Popular national parks brace for record-breaking visitation as peak summer travel approaches. But away from the spotlight, a broader range of underrated park experiences is gaining attention. These lesser-known national parks are perfect in May and June, offering more room to move, simpler ways to explore and a chance to connect with nature without the distractions that often come with more crowded destinations.
Before school lets out and vacationers flood the more famous parks, there’s a short window when spring still feels spacious. These destinations boast their own striking landscapes and natural appeal, with mild weather, open trails and plenty of room to roam before peak-season crowds arrive.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Tucked into Eastern Nevada near the Utah border, Great Basin is a quiet alpine retreat with elevations ranging from sagebrush valleys to 13,063-foot peaks. Late spring is the sweet spot: cool enough to explore lower elevations without the scorch of summer, and just early enough to catch the high-altitude trails as they begin to thaw. Snow lingers on the peaks, but warming conditions open a prime window for hiking and cave tours.
The park’s crown jewel, Wheeler Peak, offers brisk hikes through ancient bristlecone pine groves. Below ground, the marble-lined Lehman Caves reveal a striking underground world shaped by nature over millions of years. With clear skies and low humidity, this park’s designation as a Dark Sky site means nightfall transforms the landscape into one of the clearest stargazing spots in the country.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Covering over 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias dwarfs many national parks combined. It’s roughly the size of Yellowstone, Yosemite and Switzerland together. In May and June, melting snow reveals wildflower-covered meadows and rugged glacier fields at lower elevations.
The Root Glacier hike out of Kennecott is a visitor favorite, offering a chance to walk on ancient blue ice surrounded by towering peaks. Approximately 35% of the park is covered in glaciers and four major mountain ranges colliding in one place; this park gives travelers a rare look at Alaska’s untouched scale.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Located in Northeastern California, Lassen is where geology takes center stage. While not as well known as the state’s coastal parks, this park stands out for its dramatic volcanic features and spring accessibility. By late May, snow begins to melt from the main roads, revealing access to Bumpass Hell, the park’s largest hydrothermal area.
Sulfur vents shoot steam, boiling springs churn and mud pots bubble and hiss, turning the ground into a living landscape. The surrounding landscape includes lava beds, clear alpine lakes and wildflower-filled meadows, offering both science and serenity for spring travelers.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Located just outside Columbia, S.C., Congaree protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeastern United States. In May and June, its biodiversity is on full display: barred owls, river otters and even fireflies emerge in the thick of the swamp.
The park’s 2.4-mile boardwalk loop offers an easy way to explore the floodplain, while canoe trails lead through cypress knees and over mirrored waters. With temperatures still manageable and water levels generally cooperative, spring brings cooler temperatures and stable water levels, making it an ideal season for experiencing Congaree’s biodiversity.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Set in the northwest corner of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks in the country, not for lack of beauty, but because it’s only accessible by ferry or seaplane. Open from mid-April through October, this remote island wilderness offers pristine trails and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
By May and June, the mosquitoes haven’t arrived in full force yet, and the hiking trails are cool, quiet and lush. Backpackers, kayakers and wildlife watchers come here for solitude and silence, often spotting moose, loons and the occasional wolf along the way.
The isolation is part of the appeal: no cars, no roads, no casual day-trippers; just miles of trails, clear inland lakes and quiet campsites that demand intention and reward with deep immersion. The park’s remoteness and absence of vehicles create an environment defined by natural quiet and true wilderness.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Located in the rugged Badlands of Western North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park blends sweeping prairie views with dramatic canyons and colorful rock formations. In May and June, wildflowers blanket the grasslands, and bison, wild horses and elk roam more freely before the summer heat intensifies.
The scenic loop drive, accessible trails and light spring visitation offer road trippers an easy way to explore the park. Drivers can spot bison herds from the comfort of their car and hop out for short walks along prairie dog towns or into painted canyon overlooks. Blooming wildflowers and roaming wildlife turn the drive into a guided tour of the region’s rugged charm.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Often referred to as the American Alps, the North Cascades is a paradise of jagged peaks, glacier-fed lakes and alpine meadows. Late spring brings a rush of snowmelt, feeding waterfalls and making valley trails more accessible.
While much of the higher terrain remains snowbound into early summer, the lower elevations, especially around Diablo Lake, offer dramatic views and a good chance to spot black bears or mountain goats. Its relative remoteness, limited infrastructure and rugged terrain help preserve the park’s quiet, backcountry appeal.
A quieter path worth taking
These lesser-known national parks remind travelers that adventure doesn’t need a crowd to be meaningful. In May and June, they offer the kind of stillness, access and beauty that’s hard to find during peak season. These parks attract fewer visitors yet provide the same level of wonder, encouraging travelers to seek out spaces where nature moves at its own pace. For those willing to trade hype for quiet trails, these parks are where spring truly shines.
Zuzana Paar, creator of Amazing Travel Life, is a seasoned traveler and writer who has explored 62 countries and lived in St. Lucia, Dubai, Vienna, Doha and Slovakia. Her work has been featured in Fox News, NY Daily News, MSN and more; she has also appeared live on the Chicago WGN Bob Sirott Radio Show. When she’s not discovering new destinations, she shares travel tips and insider insights to help others experience the world in a unique and unforgettable way.