5 of America’s Most Underrated Parks For Camping

You’ve probably walked past hidden gems while chasing the same crowded trails everyone else raves about. America’s most underrated national parks offer the same breathtaking experiences as their famous cousins—without the hefty price tags or elbow-to-elbow camping spots. These five overlooked destinations will stretch your camping budget further while delivering solitude that’s become nearly impossible to find at places like Yellowstone or Yosemite. Here’s where savvy outdoor enthusiasts escape the masses.

Key Points

• Great Sand Dunes National Park offers camping beneath 750-foot dunes with excellent stargazing and unique sandboarding opportunities.
• Isle Royale National Park provides remote wilderness camping accessible only by boat, featuring wildlife and complete digital detox.
• North Cascades National Park delivers solitude with free backcountry camping among 300 glaciers and challenging mountain terrain.
• Congaree National Park features budget-friendly camping in America’s largest intact old-growth bottomland forest with firefly displays.
• Channel Islands National Park offers primitive island camping with endemic wildlife, sea caves, and “Galapagos of North America” experiences.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Why settle for crowded campgrounds when you can pitch your tent beneath some of the tallest sand dunes in North America? Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an otherworldly camping experience that won’t break your budget.

You’ll find three campgrounds with reasonable rates, plus free backcountry camping if you’re feeling adventurous.

The park’s 750-foot dunes create a stunning backdrop for your campsite, especially during sunrise and sunset when they glow golden. You can sandboard or sand surf during the day – just bring your own gear to save money.

Medano Creek flows seasonally, providing an invigorating splash after climbing dunes.

Book campsites early since there are only 88 spots available.

You’ll discover this Colorado gem offers incredible stargazing opportunities without the crowds found at more famous parks. For those seeking more extreme winter adventures, Colorado also features some of the nation’s premier glacier climbing trails for experienced mountaineers.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Where else can you camp on a remote island accessible only by boat or seaplane without leaving the continental United States? Isle Royale National Park offers true wilderness camping in Lake Superior’s pristine waters. You’ll find 36 designated campgrounds scattered across this 45-mile-long island, each providing pit toilets and food storage lockers.

Since there’s no cell service or stores, you’ll need to pack everything. The ferry costs around $70 per person, making it budget-friendly compared to flying to remote destinations. You’ll share the island with moose, wolves, and absolutely zero crowds during shoulder seasons.

Proper trip planning ensures you bring all necessary supplies for this remote wilderness experience.

What makes Isle Royale special:

• No roads or vehicles anywhere on the island
• Free camping permits (just register upon arrival)
• World-class hiking trails connecting campsites
• Excellent fishing for lake trout and northern pike
• Complete digital detox experience

North Cascades National Park, Washington

While most visitors flock to Mount Rainier or Olympic, North Cascades National Park remains Washington’s best-kept secret for backcountry camping. You’ll find dramatic alpine scenery without the crowds—over 300 glaciers, pristine lakes, and jagged peaks that’ll take your breath away.

The park offers free backcountry camping with a permit, making it incredibly budget-friendly. You can snag permits online or at ranger stations. Popular spots include Cascade Pass and Blue Lake, but you’ll discover countless hidden gems along the park’s 400+ miles of trails.

Pack layers—weather changes quickly in these mountains. You’ll need a bear canister for food storage, and water sources are abundant during summer months. Plan for challenging terrain, but the solitude and stunning vistas make every step worthwhile.

For those seeking more comfort and convenience, consider exploring self-contained camping trailers that can access nearby campgrounds and provide a comfortable base for day hikes into the wilderness.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Though it lacks the towering peaks of western parks, Congaree National Park delivers an otherworldly camping experience in South Carolina’s largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. You’ll find yourself surrounded by champion trees and haunting beauty that’s completely free to explore.

The Longleaf Campground offers basic sites perfect for budget camping. You won’t find hookups, but vault toilets and potable water keep costs down while maintaining comfort.

If you’re planning water activities, consider whether renting or buying a used boat might enhance your Cedar Creek adventures.

• Champion trees – Some of the tallest specimens in the eastern United States
• Synchronous fireflies – Magical light shows during late spring evenings
• Boardwalk Loop Trail – Easy 2.4-mile elevated walk through the canopy
• Canoeing opportunities – Paddle Cedar Creek when water levels permit
• Dark sky viewing – Minimal light pollution for excellent stargazing

Channel Islands National Park, California

From South Carolina’s ancient forests, we head west to California’s “Galapagos of North America” – Channel Islands National Park. You’ll discover five pristine islands where endemic foxes roam and over 2,000 plant species thrive.

The park’s isolation keeps crowds away, making it perfect for solitude seekers.

You can’t drive here – ferry transportation from Ventura costs around $50-70 per person. Once there, you’ll find primitive camping at Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands.

There’s no water, electricity, or stores, so pack everything you need. Backcountry permits cost just $15 per night.

The reward? Incredible wildlife viewing, sea cave kayaking, and some of California’s best night skies. You’ll snorkel kelp forests, spot whales offshore, and experience California’s wild side without the typical park crowds. With so much natural beauty to explore, families can enjoy camping activities that create lasting memories across all ages.

Sum Up

You’ll discover these hidden gems won’t break the bank like their famous counterparts. Pack your gear and escape the tourist traps – these underrated parks are diamonds in the rough, offering incredible experiences without the hefty price tags or overwhelming crowds. From Colorado’s sandy peaks to California’s island adventures, you’re getting premium wilderness at budget-friendly prices. Don’t wait for others to catch on; these secret spots won’t stay secret forever.