5 Least Visited US National Parks

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 least visited US national parks. If you would like to read our discussion on visitor trends, you can go to the 15 Least Visited US National Parks.

5. Great Basin National Park

Number of Visitors: 143,265

Great Basin National Park sits near the Utah border in eastern Nevada’s Great Basin Desert. It’s located in a remote area of Nevada, just five miles from Bake, NV. With an area of 77,180 acres, the park mainly covers the South Snake Mountains and Wheeler Peak. Within the park, visitors can find bristlecone pine trees, diverse wildlife, lakes, streams, and limestone caverns, including the impressive Lehman Caves. These caves, formed from marble, feature unique stalactites and other formations. The park’s wildlife includes bighorn sheep, mule deer, yellow-bellied marmots, bobcats, and mountain lions.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park

Number of Visitors: 84,285

Dry Tortugas National Park is situated in the Gulf of Mexico, close to Key West, Florida. It consists of seven islands along with protected coral reefs and lies approximately 68 miles from Key West. The park is dedicated to preserving Fort Jefferson and the remote Dry Tortugas islands, which are the most isolated parts of the Florida Keys. The park protects abundant sea life and provides safe breeding grounds for tropical birds. Its main attractions include vibrant coral reefs and historic shipwrecks. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, birdwatching, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing, and kayaking.

3. North Cascades National Park

Number of Visitors: 40,351

North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, spans 505,000 acres. It is divided into northern and southern units, along with two national recreation areas. The park covers vast expanses of conifer-covered mountains, glaciers, and lakes. It serves as a habitat for various wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, and over 200 bird species. Situated 97 miles from Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park has the most extensive collection of glaciers outside of Alaska. The park is at the third position on our list of the least visited US national parks.

2. Isle Royale National Park

Number of Visitors: 28,965

Isle Royale National Park comprises a cluster of remote islands in Lake Superior, near Michigan’s Canadian border. Vehicles and wheeled devices other than wheelchairs are not allowed in the park. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including backpacking, camping, fishing, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, and boat tours. The park is located 56 miles from the Michigan mainland and can only be reached by seaplane or ferry. Ferries leave from Houghton, which is approximately 6 hours one way, and Copper Harbor, which is approximately 3.5 hours one way.

1. Kobuk Valley National Park

Number of Visitors: 17,616

Kobuk Valley National Park, located in the Arctic region of Alaska, lies approximately 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Covering 1,750,716 acres, the park is home to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, the largest active sand dunes in the Arctic. These dunes, along with the Little Kobuk Sand Dunes and Hunt River Sand Dunes, are remnants of the Ice Age. Due to its remote location, access to the park is limited. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as backpacking, camping, boating, fishing, and flightseeing.