10 National Parks with Free Entry in 2025 – Skip the Fees & Explore America’s Wildest Landscapes! Discover Hidden Gems and Breathtaking Views
Imagine standing on the edge of a towering cliff, the wind brushing your face as endless landscapes stretch out before you. The air is thick with the scent of pine and fresh earth, and every breath feels like an immersion in nature’s untouched beauty.
In 2025, America’s wildest landscapes are calling—no entry fee required. The chance to lose yourself in nature’s grandeur is not just a luxury; it’s an invitation to reset, to marvel, and to explore.
The adventure of a lifetime awaits, and in the pages ahead, you’ll uncover where to go, how to experience it, and what to expect.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nestled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, mist-shrouded ridges, and verdant valleys. The park is the most visited in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. With its towering peaks and rolling fog, it offers an ethereal atmosphere, especially at dawn, when the mist swirls through the trees, casting the landscape in a soft, magical light. The park boasts over 19,000 documented species of living organisms, and the rich plant life bursts into color every spring and fall, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
As you wander through the forested trails, you’ll encounter rustic log cabins, remnants of Appalachian life, and charming mountain streams. One of the most memorable moments is hiking to Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point, where sweeping views of the endless ridgelines unfold before you. The beauty of the Smokies is not just in its vast landscapes, but in the quiet serenity that seems to envelop you. Whether you’re photographing the mist-covered mountains at sunrise or stopping to take in the peaceful hum of the forest, this park invites moments of introspection.
Key Practical Information:
- Peak Season: Fall, when the foliage turns to brilliant hues of orange and red; Off-peak: Spring and winter, when crowds thin out and the park takes on a quieter charm.
- How to Reach: The park is accessible by car from nearby cities like Asheville and Knoxville. Hiking is the best way to explore its hidden gems.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days to fully experience its beauty, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks.
- Must-try Experience: Explore the historic Cades Cove loop for a chance to see wildlife and old homesteads.
- Budget Tips: Since the park has no entry fee, your main expenses will be transportation and lodging in nearby towns like Gatlinburg.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect the natural environment by staying on marked trails, and be mindful of the wildlife, such as black bears, that inhabit the park.
- Photography: The early morning mist is perfect for atmospheric shots, and Cades Cove offers great wildlife photography opportunities.
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of those iconic places that exceeds expectations, where every twist and turn of its towering cliffs, tranquil meadows, and cascading waterfalls offers a new adventure. The massive granite monoliths of El Capitan and Half Dome rise above the valley like timeless sentinels, their jagged outlines etched into the landscape for millions of years. As you stand in the valley, the grandeur of these formations is enough to leave you breathless, making it clear why John Muir described this park as “the grandest of all the special temples of nature.”
The experience here is as much about the small moments as it is about the monumental views. Hiking through Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, you’ll find yourself dwarfed by the ancient trees, some over 2,000 years old. Yosemite also offers something for every type of explorer, whether it’s rock climbing, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the serenity by Mirror Lake. The magic of Yosemite is in the way it draws you in, making you feel both insignificant and deeply connected to the Earth at the same time.
Key Practical Information:
- Peak Season: Summer, for full access to trails and visitor services; Off-peak: Spring and early fall, when the crowds thin out but the park still offers stunning views.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by car from San Francisco or Fresno. Yosemite’s shuttle system offers a great way to get around the park without a car.
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days, perfect for hiking and exploring various park landmarks.
- Must-try Experience: A hike to Glacier Point for the best panoramic view of Yosemite Valley and the high country.
- Budget Tips: While the entrance fee is waived on free days, lodging inside the park can be expensive. Consider staying in nearby towns like Mariposa for more affordable options.
- Cultural Etiquette: Yosemite is sacred to Native American tribes such as the Ahwahneechee. Learn about their history through educational programs and signage.
- Photography: The golden hour at El Capitan is unbeatable, and Bridalveil Fall is stunning for long exposure shots.
3. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, located in the heart of southern Utah, is a land of stunning contrasts—towering red sandstone cliffs, lush valleys, and winding rivers. As you stand in Zion Canyon, surrounded by cliffs that soar 2,000 feet above, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The most iconic hike here is Angel’s Landing, an exhilarating trail that offers unmatched views from the summit. While the hike is challenging, it’s the type of adventure that rewards you with a sense of accomplishment and an unbeatable vista.
Beyond the canyon walls, Zion has an incredibly diverse landscape. You can float down the Virgin River, stroll through the serene Kolob Canyons, or explore the lesser-known The Narrows, where you wade through the river as the canyon narrows around you. Zion is a park that rewards both adventurers and those looking for peaceful moments of reflection. The interplay of natural light on the red rock is a sight to behold, making each moment feel cinematic, like you’re in a living painting.
Key Practical Information:
- Peak Season: Spring and fall, with cooler temperatures and spectacular views; Off-peak: Winter, when the crowds are smaller but some services may be limited.
- How to Reach: The closest major city is St. George, and Zion is accessible by car from there. The park has a shuttle system that operates in peak seasons.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days to experience both the hikes and scenic drives.
- Must-try Experience: Hike The Narrows, one of the most unique and popular experiences in Zion.
- Budget Tips: Accommodation near the park can get pricey. Consider camping or staying in nearby Springdale for more affordable options.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect the natural environment and stay on designated trails to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
- Photography: The Watchman at sunset offers stunning views, and The Narrows in the early morning light provides a magical photography experience.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
There’s a reason the Grand Canyon is often referred to as one of the wonders of the natural world—it’s not just a canyon, it’s a spectacle that humbles all who visit. The sheer size of the canyon, over a mile deep and 277 miles long, defies comprehension. As you look out from South Rim, the jagged cliffs stretch far into the distance, each layer of rock telling a story of billions of years of geologic history. The shifting light at dawn and dusk casts the canyon in hues of pink, orange, and gold, making it a photographer’s paradise.
While the view from the South Rim is the most popular, don’t overlook the North Rim for a quieter, equally stunning perspective. For those seeking adventure, hiking to the bottom of the canyon or rafting down the Colorado River offers a chance to experience the Grand Canyon from a completely different angle. Whether you’re gazing out over the vast expanse or hiking along the rim, the park is a testament to the power of nature’s creativity.
Key Practical Information:
- Peak Season: Summer, especially for family vacations; Off-peak: Winter, when the South Rim is open, and the crowds thin out.
- How to Reach: The park is accessible by car, and there are airport shuttles from Flagstaff. The Grand Canyon Railway also provides a scenic ride from Williams, Arizona.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days to explore both the rim and inner canyon.
- Must-try Experience: Hike the Bright Angel Trail or descend to the Colorado River on the South Kaibab Trail.
- Budget Tips: While the park itself has no entrance fee during free days, accommodations near the park can be costly. Budget-friendly options include camping or staying in nearby towns like Tusayan.
- Cultural Etiquette: The Grand Canyon is sacred to many Native American tribes. Respect cultural significance and traditions, especially when visiting sacred sites.
- Photography: Sunrise and sunset over the canyon are the best times for capturing the vibrant colors. Also, consider hiking to Plateau Point for expansive canyon views.
5. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a place where nature shows off its wildest side. From Old Faithful’s erupting geysers to the kaleidoscopic Grand Prismatic Spring, this park is an explosion of natural wonder. The park is the world’s first national park and is home to dramatic landscapes—colorful hot springs, vast forests, and deep canyons. The geothermal activity here makes it feel like the Earth is alive beneath your feet, creating a landscape that seems more like a scene from a sci-fi film than a real-world wonder.
The wildlife is also a major draw, with opportunities to see bison, elk, and wolves in their natural habitat. The Lamar Valley is known for wildlife watching, and the Hayden Valley offers a great vantage point for observing the park’s majestic animals. Yellowstone’s beauty is in its dynamic energy, whether it’s the bubbling mud pots, the scorching waters, or the serene beauty of Yellowstone Lake at sunset.
Key Practical Information:
- Peak Season: Summer, when all park roads and services are open; Off-peak: Spring and fall, when the park is less crowded and offers a quieter experience.
- How to Reach: The park is accessible by car from nearby cities like Bozeman or Jackson. The park is vast, so renting a car is ideal for exploring.
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days to fully immerse yourself in the geothermal features, wildlife, and scenic beauty.
- Must-try Experience: Visit Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, two of the park’s most iconic features.
- Budget Tips: Yellowstone’s accommodation options are varied, but prices can spike in peak season. Consider staying outside the park for lower rates.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect the natural wonders by staying on marked trails, and be cautious around geothermal features and wildlife.
- Photography: Old Faithful during an eruption is a must-capture moment, and Yellowstone Lake at sunset offers breathtaking views.
6. Acadia National Park
Acadia is a park that reveals its beauty through the lens of seasons. While many flock to Maine’s rugged coast for summer adventures, Acadia shows its true diversity in the quiet off-season, when the park takes on an almost otherworldly calm. You can find yourself alone at Jordan Pond, gazing across its smooth surface towards the iconic Bubbles—two small mountains reflecting in the water. It’s the kind of place that feels both expansive and intimate, where the ocean meets the mountains in a harmonious blend of scenery.
While Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain offers a classic sunrise experience, the less-traveled Ocean Path gives you an entirely different perspective of the coastline. Following this path, you’ll see weathered granite cliffs towering over the Atlantic, with the waves crashing below, offering endless opportunities for photography. In spring and fall, the colorful foliage transforms Acadia into a painter’s palette, and the park’s wildlife, including harbor seals and red foxes, adds to the charm.
Key Practical Information:
- Best Season: Late spring and fall, when the park’s colors pop without the summer crowds; Off-peak: Winter, ideal for snowshoeing.
- Access & Exploration: Acadia is easily accessible via Bar Harbor and has an efficient shuttle system during peak months. Bring sturdy hiking boots for the rocky paths.
- Ideal Timeframe: 2 days to hike, visit coastal points, and enjoy the sunset at Cadillac Mountain.
- Don’t Miss: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain—the first place the sun hits in the U.S.!
- Budget Tips: Acadia has no entrance fee for the free days, but accommodations can get pricey in Bar Harbor. Camping is a great budget-friendly option.
- Photography: The best shots come at sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, or along the Ocean Path when the light creates dramatic contrasts on the cliffs.
7. Glacier National Park
While Glacier National Park is renowned for its majestic alpine scenery, the park’s lesser-known hidden gems lie along its quieter trails and remote valleys. Imagine this: You’re on the Hidden Lake Trail, just a short distance from the Logan Pass visitor center. The hike, though moderate, rewards you with one of the park’s most breathtaking views—an emerald lake framed by towering snow-capped peaks. What makes it special, however, is the sense of seclusion you feel even in this popular spot, as you spot mountain goats grazing along the slopes.
Even in summer, when the crowds flood Going-to-the-Sun Road, you can often find solitude on the more remote trails like Grinnell Glacier or Avalanche Lake. These hikes take you deeper into the heart of the park, where you’ll cross turquoise rivers, see glaciers up close, and perhaps encounter the elusive grizzly bear or the majestic elk in its natural habitat.
Key Practical Information:
- Peak Season: Summer, when most roads and trails are open; Off-peak: Early fall, when the crowds thin and the foliage starts to turn.
- Access & Exploration: The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main route through the park, but make sure to drive slowly to enjoy the sweeping views. Hiking is the best way to discover the park’s more hidden spots.
- Ideal Timeframe: 2-3 days to hike and explore the top landmarks.
- Must-try Experience: Hike to Grinnell Glacier to experience the alpine beauty up close.
- Budget Tips: Entry is free on select days, but accommodations in West Glacier can be pricey. Try camping or staying in hostels for a more budget-friendly experience.
- Photography: Capture the sweeping vistas from Logan Pass, or focus on the close-up details of wildflowers and glaciers in the Many Glacier Valley.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountains are a playground for adventure lovers, offering something for everyone—from high-altitude hikes to wildlife sightings and everything in between. What makes Rocky Mountain National Park especially remarkable, however, is the variety it offers within a relatively compact area. As you ascend the Trail Ridge Road, you’ll be transported through a quick but impressive shift in ecosystems: from dense forests and meadows to windswept tundra and snow-capped peaks. At Alpine Visitor Center, you’re at the highest point in the park—12,183 feet—offering unparalleled panoramic views.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the park, the Bear Lake area is an ideal starting point. Not only is it one of the most scenic spots in the park, but it’s also home to the Fern Lake trail, which provides an opportunity to encounter less-frequented landscapes. The elk rut in September is a highlight, where the park’s herds can be heard bugling in the early morning hours, adding to the raw wilderness experience.
Key Practical Information:
- Best Season: Summer for hiking and wildflower blooms; Off-peak: Early spring and late fall for quieter moments and more affordable lodging.
- Access & Exploration: The park is accessible from Estes Park, and Trail Ridge Road offers the most scenic route. For the best experience, park in Estes and explore via shuttle or hiking.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days to hike, spot wildlife, and enjoy both high-altitude and forested areas.
- Must-try Experience: Go for a sunrise hike at Bear Lake, or witness the elk rut during the fall.
- Budget Tips: Stay in Estes Park for affordable lodging, or opt for backcountry camping for the true Rocky Mountain experience.
- Photography: The Alpine Visitor Center offers wide-angle views of the range, and sunrise at Bear Lake is perfect for capturing the mountain reflections.
9. Joshua Tree National Park
Nestled in the California desert, Joshua Tree National Park is an otherworldly landscape where bizarre, sculptural trees stretch toward the sky like guardians of a forgotten land. But beyond its iconic Joshua trees, the park offers hidden desert beauty that becomes more enchanting the deeper you go. Picture yourself at Keys View, where you can see the entire Coachella Valley stretch out beneath you, with Salton Sea shimmering on the horizon. The desert seems to go on forever, offering a serene sense of isolation that contrasts with the park’s more well-known rock formations.
For the adventurous, rock climbing is a must-try activity here. The park’s unique granite outcroppings provide some of the best climbing in the Southwest, and it’s a haven for those looking for a challenge. But Joshua Tree is just as much about peaceful reflection as it is about adventure. At night, the dark skies transform the desert into a stargazing paradise—it’s no wonder the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
Key Practical Information:
- Best Season: Spring and fall, when temperatures are cooler for hiking and stargazing; Off-peak: Winter, perfect for avoiding crowds.
- Access & Exploration: Joshua Tree is best explored by car, but once inside, it’s the hiking trails and rock formations that will truly immerse you.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days to hike, rock climb, and stargaze.
- Must-try Experience: Rock climbing at Hidden Valley or experiencing the Night Sky Festival in the fall.
- Budget Tips: As one of the more remote parks, accommodations in nearby Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree town are more affordable than staying in Los Angeles.
- Photography: Capture the surreal landscapes at sunrise and sunset, or get up close to the rock formations at Hidden Valley for unique angles.
10. Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a wild, swampy expanse where water and land blend in a delicate balance. Home to rare species like the American crocodile and the West Indian manatee, this park is a living testament to the resilience of nature. While many visitors associate the Everglades with its lush, swampy terrain, the park offers more than just waterlogged adventures. The Anhinga Trail offers a picturesque boardwalk, allowing visitors to explore its watery world while observing birds, alligators, and other wildlife from a safe distance.
One of the most unique aspects of the Everglades is the absence of trails. Much of the park is best explored by boat or kayak, where the mangroves and vast wetlands become your path. The park’s wet season from May to October creates dramatic, ephemeral environments, transforming the landscape with the heavy rains. During these months, the park’s wildlife sightings are at their peak, with birdwatching becoming a highlight as migratory birds fill the skies.
Key Practical Information:
- Best Season: Winter, when the weather is cooler and dry, perfect for walking and birdwatching; Off-peak: Summer, when the park is less crowded but humid.
- Access & Exploration: The park is accessible via Miami and Naples, and airboat rides are a classic way to experience the swamps.
- Ideal Duration: 2 days to explore the trails and waterways, or longer if you want to experience more of the park’s remote areas.
- Must-try Experience: Take a guided airboat tour or kayak through the Mangrove forests to spot wildlife up close.
- Budget Tips: The park’s entrance fee is waived on free days, and camping in the backcountry offers a budget-friendly way to stay.
- Photography: Sunrise and sunset are perfect for capturing the glowing waters and wildlife, especially on Anhinga Trail.
