This is the summer to take a road trip or go camping! Consider taking a day trip to the nearest state park or nearest body of water like a lake or beach. Or take your RV or motorhome for a weekend getaway or week-long road trip to visit outdoor landmarks. Whether you prefer scenic mountains, deserts, forests, plains, or coastal views – there's a road trip for everyone!

Where to Go to Avoid Large Crowds

• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – Waterfalls, spring wildflowers, hiking trails, wildlife, picnic areas, and 75 scenic overlooks.
• Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – About 300,000 acres near the Wyoming town of Jackson, at the base of the Teton mountains.
• Yellowstone National Park – A nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness recreation area featuring dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, hot springs, geysers, and hundreds of animal species.
• Badlands National Park, South Dakota – 244,000 acres of spectacular landscapes, native mixed grass prairie, wildlife, amazing fossils, and compelling human history.
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota – The figures of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
• Bar Harbor, Maine – A tranquil paradise praised for its coastal beauty and gateway to Acadia National Park, perfect for hiking, biking, and boating.
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts – A family-friendly New England vacation spot with colorful clam shacks and 40 miles of beautiful national seashore.
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado – Excellent summer weather with highs in the 70s and 80s, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and biking.
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – Incredible rock formations ranging from deep scarlet red to burnt orange to chalky white, with excellent hiking in warm weather.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina – Over 520,000 acres with impressive waterfalls, top-notch fishing, scenic drives, and one of the few national parks with free entry.

Outdoor trips to less populated areas are just one of many ways to still enjoy a summer vacation! Make sure to check the National Park Service website before you travel and be aware of any hour changes or closures.