation: 4,860,242 (#3)
2020 Numbers: 3.8 million (#2)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Facts / Airports / Where to Stay
Visitation Summary
In 2022 Yellowstone fell from the third most visited national park to the seventh most visited national park in America. This happened as a direct result of the closures caused by the major flooding event that occurred in the park and the uncertainty that ensued even when the park was reopened.
Description
Ah, Yellowstone National Park, the national park that started it all is the third most visited national park in America.
Yellowstone is an absolutely spectacular and magical national park.
A landscape dotted with otherworldly thermal works, bison holdouts from a time when they ruled the prairie, a thriving wolf population, and an encapsulation of the great American west.
Yellowstone is the Disneyland of national parks complete with food courts, souvenir shops, resort villages, and more.
Street traffic (and we’re not talking “bison jams”) due to the sheer amount of cars entering the park has become a real issue here.
As a result, and despite it’s stunning beauty, but we recommend visiting in the off-season for the best experience.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Yellowstone is during the shoulder season when visitation is down. We like September when crowds are reduced and some fall foliage is popping throughout the park.
Best Things to Do
So many things. So little time. Of course, we recommend visiting Old Faithful, taking the magnificent Grand Canyon Rim hike, a whitewater rafting adventure if you’re willing to be a bit daring, taking the five-mile loop hike through the entire Upper Geyser Basin or just enjoying the endless views of mountains, geysers, canyons, rivers, lakes and so much more.
Resources
- Things to Do: 15 BEST Things to Do Yellowstone National Park (Photos + Tips)
- Airports: The Best AIRPORTS NEAR YELLOWSTONE (An Expert Guide + Tips)
- Interesting Facts: 10+ (FASCINATING) Yellowstone National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Realize
8. Joshua Tree National Park
Location: California
2022 Visitation: 3,058,294
2021 Visitation: 3,064,400 (#11)
2020 Numbers: 2.4 million (#10)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Hikes / Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Visitation Summary
Joshua Tree National Park rose three places to re-enter the top ten most visited national parks at number eight. This happened despite seeing a very slight decrease in visitation.
Description
Oh Joshua Tree. Has any park been more idolized by musicians and pop-culture? What was once thought of as an interesting other-worldly filming location for old Hollywood television productions like Star Trek, is now every budding artist’s pilgrimage for photo shoots and experimental…well, anyway.
Alas, through all of its publicity Joshua Tree has not lost any of its beauty, and despite its crowds still provides plenty of space to explore it’s magical desert landscapes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the cooler months of the year. We recommend fall and winter.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Ohio
2022 Visitation: 2,913,312
2021 Visitation: 2,575,275 (#13)
2020 Numbers: 2.8 million (#7)
Our Favorite Resources: Guidebook | Things to Do | Facts
Visitation Summary
Cuyahoga Valley National Park rose four spots to enter the top ten most visited national parks in the country at number nine. The park saw a rise of four hundred thousand visitors year over year which contributed to this elevated position on the list.
Description
What was once a superfund cleanup site is now a beautiful national park (thank you, Jimmy Carter). Cuyahoga is a great place to spend a day and soak in the natural beauty of Ohio. It’s location near Cleveland makes it an easy stop for any park-lover to add on their trip to the city.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park is in the fall to see the spectacular fall foliage.
10. Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
2022 Visitation: 2,908,458
2021 Visitation: 3,081,656 (#10)
2020 Numbers: 1.7 million (#13)
Our Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Itinerary / Facts
Visitation Summary
Glacier National Park was the only one in the top ten most visited national parks not to move spots year over year, staying steady at number ten. This happened despite Glacier seeing a slight decrease in overall visitors year over year.
Description
Glacier National Park is one of the grandfathers of the National Park Service and continues to stand the test of time as one of the best national parks in the US. This exceedingly beautiful mountainous park and its jaw-dropping vistas make other park overlooks seem tame by comparison.
If you can make the drive from the nearest major airport or city, (which aren’t exactly close), Glacier provides ample recreation opportunities and a park experience that people of all abilities can enjoy.
Among the musts in this park is driving the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, a true engineering marvel that winds through the mountains providing unparalleled views of one of the best national parks in America.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in the Fall and Summer. It also happens to be the most popular time to visit the park to be prepared for crowds.
Resources
11. Indiana Dunes National Park
Location: Indiana
2022 Visitation: 2,834,180
2021 Visitation: 3,177,210 (#9)
2020 Numbers: 2.3 million (#11)
Resources: Guidebook
Visitation Summary
Indiana Dunes dropped two spots to fall out of the top ten most visited national parks, landing at number eleven on our list. Visitation decreased by roughly a quarter of a million visitors which contributed to the drop.
Description
We can now have a day on the beach in the great lakes *in* a national park – about time, right? Indiana Dunes is a really cool spot and one of the most recent additions to the NPS system.
While not quite on the level of most of the other parks in terms of scenery it’s still a great place to see!
12. Grand Teton National Park
Location: Wyoming
2022 Visitation: 2,806,223
2021 Visitation: 3,885,230 (#7)
2020 Numbers: 3.3 million (#5)
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Maps / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Visitation Summary
Grand Teton National Park fell to the twelfth most visited national park from the seventh seeing the steepest drop in ranking of any park in the top 15. The park received one million less visitors in 2022 than 2021. This can largely be attributed as a “downstream” effect of the flooding in Yellowstone.
Description
Grand Teton National Park is truly iconic and, thanks to strong management and foresight, has been able to avoid the crowding more characteristic of it’s neighbor to the north, Yellowstone.
Here you’ll find the spectacular Teton mountains, the winding Snake River, gorgeous lakes and valleys, and some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the entire national park system.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is early July when wildlife is on the move and wildflowers are on full display.
Where to Stay
Resources:
- Things to Do: 15 Best Things to Do Grand Teton National Park
- Hikes: Best Hikes Grand Teton National Park
- Park Guide: Grand Teton National Park Guide
13. Hot Springs National Park
Location: Arkansas
2022 Visitation: 2,646,133
2021 Visitation: 2.2 million (#14)
2020 Numbers: 1.3 million (#16)
Our Favorite Resources: Things to Do | Facts
Visitation Summary
Despite being ranked as the second worst national park in America, Hot Springs National Park stayed in the top fifteen most visited national park, rising one spot to land at number 13 on the list.
The park’s visitation increased sharply for the second year in a row rising another four hundred thousand visitors year over year.
Description
While this site should definitely be protected, featuring some really great historical and natural areas, are we sure the full “National Park” designation is the right one for Hot Springs?
In our estimation it seems it would be perfect for a National Historic Park designation or perhaps even a National Monument designation.
It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area but were it not for a recent addition to the national park system it would rank at the bottom of our list.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is in the fall to see the spectacular fall foliage and in the spring to avoid peak crowds.
14. Olympic National Park
Location: Washington
2022 Visitation: 2,432,972
2021 Visitation: 2.7 million (#12)
2020 Numbers: 2.3 million (#9)
My Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Video
Visitation Summary
Despite being ranked the best national park in America, Olympic National Park dropped two spots on our list of the most visited national parks to number fourteen. This happened in part due to a drop in visitation of nearly three hundred thousand visitors year over year.
Description
Olympic National Park is the most diverse national park in America, hands down. This park has everything from lowland forests, striking mountain ranges, pristine alpine lakes, sparkling rivers, temperate rainforests (the largest in North America), iconic wildlife, and over 50 miles of wild coastline!
Oh, and it’s a stones throw from Seattle! Olympic National Park truly has it all and without the crowds that have become so insidious in other US national parks in recent years – which is why we rank this Pacific Northwest gem as the best national park in America.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Olympic National Park is in the summer when precipitation is at a low, trails are melted out, temperatures are warm, and days are long.
Specifically, the months of July and August are best but make sure to check for fires in the area prior to booking your trip (if possible).
Where To Stay
Resources
- Guide: OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK (Washington, U.S.)
- Hikes: 9 EPIC Hikes in Olympic National Park (Expert Guide + Video)
15. Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Utah
2022 Visitation: 2,354,660
2021 Visitation: 2.1 million (#15)
2020 Numbers: 1.5 million (#15)
Our Favorite Resources: Map | Guidebook | Road Trip | Where to Stay | Facts
Visitation Summary
Bryce Canyon National Park remained the fifteenth most visited national park in America despite seeing an increase in visitation of two hundred thousand visitors.
Description
As far as the mighty 5 Utah national parks go, Bryce Canyon clocks in at number 5 on the list.
I’ll be the first to say that the Navajo Loop trail in Bryce Canyon is among the most beautiful I’ve hiked in the parks system.
Sunrises in the park are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
However, the scenery here, while beautiful, doesn’t change past the main viewing area near Sunset Point. Add the crowds here which are tour bus large, with the relative small size of the park and we arrive at 5th out of 5.
With that being said, even Utah’s lowest ranking park still ranks higher than most other parks.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is in the spring and fall to avoid peak crowds.
Map of Most Visited National Parks
List of Top 10 Most Visited National Parks
| 1 | Great Smoky Mountains NP | 12,937,633 |
| 2 | Grand Canyon NP | 4,732,101 |
| 3 | Zion NP | 4,692,417 |
| 4 | Rocky Mountain NP | 4,300,424 |
| 5 | Acadia NP | 3,970,260 |
| 6 | Yosemite NP | 3,667,550 |
| 7 | Yellowstone NP | 3,290,242 |
| 8 | Joshua Tree NP | 3,058,294 |
| 9 | Cuyahoga Valley NP | 2,913,312 |
| 10 | Glacier NP | 2,908,458 |
List of Top 10 Least Visited National Parks
| 54 | Great Basin NP | 142,115 |
| 55 | Dry Tortugas NP | 78,488 |
| 56 | Wrangell-St. Elias NP & PRES | 65,236 |
| 57 | Katmai NP & PRES | 33,908 |
| 58 | North Cascades NP | 30,154 |
| 59 | Isle Royale NP | 25,454 |
| 60 | Lake Clark NP & PRES | 18,187 |
| 61 | Kobuk Valley NP | 16,925 |
| 62 | Gates of the Arctic NP & PRES | 9,457 |
| 63 | National Park of American Samoa | 1,887 |
Complete List of All 63 Most Visited National Parks
| 1 | Great Smoky Mountains NP | 12,937,633 |
| 2 | Grand Canyon NP | 4,732,101 |
| 3 | Zion NP | 4,692,417 |
| 4 | Rocky Mountain NP | 4,300,424 |
| 5 | Acadia NP | 3,970,260 |
| 6 | Yosemite NP | 3,667,550 |
| 7 | Yellowstone NP | 3,290,242 |
| 8 | Joshua Tree NP | 3,058,294 |
| 9 | Cuyahoga Valley NP | 2,913,312 |
| 10 | Glacier NP | 2,908,458 |
| 11 | Indiana Dunes NP | 2,834,180 |
| 12 | Grand Teton NP | 2,806,223 |
| 13 | Hot Springs NP | 2,646,133 |
| 14 | Olympic NP | 2,432,972 |
| 15 | Bryce Canyon NP | 2,354,660 |
| 16 | Mount Rainier NP | 1,622,395 |
| 17 | Gateway Arch NP | 1,618,774 |
| 18 | New River Gorge NP & PRES | 1,593,523 |
| 19 | Hawaii Volcanoes NP | 1,580,961 |
| 20 | Arches NP | 1,460,652 |
| 21 | Shenandoah NP | 1,449,300 |
| 22 | Capitol Reef NP | 1,227,608 |
| 23 | Everglades NP | 1,155,193 |
| 24 | Sequoia NP | 1,153,198 |
| 25 | Death Valley NP | 1,128,862 |
| 26 | Haleakala NP | 1,087,616 |
| 27 | Badlands NP | 1,006,809 |
| 28 | Saguaro NP | 908,194 |
| 29 | Canyonlands NP | 779,147 |
| 30 | White Sands NP | 705,127 |
| 31 | Biscayne NP | 701,023 |
| 32 | Theodore Roosevelt NP | 668,679 |
| 33 | Mammoth Cave NP | 663,147 |
| 34 | Kings Canyon NP | 640,986 |
| 35 | Wind Cave NP | 607,418 |
| 36 | Glacier Bay NP & PRES | 545,758 |
| 37 | Crater Lake NP | 527,259 |
| 38 | Big Bend NP | 514,107 |
| 39 | Petrified Forest NP | 505,209 |
| 40 | Mesa Verde NP | 499,790 |
| 41 | Great Sand Dunes NP & PRES | 493,428 |
| 42 | Redwood NP | 458,400 |
| 43 | Lassen Volcanic NP | 446,291 |
| 44 | Denali NP & PRES | 427,562 |
| 45 | Carlsbad Caverns NP | 390,932 |
| 46 | Kenai Fjords NP | 389,943 |
| 47 | Channel Islands NP | 323,245 |
| 48 | Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP | 297,257 |
| 49 | Pinnacles NP | 275,023 |
| 50 | Voyageurs NP | 221,434 |
| 51 | Guadalupe Mountains NP | 219,987 |
| 52 | Congaree NP | 204,522 |
| 53 | Virgin Islands NP | 196,752 |
| 54 | Great Basin NP | 142,115 |
| 55 | Dry Tortugas NP | 78,488 |
| 56 | Wrangell-St. Elias NP & PRES | 65,236 |
| 57 | Katmai NP & PRES | 33,908 |
| 58 | North Cascades NP | 30,154 |
| 59 | Isle Royale NP | 25,454 |
| 60 | Lake Clark NP & PRES | 18,187 |
| 61 | Kobuk Valley NP | 16,925 |
| 62 | Gates of the Arctic NP & PRES | 9,457 |
| 63 | National Park of American Samoa | 1,887 |
Leave us a comment below!
What do you think of this list? Any parks surprise you? Leave us a comment below!
See Our Full National Park Rankings
We actually ranked ALL 63 National Parks from best to worst using the same point system featured in this article here. Curious to see how California’s parks stack up against the rest of the parks nationwide?
most popular national parks, popular national parks, top visited national parks, most crowded naional parks, most popular national parks, popular national parks, top visited national parks, most crowded national parks,
More Helpful Information on the National Parks
List of National Monuments: Ultimate List of National Monuments (Alphabetical + By State)
Best National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED By Experts
List of National Monuments: Ultimate List of National Monuments (Alphabetical + By State)
Free Downloadable National Parks Map & List: LIST & MAP of National Parks By State (+ Printable Checklist)
Best National Parks to Visit: 20 Best National Parks to Visit 2023
Largest National Parks: 15 Largest National Parks in the United States (+ Full List)
Best National Monuments: All 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
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
Utah National Parks Road Trips: 5 Best Utah National Park Road Trips
Best National Park Road Trips: 10 Best National Park Road Trips
You list Zion National Park in Tennessee, it’s in Utah. Probably should change that.
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for the catch! We just updated & re-ordered this list with the new data from 2021 and looks like that one got transposed.
Have a great day!
Will
It’s shocking to see Death Valley and Sequoia at 23 and 26 respectively even though being more popular than many in the top 20.
However, it’s a superb article! Keep posting!
Hi Manikanta,
I felt the same way! So many great gems out there that are somewhat lesser visited. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Best,
Will
The title says 2022 but all of the data and text says 2021, and the numbers/parks aren’t accurate… It’s disappointing to see this ranking #1 on Google when it’s full of errors.
Hi Valerie,
Thanks so much for taking the time to read through this article and leave a comment. You were completely right – the numbers were dated and that’s on us. I just totally updated the article with all of the latest numbers and stats. Let me know if you think I’m missing anything that would be helpful and I’ll be glad to update again.
Best,
Will